In case you’re wondering about my sudden focus on issues like poverty and the middle class squeeze, there are a couple of different reasons for that.

For one thing, given the current state of the economy, the relevant issues are going to be that much more important in the coming months because the impacts are going to be felt that much more broadly.

Today is Tom Sullivan’s last day as chief counsel of the SBA Office of Advocacy. He is smart as well as shrewd, and perhaps one of the most outstandingly qualified individuals who has served in the Bush Administration. Best of all things to you, Tom. We’ll miss you.