Meehan: "2012 Needs to be a Year of Solutions -- Not Blame-Game Politics"

Statement

U.S. Representative Patrick Meehan (PA-07) today issued the following statement in reaction to the President's State of the Union address:

"This needs to be a year of solutions -- not blame-game politics. Democrats and Republicans need to keep in mind the hardworking taxpayers who are struggling and the millions who are out of work, including a half-million Pennsylvanians. Hundreds of workers at the refineries and those communities are wondering what the future holds. Families and teachers at our Catholic schools and at Chester-Upland school district face closures and hard times.

"There is enough blame to go around. But if we create an environment to support and sustain jobs -- politicians won't need to point fingers.

"I take the President at his word that he wants to work together. We heard some ideas tonight that we can begin to work on. The President pledged to produce more American energy through natural gas development. He talked about increasing American manufacturing jobs. We also need to pass a long term transportation bill that will make our roads and bridges safer, more modern and efficient. These are good ideas and will help put Americans back to work.

"All sides need to put their partisan swords away and, rather than compromise their principles, come together and see where we can find common ground. There is much we can work on with the President, and Congress should do so in good faith. At the same time, the House has passed nearly 30 bipartisan jobs bills that the Senate hasn't considered, proposals that will help small businesses grow and create jobs. I hope the President will urge the Senate to consider where there can be agreement.

"The people that we represent sent us here to find solutions for the middle-class and move the country forward -- not further divide it."

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