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Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today released the following statement in response to the President’s State of the Union address:

“Tonight, President Obama laid out a plan to keep the state of our union strong by investing directly in the middle class – the workers that keep our economy going and the families that make our communities prosper.

“While we still have work to do in Michigan and across the country, the economy is showing signs of progress, and the resurgence of the American auto industry is proof positive that when we focus on policies that help the middle class, it works. Thanks to the Auto Recovery Act – and the sheer grit and determination of the American auto workers – our auto industry has come roaring back to life, and it is important that the President emphasized plans to continue to boost manufacturing and close tax loopholes so we can keep high paying jobs in Michigan and bring manufacturing back to America.

“But while economic indicators show things are improving, too many people in Michigan and across the country still don’t feel it. Wages have remained stagnant, the cost of consumer goods has increased, and middle class families are working hard and still falling behind. It is critical that we continue to grow the middle class instead of shrinking it, and ensure that more people share in the progress that we’ve made.

“For starters, our workers and manufacturers must be able to compete on a level playing field. Unless we have policies that address currency manipulation, the mother of all trade barriers, we will not be doing enough to protect American jobs or level the playing field for the American worker.

“Another important tool is to ensure that workers are armed with the skills they need to get a job. The President’s proposal to allow students to earn the first half of a bachelor’s degree at no cost is a step in the right direction, but we need to do more. As the chair of Wayne State University Board of Governors, I have witnessed firsthand the positive transformation that comes from a quality education, and we should ensure that college remains affordable by working to reduce student loan rates. We also need to make sure that no one faces financial hardship because their kid gets sick or they need to take care of a newborn. The President’s plan to allow Americans to earn sick days and family leave is a critical stepping stone to helping more individuals balance family and work.

“These are not Democratic or Republican issues, but issues we should all work to solve together. The hardworking men and women of Michigan want us to come together to help create jobs, grow our economy and ensure that everyone has a shot at the American dream, and that’s what I intend to do.”