When government spends money on infrastructure, that's an investment to improve conditions for both the people and for business.
When government invests one education, that helps prepare the next generation for the jobs they will hold. If the current generation doesn't have the skills needed the that's a direct result of 30 years of cost cutting by Republican administrations both at the federal and state level. Cuts to public education are shortsighted at best, and a total abdication of a basic government responsibility.
The income gap has widened under Obama because the overhaul of the tax system begun under Reagan had never been reversed, and since Congress has been controlled by Republicans since 2 years into Obama's administration, there was no opportunity to do it. The party of "No" wouldn't hear of a tax restructuring which would result in reversing the transfer of wealth to their richest constituents.
Let me get this straight, Dragonlady...over the past 30 years the American education system has been taken over by progressives...yet you want to blame the lack of "skills" on Republicans? We spend more per student than any of the countries we compete against yet you want to put the blame on Republicans not giving enough money to the educational system?
Is that REALLY what you want to go with?