Velazquez on State of the Union
Velázquez on State of the Union
Washington, DC –Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the President's State of the Union Address:
"The President challenged us tonight to answer a basic question: as our economy strengthens, should the benefits of this growth reach all Americans or flow only to the most affluent, well off and powerful?
"Democrats believe that the returns on our newfound prosperity should create opportunity for all Americans and tonight the President laid out concrete proposals for achieving that objective. New Yorkers understand that striving for economic justice strengthens our economy as a whole. That is why we worked to raise our City's minimum wage and guarantee all workers paid sick time. That is why our City has pushed for universal Pre-K and expanded childcare. Issues like these are critical for all Americans, but especially important to working women. Tonight, the President made clear he supports expanding these protections nationally. I applaud his commitment.
"Creating opportunity also means ensuring access to a quality education. For too many families and students, a college education remains out of reach. The President's proposal to waive tuition for the first two years of community college is a bold idea that would help millions of students and thousands of New Yorkers secure their share of the American Dream. Likewise, providing tax relief to working families struggling to pay for an education makes sense not just for working families, but for our businesses, our communities and the overall competitiveness of our nation.
"Changes to our tax code can benefit working families in other ways. Tonight the President proposed giving middle and low-income families with children greater relief, while closing loopholes that have allowed hundreds of billions of dollars in inherited wealth to evade taxation. By ensuring the most affluent among us pay their fair share and returning tax rates for the very wealthy to where they were under President Reagan, we can help those struggling to get a foothold as they climb the ladder of opportunity.
"New Yorkers will also benefit from the President's emphasis on upgrading our national infrastructure. Our City's workers stand ready to work on projects improving transportation and telecommunications. Likewise, New York's regional economy is attached to the health of our local ports and investing in their maintenance will create a stronger economic base for the long term.
"Of course, preserving the American dream has always meant creating opportunity for the most recently arrived Americans – those who have come here from other parts of the globe to work hard and build a new, better life. In that regard, it is vital Congress at long last answer the President's call to pass a law that honors our collective history as a nation of immigrants.
"In recent years, our nation and our City have faced down enormous challenges. After years of sacrifice, we are turning the corner with jobs returning and businesses growing. The next several years will be vital to ensuring that all New Yorkers and all Americans benefit from this progress. I call on my colleagues in Congress to work with the President in achieving this goal and striving to create a more perfect Union for all."
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