What became of his earlier State of the Union plans

2009: "We have launched a housing plan that will help responsible families facing the threat of foreclosure lower their monthly payments and refinance their mortgages."

Outcome: Programs to help homeowners counseled 8.4 million families. Only 1.1 million families received permanent modifications of mortgage debts.

2010: "Don't walk away from [health care] reform. Not now. Not when we are so close."

Outcome: Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law two months later, on March 23, 2010.

2011: "We'll put more Americans to work [under $50 billion infrastructure plan] repairing crumbling roads and bridges."

Outcome: Proposal died in Congress.

2012: "Women should earn equal pay for equal work."

Outcome: Women are still paid about 78 cents for every dollar paid to men.

2013: "I urge this Congress to get together, pursue a bipartisan, market-based solution to climate change. … If Congress won't act soon to protect future generations, I will."

Outcome: Congress didn't even attempt such legislation. But six months later Obama directed the EPA to limit carbon emissions from new power plants.

2014: Raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour to "help families. It will give businesses customers with more money to spend."

Outcome: The president unilaterally made the change for federal contractors. Last year, 14 cities and states approved a $15 minimum wage.

2015: "Send me a bill that gives every worker in America the opportunity to earn seven days of paid sick leave."

Outcome: Some states have enacted sick-leave legislation, but Congress has not.