WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the statement below following President Obama’s State of the Union Address this evening.
“I applaud President Obama for his focus tonight on working together and investing in the future. He rightfully reminded us that ‘the nation that goes all-in on innovation today will own the global economy tomorrow’ and called on Congress to work together and focus on policies that increase opportunity for all Americans.
The President, importantly, highlighted the progress we have made over the last five years. The unemployment rate has decreased, and we’ve reach a 20-year low on our dependence on foreign oil. Our deficit is half of what it was. We have moved our nation forward, but there is work we must to do maintain America’s status as the best place in the world to grow up, raise a family, or invest in a business.
No matter where you are born in this country, you should have access to the best education in the world. If you work hard and play by the rules, you should have the chance to succeed. But as he said, we need to start earlier. And, I am proud to announce that later this week, I will introduce legislation to help meet the President’s goal of improving early childhood education.
I was also particularly pleased by the President’s focus on immigration reform and transportation infrastructure investment. These are areas where there is broad bipartisan agreement on principles, at least among the American people if not in Congress. Both of these initiatives would instantly boost the economy. And immigration reform is just the right thing to do, especially for individuals like my guest at tonight’s speech, Lucas Codognolla, who was brought to the United States as an undocumented child immigrant and has graduated from college and become a leader in our community.
I think the key message tonight was the question of whether we will help or hinder the progress we have made. I am ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help.”
Click here for a photo of the Congressman with his State of the Union guest Lucas Codognolla, lead organizer of Connecticut Students for a DREAM.