PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island’s congressional delegation, Democrats all, reacted favorably Tuesday to President Obama’s State of the Union address.
Sen. Jack Reed said he thought Mr. Obama “gave a strong, powerful speech, emphasizing the need to work together, to make real investments in our economy and work force, to create jobs, and to help people struggling to find jobs by extending unemployment compensation.”
President Obama gave his State of the Union speech on the same day that data for the month of December showed that Rhode Island now has the highest unemployment rate in the nation, at 9.1 percent.
Rep. James R. Langevin said he was “very pleased with what the president had to say — it goes to the core concept of what the American dream is all about.”
He praised Mr. Obama’s focus on immigration reform, on making college more affordable, and on high-tech manufacturing and job training.
“I also thought what the president had to say about raising the minimum wage and passing an extension of unemployment benefits [was important] to those out of work. It is very likely a lifeline to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads,” he said.
Rep. David N. Cicilline thought that Mr. Obama “properly focused on job creation and what we can do to strengthen the middle class.” He said he agreed with the president that “we have a responsibility to insure we create an equal opportunity for all.” He liked the president’s “very specific focus” on such issues as early childhood education, manufacturing, raising the minimum age and on unemployment benefits.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said, “Tonight President Obama made clear that he is committed to using the full power of his office to address some of the major issues facing our country. From addressing the minimum wage, to advancing job creation and addressing carbon pollution, there is a great deal that the president can do now, without delay.
“I stand ready to support his efforts because I know Rhode Islanders can’t afford to wait. We can’t wait while minimum wage workers see rising costs outpace their incomes. We can’t wait while foreign nations out-compete the United States for the clean energy jobs of tomorrow. And we can’t wait while rising oceans and warmer waters threaten our seaside communities. I’m glad the president is committed to acting on these problems, and I will continue working to convince congressional Republicans to wake up and join us in the fight.”
“This is the fabric of Rhode Island,” said U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) about Block Island. “I often tell people to come to the island. It’s a wonderful place to live and visit. I think it’s one of the loveliest places in the country.”
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