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Charlotte NC

Congresswoman Adams’ Response to the State of the Union

January 21, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, Congresswoman Alma Adams [NC-12] issued the following response to President Obama's 2015 State of the Union address.

"The President outlined bold domestic policies that will continue to move our country forward. Over the past year, we have added nearly 3 million jobs, unemployment is at 5.6% and gas prices are down. It is past time for Congress to embrace the President's approach and work to ensure that all of our constituents experience the national economic recovery." Adams continued, "To do this we have to be committed to rebuilding the middle class. It is time to put politics aside and come together to give the average hard-working American a raise."

"In his address, the President highlighted several points that will benefit the 12th district. The President's new tax plan is long overdue. We need a simple and fair system that eliminates tax loopholes and cuts taxes for middle America. We've got to shift some of the burden to the wealthy and make them pay their fair share. Providing tax credits for working parents and increased education tax credits will alleviate many of the burdens that families in my district face. Universal childcare is a noble concept worthy of a serious discussion."

"We have to get serious about unemployment. I am committed to ensuring that my district experiences the same decrease in unemployment as the rest of country. I agree with the President, making education more affordable is key. He outlined a good plan with his community college initiative. Universal community college is an innovate concept that I support. Education has always been my focus and I look forward to tackling this issue as the newest member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce."

"The revenues created by the President's tax plan will finance his community college initiative for responsible students. This will have a profound effect on unemployment in my district and all across the nation. I am already working hard to introduce a bill that prioritizes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) funding in Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculums. My bill will provide students with affordable options for higher education, and better access to the workforce after graduation. I am committed to working with my colleagues in the House to pass a bill that will equip Americans, especially veterans, with the skills necessary to obtain well-paying jobs."

"With large banking centers in Charlotte and one of the nation's largest energy companies, cyber security tops my list of concerns. We must invest in digital security. I am glad that the President has made protecting our digital infrastructure a priority. His administration recently offered a $25 million grant to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including North Carolina A&T, to train cyber security experts right here at home," stated Adams.

Like the President, Rep. Adams takes a strong stance on quality and affordable healthcare for all. Astrid Muhammad, a constituent of the 12th District, attended the SOTU as a guest of the First Lady. "Over 200,000 people in my district alone have benefited from the Affordable Care Act and Astrid is one of those people," said Adams. "I am not only committed to protecting it, but also to expanding Medicaid in North Carolina," continued Adams.

"I am also committed to making sure the U.S. is no longer one of the only countries in the world where sick leave and maternity leave are unpaid," said Adams. "It is common sense, just like equal pay for equal work and raising the minimum wage. Yes, Mr. President, it is time. I am committed to seeing my colleagues pass legislation to improve the lives of working families and the economy as a whole. I wholeheartedly believe in the President's concept of what middle economics is — the idea that this country does best when everyone gets their fair shot. Middle class economics works. Expanding opportunity works."

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Download the Press Release (.pdf)