Senator Stabenow’s Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Manufacturing Caucus, issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address:
"We can't have a strong middle class unless we make things and grow things here in America.

"President Obama is right about the importance of agriculture to our economy. Congress can help American farmers, ranchers and businesses further boost Agriculture exports and create more jobs by passing our bipartisan Farm Bill in the coming days.

"It's very encouraging the President remains focused on manufacturing, which is making a comeback and helping to drive our economic recovery. I was glad to hear his call for legislation like my Bring Jobs Home Act, to end tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas and cut taxes for businesses bringing jobs home.

"The President told the story of Detroit entrepreneur Andra Rush to illustrate the importance of closing the skills gap. Businesses want to hire but can't find workers with the right skills to match the jobs available. Legislation like my New Skills for New Jobs Act will help pair people with community colleges to get the training they need for cutting-edge, advanced manufacturing jobs.

"While the economy continues to recover, Congress must extend unemployment insurance for families still looking for work so they can keep the heat on and a roof over their heads. And we must raise the minimum wage so that people in Michigan who work full time aren't living in poverty.

"It is critical that Members of Congress continue to work across the aisle, like we did on the Farm bill, to help businesses create jobs and ensure families working hard have opportunities for themselves and their children."