02.13.13

Cantwell Statement on State of the Union

Cantwell: ‘Tonight, President Obama put the focus where it should be: on growing the economy and the middle class’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement regarding President Obama’s State of the Union speech.

“Tonight, President Obama put the focus where it should be: on growing the economy and the middle class,” Cantwell said. “President Obama is right to prioritize investments in manufacturing jobs and workforce skills that will keep America competitive in a global economy. The President doesn’t need to look any further than Washington state to see the importance of manufacturing, innovation and trade to America’s jobs. I’ve seen the power of our trade economy across Washington state, whether it’s manufacturing grain silos in Spokane, growing cherries in Yakima, shipping grain from the Port of Vancouver or developing software in Seattle.

“But in order for our economy to grow, we need to make a true commitment to developing a skilled workforce. Tonight, the President correctly called for new investments in STEM education that will power our innovation economy for generations to come.

“I’m also encouraged that the President supported bipartisan, market-based solutions to avert the growing impacts of climate change on our communities. And, we must continue innovation to support clean energy job growth that moves America closer to energy independence.

“Finally, I applaud the President for moving forward on his plan to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by the end of next year, including bringing 34,000 more troops home by next February. We are proud of the thousands of Washingtonians who have served overseas since 9/11, and we look forward to welcoming more men and women in uniform back home soon.”

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