Millions of Americans tuned in to watch President Barack Obama (D) deliver his State of the Union address last Tuesday, including local elected representatives State Sen. Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) and U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock).
The elected officials offered the following remarks are in response to the President’s 2013 State of the Union address:
State Sen. Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres)
“President Obama presented some ambitious goals in this year’s State of the Union.
“I was pleased that he put an emphasis on the continued need to grow the economy, especially creating middle-class jobs. He was also right in stating that the American people expect legislators on both sides of the aisle to work together. Our economic rebound can be set back by self-inflicted wounds caused by gridlock. I am hoping we see such bipartisanship work with immigration reform, which I believe is far overdue. Without immediate action from the federal government, things will only get worse.
Congressman Jeff Denham (R-Turlock)
“The President had an opportunity to share with Congress and the American people his plans to solve the most serious challenges our country faces.
“We cannot continue spending at our current rate. We need a plan to control government spending, reduce the annual deficit, instead of adding to our already more than 16 trillion dollars worth of debt in order to expand opportunity for all Americans without raising taxes.
“America’s history is built upon immigrants seeking to find a better life for themselves and their family, building together the greatest nation on earth. It’s clear that our immigration system is broken and in desperate need of repair. I look forward to working with the President, Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate to fix the immigration system for good.
“As always, I will work to break down the party barriers and continue to bring the Valley’s voice to Washington as we work to find common ground on issues that affect our families, our businesses, and our communities.”