Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.’s Statement on President Obama's State of the Union Address
February 12, 2013
Washington, DC -- Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., released the following statement in response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address:
“Tonight, President Obama outlined a vision to restore the American Dream for everyone who calls this country home, and I am heartened by his forceful call on Congress to pass legislation that will lift families out of poverty, educate all of our children, increase energy independence, decrease our debt in a balanced way, and reduce gun violence in our communities.
“The President and I agree that gun violence is a problem that can no longer be ignored, and the victims of gun violence in our communities deserve a bi-partisan solution to prevent guns from falling into the hands of criminals. I am particularly encouraged by the President’s commitment to raising the minimum wage to a pay that people can realistically live on. Furthermore, New Jersey’s transit systems would greatly benefit from the President’s Fix-it-Now program that would put the unemployed back to work right away fixing our crumbling roads and bridges, modernizing Newark Liberty International Airport, and creating a robust infrastructure that reflects the 21st Century. It is critical that our children receive the educational tools they need to succeed in an advancing world from birth to graduation, and we must work to reduce our debt in a balanced way that ensures everyone pays their fair share without sacrificing investments in education and energy innovation.
"I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to pass significant legislation that achieves these goals in solving our nation’s problems.”
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