Statement on the State of the Union address

Statement

U.S. Representative Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz., released the following statement tonight after President Obama delivered his State of the Union address:

"The State of the Union is more than a national moment to hear a president's priorities -- it is an opportunity for leaders to find common ground. That's what I was looking for tonight, because jobs, education and economic growth should not be partisan issues.

"Members of Congress may not always agree with the president or with each other. But tonight I saw opportunities where both parties can and should work together.

"My district, like so many across our nation, needs a thriving middle class and stable communities. We need a diversified economy that ends our boom-and-bust cycle. And I believe we can get there by investing in infrastructure and manufacturing. We can get there by supporting education, training and emerging technology.

"I hope that the president and my colleagues in Congress will work together on these types of efforts. And that includes our duty to responsibly deal with our debt and deficits. A meat ax approach to deficit cutting is reckless. Let's make thoughtful policy choices to cut the deficit in a fair, balanced way.

"As Thomas Edison once said, "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and it looks like work.' We have an opportunity to unite and solve some big problems -- let's not miss it. Let's get to work."

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