Blumenthal Statement On President Obama’s State Of The Union Address

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s fifth State of the Union address:

“A home run on economic opportunity, and a grand slam on veterans.

“The President’s riveting and resounding address was focused exactly where our priorities need to be – empowering the middle class by creating jobs and boosting the economy, as well as the unprecedented needs of veterans. A minimum wage increase is vital because every American deserves a living wage.

“All Americans deserve full and affordable access to education and skill training to get good jobs. Many manufacturers in Connecticut have told me they have jobs available but no one skilled enough to fill them.

“I applaud the President for focusing on the needs and challenges of our nation’s veterans – men and women of unparalleled courage and dedication who now need and deserve services and assistance in unprecedented numbers. The needs and challenges that face our veterans of all ages and eras, and our duty to meet them, are epitomized by my guest Staff Sgt. Sandra Lee. She has demonstrated her courage and dedication in combat, and then in overcoming the wounds of war and military sexual assault.

“For all of our veterans, a comprehensive approach is vital – as envisioned by the Veterans Megabus Bill, which I helped draft. This bill is unprecedented in breadth and scope – including more health care services, educational opportunities, and jobs – because the needs and challenges are broad and varied.

“Recent progress on flood insurance, the budget, and the Farm Bill shows that we have the capacity to set aside dysfunctional, petty, partisan politics and move forward to fulfill the President’s vision.”