Loebsack statement on the State of the Union address

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January 26, 2012

Anonymous Daily Iowegian The Daily Iowegian Thu Jan 26, 2012, 05:30 AM CST

WASHINGTON D.C. — Congressman Dave Loebsack today released the following statement after President Obama’s State of the Union address. In the spirit of civility and bipartisan cooperation, which began last year following the Giffords tragedy, Loebsack sat with Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan for tonight’s address. Congressman Loebsack and Congressman Amash joined the bipartisan Common Ground Caucus together earlier this year.

“I was pleased to watch the president share his thoughts directly with the American people this evening. Last night I hosted a telephone town hall and many Iowans shared with me what they believe will help move our nation forward.

“I believe the first thing Congress needs to do this year is extend the payroll tax cut for the full year so working Iowans do not see their taxes increase come March 1.

“Tonight, the president highlighted the importance of manufacturing to our economy and to growing the middle-class. I have long called for a manufacturing strategy to once again ‘make it in America.’ My number one priority is to fix the economy by promoting job creation and stopping Iowans’ jobs from being shipped overseas. We also have to ensure Iowans have access to the educational opportunities necessary to take advantage of these new job opportunities and to out-compete and out-innovate the rest of the world.

“I hear from folks all the time that it seems like they just can’t catch a break these days. I worry not just about our children and grandchildren having the same opportunities we did when we were growing up, but also about the kitchen table issues that are affecting Iowans every day right now. There are serious issues facing us and that face our country’s and children’s future. These are American issues — not political or partisan ones — and that’s why I’m continuing my efforts to make Iowans’ voices heard and to work across party lines on issues like tax cuts for working families. I hope that going forward from tonight’s address, Washington will commit to working together to move our economy and our country forward.”