Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement after President Barack Obama delivered the State of the Union address: 

 “I commended the President for his principal effort to create and secure jobs.  The creation of jobs ensures economic competiveness and growth, allowing the middle class to rise above the struggling economy and the unemployed to gain access to better benefits and wages.  House Democrats have stood firm in their commitment to middle-class families by lowering taxes and jumpstarting our economy – and we will continue to work with President Obama to deliver results for struggling Americans,” stated Rep. Clarke.  

“It is important that this Congress fights to bolster these common sense initiatives, rather than establish backwards legislation that would ultimately hurt the middle class and slow the growth of our economy,” added Rep. Clarke.  “Specifics about job creation, education and reforming a more bipartisan government will have a resounding affect across the nation.  America is in a transitional stage.  As we ascend from a challenging economy, the security of the unemployed is critical.  Democrats have a record of creating jobs while reducing the deficit – we’ve done it before and we will do it again.”

“During the State of the Union address, I was deeply moved and honored to join my colleagues in wearing black and white ribbons in recognition of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and all those affected by the tragic shooting.  It was a hopeful and historic moment that demonstrated our support for the victims of the Tucson Arizona Shooting,” stated Congresswoman Clarke.  

 “As we move forward, I will continue to work with the White House and my Congressional colleagues to ensure that Americans see the change that they desperately voted for in the 2008 presidential election.  I applaud President Obama’s commitment to putting middle class Americans first and focusing on expanding our economy,” concluded Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. 

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