WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Ron Kind today made the following statement regarding President Obama’s State of the Union Address.

“I couldn’t agree with the President more – our number one priority must be getting the economy back on track and creating good paying jobs. We need a growing economy to support hard working families in western Wisconsin and across the country. We’ve made progress by adding 3.2 million private sector jobs in the last 22 months – but there’s more work to be done.

“We need to make smart investments to ensure our economy is built to last. We must invest in our workers and strengthen manufacturing so we can remain competitive in the global economy. We have to support education, so that we can foster the next generation of leaders – and ensure America remains the most creative, innovative country in the world. And we need a long-term plan for deficit reduction to get our fiscal house in order, so we do not leave a legacy of debt to our children.

“And in order to get anywhere, we’re going to have to come together, listen to each other, and find common ground to the challenges we are facing. There’s more work – and more relationship building - to be done.  I sat with my good friend and Republican colleague Rep. Dave Reichert at tonight’s address. Sitting together may only be symbolic, but it identifies those of us that are still willing to put our differences aside and take steps towards building consensus.  The clock is ticking – we must find a way to work together and rebuild a strong, long-lasting economy.”

We must focus on the economy & job creation but also make smart investments to ensure our economy is built to last. 1.usa.gov/yKJluU

— Rep. Ron Kind (@RepRonKind) January 25, 2012