Skip to main content

Velazquez on State of the Union

January 23, 2012

Velázquez on State of the Union


Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the President’s State of the Union address:

“The President’s remarks outlined an economy that can provide us prosperity for the long term by laying solid foundations in the areas of American manufacturing and American energy, honing the skills of American workers and renewing our commitment to the values of shared sacrifice and gain.

“His address made clear we must do more to create jobs and spur economic growth. Our nation’s economy is expanding again, having added 3.2 million private sector jobs over the last 22 months. That’s a solid start, but for too many New Yorkers we still have a long way to go. It is my hope Congress will follow the President’s lead and do everything possible to boost job growth in our communities.

“Even before the collapse of 2008, the underpinnings of our economy had been eroding for decades. The wealthiest in our society had seen their incomes skyrocket, while average New Yorkers’ paychecks stagnated. At the same time, everything from food to rent kept getting more expensive. If we are truly going to build an economy for the future, addressing this challenge must be a centerpiece of our strategy. I was pleased to see the President put this issue front and center and I look forward to hearing more about his ideas for helping working families.”