Polis Statement on President Obama's State of the Union Address

Statement

Representative Jared Polis (CO-02) this evening made the following statement in response to President Barack Obama's 5th State of the Union Address:

"Tonight the President touched on a number of issues of vital importance to the people of Colorado and people across America. The theme of the President's address was "Opportunity for All -- Rewarding Hard Work,' recognizing that there is still an American dream, and we, as elected officials, have a responsibility to make this dream achievable for all who are willing to work for it.

"I applaud the President for highlighting comprehensive immigration reform as one of the most important pieces of legislation that we can pass to keep the American dream alive for millions of people living, working, and learning in communities across our nation. The President's willingness to take bold executive action on immigration reform is an important step, but Congress must act to take the broader, permanent action that is needed. Beyond the important result of keeping families together, immigration reform will strengthen our economy and allow law enforcement officials to focus on catching real criminals.

"The President also renewed his vow to reduce long term unemployment through new job training programs and the expansion of apprenticeships supported by local businesses and community colleges. These actions, combined with an increase in the minimum wage, will help people find new jobs and navigate a path out of poverty. Giving people the tools to help themselves builds confidence, career satisfaction, and strengthens small and large businesses alike.

"In addition to mid-career job training, President Obama reiterated his commitment to giving every child the chance to get a high quality education. I was pleased he expressed support for improving broadband internet access to schools and libraries in low-income areas through the E-Rate program. Bringing high-speed broadband to every classroom enables schools to personalize learning based on students' different strengths and weaknesses. While these statements are encouraging, the same old approach to education has not, and will not, give low-income children in failing schools a real shot at breaking the cycle of poverty. School choice and building a strong network of charter schools must be the cornerstone of reforming our nation's education system.

"I am pleased the President recognized that investments in clean energy technology will help spur our economy and help slow climate change. Every year we see more and more extreme weather, confirming what scientists have told us for years: climate change is real. I am committed to supporting the president's efforts to incentivize clean energy projects, while ensuring existing sources of carbon emissions take real steps to reduce pollution. The President's climate action plan is a step in the right direction, but in order to solve the climate crisis, Congress also needs to step up to the plate.

"American innovation and entrepreneurship were also buoyed tonight by the President's endorsement of patent reform. I urge the House heed the President's call for action and take up the bi-partisan Demand Letter Transparency Act, which I introduced with Representatives Tom Marino (R-PA) and Ted Deutch (D-FL). This bill strikes the right balance in protecting the rights of legitimate patent holders to enforce their patents while protecting consumers and businesses against non-legitimate abusers of the patent system.

"Following through on his desire to reform, streamline, and reduce tax rates, I am hopeful the President will take action to grow investments and spur job creation in the United States.

"Finally, I am thrilled that the President stood up for equality and urged the House to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. It is beyond time that all Americans are judged by the quality of their work, not who they love."

Source