A non-partisan group called The Taxpayers Protection Alliance sent a letter to lawmakers urging them to cut their "extravagant salaries" of $174 thousand a year by 10 percent. They say it would save taxpayers $100 million dollars over ten years.

Today's Talk Back: What would it say to you if Congress took a pay-cut?

We want to know what you think. Your response could be read on American Morning.

The number of impoverished Americans jumped to 15.1 percent in 2010 from 14.3 percent in 2009, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Poverty, defined as a couple with two kids and an annual family income of $22,314, is a hot-button political issue. While some believe the government has a responsibility to aid those in need, others say individuals should be the ones responsible.

Our Talk Back question of the day: What is our government's responsibility to those in need?

We want to know what you think. Your response could be read during the program.

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From CNN's Carol Costello:

President Obama sent his jobs proposal to Congress yesterday, although it is unlikely that the bill will pass in its current form. While Republicans have said that they like parts of the plan, they don't like how the President wants to tax the rich to pay for many of the bill's provisions.

Although Obama has also presented other ideas for funding his jobs bill, like ending tax loopholes for oil and gas companies and letting the Bush tax cuts expire, the biggest chunk of of the financing, $400 billion dollars, will come from limiting tax deductions on Americans making more than $200,000 dollars a year.

AM Talk Back: Should Obama's jobs plan be funded by limiting tax deductions?

Let us know what you think. Your answer may be read on this morning's broadcast.

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From CNN's Carol Costello:

During last week's GOP debate, Texas governor and presidential hopeful Rick Perry stood by his statement that Social Security is a "Ponzi scheme,"  saying "maybe it's time to have provocative language" because the current Social Security system will fail younger workers.

Although economists acknowledge that Social Security needs to be reformed, the program has enough money to pay full retiree benefits for the next 25 years, and 77% of benefits for sixty years after that.

Perry's remarks have drawn criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle, although others, like CNN contributor Eric Erickson, are applauding his straight talk.

Talk Back: Will Rick Perry's stance on social security hurt his campaign?

Let us know what you think. Your answer may be read on this morning's broadcast.

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From CNN's Carol Costello:

Even now, a decade later, it's hard to put into words exactly what September 11th means to us. That day, both the pain and the glory of humanity were on display, unfiltered, and in real time.

Talk Back: How has 9/11 changed you?

Let us know. Your response may be read on this morning's broadcast.

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From CNN's Carol Costello:

At tonight's speech, President Obama will not only face a bitterly divided Congress, but also a bitterly divided nation.

Some Republicans have already dismissed Obama's speech, saying any proposal from the president will amount to little more than a continuation of what they characterize as his failed 2009 stimulus plan. A few Republicans, such as Congressman Walsh and Senator Vitter, don't even plan on attending. Instead, Rep. Walsh will engage in a "Twitter town hall" meeting and Sen. Vitter will host a NFL football party.

This has left many commentators, such as columnist Paul Krugman, wondering why the president should even bother with bipartisanship because Republicans will "oppose anything Mr. Obama proposes."

However, there are Republican leaders who have said that they are willing to work with the president. In a letter to Mr. Obama, House Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor wrote, "It is also critical that our differences not preclude us from taking action in areas where there is common agreement. We should not approach this as an all or nothing situation."

Talk Back: How should the president handle the country's divisiveness in his speech tonight?

Let us know what you think. Your response may be read on this morning's broadcast.