WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) released the following statement tonight following President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address.
“President Obama’s speech sent a clear message: working together, we can ensure that America can continue to out-compete and out-innovate any country in the world. As the president said tonight, ‘we do big things’ in America—and nowhere is that more true than in Ohio. The president understands that we need to continue to help small businesses and manufacturers expand operations and hire new workers.
“We need to ensure that our students and workers have the skills needed to compete in a 21st -century economy. After 12 straight months of private sector job creation, our economy is starting to show signs of recovery. But with too many Ohioans still struggling, now is not the time to turn our back on investments that promote economic recovery.
“It’s critical that we continue to revitalize Ohio manufacturing. We need to ensure that we create 21st-century manufacturing jobs that allow Ohio producers to develop, commercialize, and export cutting-edge technologies. Innovation for Ohio’s economy means an environment where manufacturers and small businesses can hire new workers, expand operations, and compete with anyone through a level playing field for foreign trade and an aggressive export strategy.
“And at a time when many Ohio families are tightening their belts, I believe we must keep an eye on our country’s bottom line when it comes to federal spending. We should undertake aggressive measures to reduce the deficit while at the same time protecting the solvency of two key programs—Medicare and Social Security.
“Tonight, members of Congress ignored party labels and crossed the aisle to sit together. I was pleased tonight to sit with Ohio’s newest Senator, Rob Portman, and other members of our state’s delegation from both parties. I’m hopeful that the many calls for civility prior to tonight’s address will translate into real-world action, where Democrats and Republicans alike will dispense with the vicious finger-pointing and instead continue to carry out debates calmly and civilly. At the beginning of each new Congress, I meet with every member of the Ohio congressional delegation to discuss how we can work together to bring jobs to our state and advance Ohio’s economic recovery.
“With tonight’s speech, the president made clear that challenges remain – but he also underscored that with the right tone and focus, we can create jobs and ensure America’s competitiveness on the global stage.”
Earlier today on a news conference call, Brown outlined his upcoming legislative priorities for 2011. They are:
1. Innovation: Brown’s top priority is creating jobs and creating an economic climate that ensures that U.S. manufacturers and small businesses can hire new workers, expand operations, and compete globally. Brown discussed how he is working to ensure Ohio is a national leader in innovative technologies and entrepreneurial success, including proposals to promote clean energy manufacturing, spur the development of business incubators, match 21st century jobs to skilled workers, and support the success of new business ventures. He also outlined the components of a “National Manufacturing Strategy” that he has discussed with the Obama Administration and he will discuss his proposal to extend tax credits for clean energy manufacturing and promote business incubators.
2. Education: In order to promote job creation and attract new employers to Ohio, Brown is working to ensure that federal workforce development initiatives help train workers for high-growth, regional industries. Brown discussed Strengthening Employment Clusters to Organize Regional Success (SECTORS) Act, which would support the development of specialized workforce training programs at two-year colleges to meet the regional workforce needs of emerging industries. The bipartisan legislation addresses the disparity between high unemployment rates and a shortage of skilled workers for many emerging industries. Brown also discussed efforts to promote college affordability, protect students against unfair lending practices, and promote science and math education.
3. Infrastructure: Brown has held more than 160 community roundtable discussions in Ohio – including at least one in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. At nearly every roundtable, he’s heard—from business leaders, mayors, and economic development groups—about the importance of infrastructure in attracting employers and promoting economic growth. Brown discussed his Clean Water Affordability Act, which would protect communities from large rate hikes, and his efforts to create a National Infrastructure Bank.
4. Deficit Reduction: Brown is a strong supporter of efforts to reduce the deficit, but believes the budget should not be balanced on the backs of seniors. Brown discussed ways to reduce the deficit – including leading by example through a congressional pay freeze, reducing health care costs, and expanding federal revenue by increasing manufacturing output—while fighting efforts to cut Medicare or raise the retirement age for Social Security.
5. Reforming Government: Brown discussed efforts to promote more bipartisanship in Congress. Brown sat with his colleague Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) during the State of the Union Address. He also discussed his bipartisan work with Republican members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation. Tomorrow, he will cosponsor legislation that would repeal the automatic pay raise that Members of Congress receive each year.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) released the following statement after President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address:
“The test of this moment isn't just where we sit but how we vote and how we lead. President Obama tonight laid out a pragmatic vision and a powerful invitation for a politics of national purpose. The question is where we go from here.
“In the Senate this year I'm going to work to help us seize two huge opportunities screaming out for bipartisanship: clean energy jobs and infrastructure.
“Last year, Joe Lieberman, Lindsey Graham and I worked overtime to create a new consensus for America's energy future. We got unprecedented buy-in from the stakeholders but Senate politics got in the way. This year we need to double down instead of walking away. Today’s energy economy is a $6 trillion market, and the fastest growing segment is clean energy. I want those jobs created in America, not China, and we can't afford for politics to again get in the way. I want to get serious bi-partisan energy security legislation passed this year.
“The second challenge is infrastructure and high speed rail. The President spoke eloquently to this tonight as no President has since Eisenhower. Good for him. It's not narrow pork, it's a national priority. In the face of global competition, our growth and exports are directly tied to our infrastructure. Reliable, modern infrastructure is the key to connecting our markets, moving products and people, and creating millions of jobs for American workers. Very, very soon, I will be joining together with a Republican colleague to introduce legislation to create a National Infrastructure Bank, and help renew the building of America.
“There's a lot to do, and the Senate is the frontlines where that work will take place and the institution where adult leadership can ensure that tonight's call for bipartisanship is a real beginning and not just a rhetorical highlight.”
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