Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement this evening after President Obama delivered the State of the Union address.
"Since first being elected, my number one priority has been to fight to expand the middle class. As a nation, we must work to create jobs and grow the economy here at home so the middle class, and those working hard to join the middle class, have the tools necessary to pull themselves up and fulfill the American dream. I am pleased that the President laid out his plan and look forward to working with him to move our state and nation forward.
"As a former teacher, I am especially interested in the President's proposal to provide two years of community college for free to all interested students. To truly succeed in this 21st century global economy, it will make more than just a high school degree. I have long said that community colleges are the principal intersection between education and workforce development and strongly believe that we need to ensure everyone who is qualified has access to a high-quality education.
"The future of economic development in Iowa and across the country depends, in large part, on access to the Internet and specifically broadband. Just over the weekend, I met with local and economic development officials who stressed the importance of expanding high speed internet. Broadband would also provide small and rural schools the power to vastly expand their educational options, providing students with a cutting-edge 21st century education regardless of geography.
"Regardless of who occupies the Oval Office, the State of the Union speech is always a great opportunity to hear directly from them."
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