Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issued the following statement in reaction to President Obama's State of the Union speech tonight.

The President laid out concrete proposals that will benefit average, hard working families, like raising the minimum wage. Increasing the minimum wage will mean more money in the pockets of families across Maine, money that will then be spent at local businesses, creating and supporting local jobs. Not only will it improve life for families making minimum wage but it have an immediate effect that will be felt throughout the economy.

I hope Members of Congress can set aside their partisan difference and have an open, thoughtful debate about ways to improve the economy for all Americans, including a substantial increase in the minimum wage.