Washington, DC – Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ01) released the following statement tonight on President Obama’s State of the Union address to a Joint Session of Congress:
 
“Tonight, the President called on Congress to come together and build off the progress we've made to put Americans back to work. While under President Obama’s leadership we've seen a real boost in private job growth with nearly 3 million jobs created last year alone, we have a long way to go to get our economy back to where it was before the recession hit. 
 
“The President proposed bold actions to help grow jobs and economic opportunities for middle-class families. First, we must invest in education and make it more affordable so that our workforce has the skills they need without the debt they can’t afford. In particular, the President’s plan to make community college more accessible to successful students will deliver real cost savings to so many families who struggle to make tuition payments. As a graduate of a community college, I know the traditional college route is not for everybody and the President’s plan makes sure a quality education is within reach for those willing to work hard. 
 
“Second, we must make the tax code simpler and fair for middle-class families. Congress should answer the President’s call and put an end to the corporate tax loopholes and giveaways for companies that ship jobs overseas. Instead of incentivizing these businesses to leave our shores, we should be focused on creating manufacturing jobs here at home and investing in upgrades to our critical infrastructure. 
 
“The President has laid out a vision to make higher education more affordable, simplify the tax code, and create jobs here at home, and I am eager to work with my colleagues and constituents from all backgrounds and beliefs to make that vision a reality for America’s middle-class families.”