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There are certain things many of us take for granted. We turn on the faucet and expect drinkable water. We take a deep breath and expect toxin-free air. We go to the beach and expect pollution-free waves. At a minimum, we expect to be able to live and raise our children in an environment that doesn’t threaten our health.

Earlier today, President Obama held a press conference to address several developing situations around the world, and here at home. He discussed a range of issues, including the tragedy in Japan, the escalating situation in the Middle East, America’s ongoing budget debate, and volatile gas prices.

Democrats and Republicans must come together in the weeks ahead, setting aside partisanship to reach an agreement to fund the government for the rest of 2011. President Obama has been clear that he is eager to find common ground with Republicans that eliminates wasteful spending and fuels economic growth. But the President cannot support the Republicans’ current plan, which is a partisan effort to bulldoze crucial programs – one that would cripple our economy.

Economists know there is no one cure-all to rebuild America’s economy. No antibiotic that eliminates unemployment, no magic bill that reverses years of reckless economic stewardship, and no “easy” button that prepares our country’s businesses and workforce for the future. America’s economy isn’t that simple. That’s why President Obama is approaching economic growth from all angles, investing in core drivers of the economy to create jobs while also eliminating wasteful spending to reduce the deficit.

As the economy begins to recover from the worst recession in 80 years, President Obama proposed a plan to strengthen the incubators of growth while also helping our country live within its means. The plan makes targeted investments in education, innovation, and infrastructure – and is designed not just to create jobs right now but also to reinforce the pillars of long-term stability.

In President Obama’s State of the Union address, he promised that the United States would out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world. The budget the President proposed this week takes another step forward in fulfilling that pledge – in part by bolstering innovation.

Yesterday, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. During her testimony, she spoke about the Clean Air Act and EPA’s role to protect Americans from unsafe pollutants while also ensuring consistent standards for business.