WASHINGTON — Congressman John Carney released the following statement after President Obama delivered his annual State of the Union address:
“Tonight, President Obama laid out an ambitious agenda for his second term that sets the stage to grow our economy, reduce our deficit, tackle immigration reform, address climate change, and take action to prevent gun violence.
“The economy remains my focus. We have to reduce the deficit in a balanced way through smart spending cuts and tax reform. In the process, though, we must protect investments in areas critical to middle class security and economic growth, like manufacturing, infrastructure, clean energy, and job training. History has proven that the best way to reduce the deficit is with a growing economy. And the best way to grow the economy is by enabling those individuals striving to make it into the middle class.
“Lateka Jones is one of those individuals. I invited Lateka to be my guest at tonight’s State of the Union because she embodies the American spirit of determination. Since the restaurant she managed closed, Lateka has been working to get back on her feet. She’s been spending time at West End Neighborhood House in Wilmington, taking job training classes and studying for her GED.
“I met Lateka while visiting West End and was impressed by her positive attitude and commitment to achieving her dreams. West End is one of many non-profits across the U.S. that receives modest federal funding. Without that funding, it would be harder for people like Lateka to develop the skills necessary to succeed in a 21st century economy. President Obama’s address to the nation made clear that as we make tough choices to reduce the deficit, we must keep fighting for people like Lateka.”
