President Obama has unveiled a blueprint to strengthen the middle class by building American manufacturing, investing in new industries, and giving Americans the tools they need to succeed.
IDP Chairwoman Sue Dvorsky:
“The choice in front of us could not be more clear. The president’s blueprint will build an American economy that works for everyone, or Republicans can stick by their special interest supporters and keep an economy that works only for the wealthy few. For America to continue to lead the world forward, we must take action.
“In Iowa, the president’s blueprint will help manufacturers compete across the globe, expand our clean energy economy, and give Iowans the skills they need to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow. Although the game has been rigged for decades, Iowa families, businesses, and communities now have the chance to succeed in a new America where everyone plays by the same rules and has an opportunity to get ahead if they try.”
Attorney General Tom Miller:
“We have a clear choice in front of us: a path where everyone is left to fend for themselves and opportunity only exists for the few, or President Obama’s blueprint for an America where opportunity is available to those who play by the rules and everybody does their fair share. It’s time for us to take action and make the President’s blueprint a reality.”
State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald:
“For too long we’ve relied on energy imported from foreign countries to power America. As a national leader in clean energy, thousands of Iowans are already employed in the renewable energy industry. The president’s call to expand American energy will put even more Iowans to work and give other states the opportunity to produce more energy within their own borders.”
Iowa House Democratic Leader Kevin McCarthy (Des Moines):
“Iowans know the value of hard work. Unfortunately, we’ve seen an economy that only works for the wealthy few and not for middle class families. The vision that President Obama laid out in tonight’s address changes that. It ensures that Iowans who work hard will have the opportunity to succeed and that America will be able to compete and lead in the global economy.”
State Senator Jack Hatch (Des Moines):
“This is a make-or-break moment for the middle class. The president has outlined a clear vision that will return us to the values Americans and Iowans hold dear: fairness and equality. By putting this plan into action we will put Americans back to work and build the foundation for decades of success and security for middle class families.”
State Representative Tyler Olson (Cedar Rapids):
“We must ensure that Iowans have the skills they need to compete with workers across the globe. President Obama is committed to giving students and our workers the training and skills they need. Building on the action this administration has already taken to make college more affordable and accessible, the president’s proposals tonight will give Iowa students and workers they need to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow.”
State Representative Janet Petersen (Des Moines):
“Middle class families need the president’s vision to become a reality. For too long they have been forgotten by a system that rewards a select few, instead of rewarding hard work and dedication, two things that are at the core of every Iowan. President Obama knows that in order for America to succeed, we must give middle class families the tools to succeed and that is exactly what he put forth in tonight’s address.”
State Representative Mary Mascher (Iowa City):
“The President showed his commitment to the building a strong middle class for future generations by proposing new ideas for educating our students and building on accomplishments like ending subsidies for big banks and using the savings to help more students afford college, helping three million more students pay for college with Pell Grants.”
State Senator Wally Horn (Cedar Rapids):
“Too many Iowa communities have watched as manufacturers leave the state and take American jobs overseas. Tonight, President Obama laid out a plan that will bring manufacturing back to America, giving small businesses an opportunity to succeed and build more products right here in Iowa.”
College and Young Democrats of Iowa President Austin Frerick:
“Students deserve to graduate in an America where they have access to the jobs of tomorrow. The president has already taken unprecedented steps to make college more affordable and accessible. The proposals he presented tonight reaffirm the commitment to future generations and will ensure that Iowans will graduate college with access to the jobs of tomorrow and the skills to be successful in them.”