The Honorable Barack Obama
President-elect of the United States
Presidential Transition
Washington, DC 20007
Dear President-elect Barack Obama:
On behalf of more than 160 CEO members of Business Roundtable1, please accept our sincere congratulations on your outstanding victory. We share your belief that together as a nation we will achieve great things, tackle the toughest challenges and show the world that America is a unified nation “where all things are possible.” Your campaign was about change, and as your Administration embarks upon this journey we wish to be a partner to ensure that U.S. workers, families and companies can prosper and find solutions to problems that our nation and planet can no longer postpone.
During your campaign you very clearly identified goals for turning around the economy, energy independence, health care reform and education reform. We share these goals and know that by working together we improve our chances of rapid real reform for the American people and our economy.
As leaders of many of America’s largest corporations, our members have considerable personal experience grappling with both the current turmoil that is afflicting our global markets as well as the long range challenges and opportunities before us. Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to give a brief overview of the five key areas we believe are most pressing and on which we have chosen to focus:
The Financial/Credit Crisis: Business Roundtable believes we need strong leadership to address the continuing problems of credit and liquidity in our markets and to promote a more rapid recovery. We support regulatory reform for the financial services sector and an economic stimulus package aimed at accelerating job creation.
The Economy/International Competition: Business Roundtable members strongly support common sense, pro-U.S. tax, and international trade and investment policies that put American workers and their companies on a level playing field and help guarantee continued U.S. international competitiveness in a world economy.
Health Care: Americans are anxious about the affordability and security of their health care coverage. Today more than 45 million Americans lack health coverage – an unacceptable number that is certain to grow as unemployment rises. Business Roundtable members strongly support reforms to make our health care system more efficient and transparent, deliver greater value to consumers and provide more affordable marketplace options for employers and individuals to obtain coverage.
Energy/Environment: As world demand for energy increases over time, America’s supplies must become both more diverse and more domestic. All options should be on the table. The earth's climate is warming; Business Roundtable supports a comprehensive response to this, drawing on the best technology to safeguard the environment through meaningful steps to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in an economically sustainable way that does not put American industry and jobs at a disadvantage globally.
Education/Innovation: In a global economy where intellectual capital is at a premium, Business Roundtable believes we must promote a lifelong approach to learning with high-quality education extending from early childhood through adult learning, including easy access to workforce education and training opportunities. Just as critical, is a renewed commitment to basic research and an environment that rewards innovation, encourages America’s next generation of scientists, nurses, engineers, teachers and technicians, and welcomes the best and the brightest from abroad.
Business Roundtable has assembled dedicated teams led by member CEOs on each of these issues, and we look forward to beginning a dialogue with your transition team. We would welcome the chance to be of assistance to you as you prepare to lead our country in 2009.
Sincerely,