COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio’s senators react to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address Tuesday.
Sen. Rob Portman (above right): “The President gave a good speech as he usually does, but I think he missed an opportunity to talk about specific ways we can work together to expand opportunity and strengthen the middle class. Unfortunately, based on the proposals he outlined tonight, he seems to be going back to some of the same partisan policies that haven’t worked for the past six years that increase taxes and spending.
“The President did talk about a few areas of agreement – such as giving American workers a chance to compete on a level playing field by knocking down barriers to our exports. I was pleased to hear him talk about the importance of exporting more goods stamped ‘Made in America’ to consumers around the world.
“He also referenced the need for business tax reform that grows wages, creates jobs, and improves the economy. Although his approach was lacking in specifics, this is an area where we might find common ground to help ensure American workers are competitive.
“I was also pleased that the President acknowledged the need to ensure American workers have the skills they need to fill open jobs. This is an issue I’ve been focused on and just today I introduced bipartisan legislation to better prepare students for 21st century jobs called the Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce Act…I remain committed to working with anyone, Republican or Democrat, toward common-sense solutions that will increase economic opportunity for all Americans, including more jobs, better wages, and lower costs for health care, education, and energy.”
Sen. Sherrod Brown (left): “I applaud the President for his plan to provide tax relief for hard-working Americans and look forward to congressional action on it. If we are going to reform the tax code, we need to start by drawing a line in the sand: No tax breaks for corporations without tax breaks for working families.
“Stand-alone business tax reform is a solution in search of a problem. Corporate profits are soaring, the stock market is near record highs, and GDP growth is robust. Meanwhile, wages are flat, college costs are soaring, and retirement savings are dwindling. We need to focus tax reform on where it is needed: with working families, not multinational corporations.”
Brown, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, called for expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit prior to the speech.