This weekend, Alternet asked dozens of writers, experts and activists about priorities for President-elect Barack Obama's early days in office. SEIU Executive Vice President Gerry Hudson wrote, "Health care costs are rising at almost double the rate of wage increases for the average American worker. Less than half of small businesses can afford to offer insurance. We can have an impact that will benefit Americans and our economy."

Read more ideas about where this country should go in "A Progressive Agenda for Obama."