U.S. Representative John D. Dingell (D-MI15) issued the following statement this evening in response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address:
“The President discussed important points tonight and outlined a clear blueprint for future success: increase American manufacturing, expand American alternative energy development, improve American workers’ skills, and renew American values. This will not only move America forward, but also strengthen our economy to remain competitive globally. The President is right that we need to have our eye on the future if we are to succeed on a global scale.
“We need to promote balanced economic growth that doesn’t favor Wall Street over Main Street, and we need a solid and balanced economy that provides security for the middle class. Our country cannot succeed if only the one percent is able to do very well, while the rest struggle to get by. All Americans deserve a fair shake, and everyone – regardless of their industry, their education or the size of their bank account– should do their fair share to make this country great again.
“We cannot wait; we must enact legislation to spur even more domestic job growth. Manufacturing led the way in our recovery from the 2007 crash. For example, Michigan has posted job gains for the first time since 1990, thanks mainly to the manufacturing sector. Alternative energy is another critical piece of the puzzle. Michigan is ground zero in the United States for advanced battery development and production. We simply must nurture this advantage by investing in R&D, promoting technical training for our workers, and ensuring foreign competitors play by global trade rules. Doing so will help us develop a competitive advantage for generations to come. The President outlined some incentives that will provide American companies more viability to compete in the global marketplace by encouraging them to research and develop their technologies here at home rather than moving their facilities, and the manufacturing jobs they create, overseas.
“President Obama also wisely pointed out that education is a key to our country’s future success. It’s not enough to train the scientists and engineers of tomorrow at our world-class universities. We must keep them here and encourage their entrepreneurial spirit. We also have to support ongoing technical training for our workforce to maintain its adaptability to new and emerging industries. Students and workers need to be prepared in a variety of in-demand careers including health care, alternative energy, engineering and information technology. The importance of successful higher education programs and skill training programs cannot be overstated.
“I sincerely hope that Congress and America’s private sector will embrace the President’s blueprint. He’s right: today is a make or break moment for America and we need to take swift, decisive, and intelligent action. We must put partisan bickering aside and work together for a better future. We must find common ground to restore and revive the American Dream so that it is achievable for all. The President believes we can, and so do I.”
