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Obama To Announce Investment In 5 'Promise Zones'

Obama Announcing New Initiative On Poverty
President Barack Obama pauses while speaking about benefits for the unemployed, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, in the East Room at the White House in Washington. The president applauded a Senate vote advancing legislation to renew jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed as an important step. The Senate voted 60-37 Tuesday to clear the bill's first hurdle. But Republicans who voted to move ahead still want concessions that will have to be worked out before final passage. The Republican-controlled House would also have to vote for it. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Barack Obama pauses while speaking about benefits for the unemployed, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, in the East Room at the White House in Washington. The president applauded a Senate vote advancing legislation to renew jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed as an important step. The Senate voted 60-37 Tuesday to clear the bill's first hurdle. But Republicans who voted to move ahead still want concessions that will have to be worked out before final passage. The Republican-controlled House would also have to vote for it. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama will announce five "Promise Zones" this week as part of his effort to focus on income inequality in the lead-up to his State of the Union address.

Promise Zones are areas where the federal government provides tax incentives and grants to help communities tackle poverty. Obama first announced the initiative during last year's State of the Union speech.

On Thursday, Obama will announce the first Promise Zone locations. They're in San Antonio, Texas; Philadelphia; Los Angeles; southeastern Kentucky and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

The White House says Obama believes investing in and rebuilding economically challenged communities is crucial to helping children have a chance at success.

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