Statement

U.S. Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD) issued the following statement in response to President Obama's State of the Union address:

"President Obama gave a good speech tonight, as he often does, with a bipartisan tone and a focus on jobs and the economy. Unfortunately our depressed economy needs more than a good speech.

"Despite the failed stimulus package that simply added to our debt rather than create any jobs, the President repeatedly fell back tonight on more government spending as his only economic solution. Whether you call it a stimulus or an investment, more government spending simply isn't the answer.

"There is a fundamental disconnect between how the President believes jobs are created and how small businesses actually create jobs. We need to get serious about cutting excessive spending and reining in unwarranted government regulations that hinder job creation. I hold out hope that cutting spending, reducing bureaucracy, and creating jobs can become a bipartisan agenda if both parties take heed of the message voters sent Washington last November."