Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) released the following statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address:

“Tonight, President Obama outlined a strong agenda to create jobs and grow the middle class. He set forth a plan to continue growing the economy from the middle out by investing in American manufacturing, rebuilding our infrastructure, promoting clean energy and educating our children to compete in the global economy. The people of the 7th Congressional District of Alabama and all Americans benefit when we invest in the middle class, provide incentives for businesses to hire workers and better educate our children.

In particular, I was thrilled by President Obama’s emphasis on workforce training and development. Job creation remains my top priority. By equipping Americans with the skills they need for 21st century jobs, we make critical investments now and create a stronger workforce prepared to compete for the employment opportunities in the future.  My office recently announced a workforce development initiative called Project READY designed to facilitate employment in Alabama’s 7th district by promoting public-private partnerships, job readiness, skills training and career development. Project READY will provide workforce training seminars throughout the 7th district conducted by career professionals in partnership with our two-year colleges and local employers. I look forward to working with the Obama Administration on workforce development initiatives to promote job readiness by teaching Americans real world skills they need to find jobs.

I applaud President Obama for his commitment to ensuring that all Americans can pursue the American dream and climb the ladder of success. I fully support his plan to address the issues that are critically important to the people of my district and all Americans — workforce development, job creation, and securing equal pay for equal work.”

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Contact: Rob NeSmith;     rob.nesmith@mail.house.gov;        202.225.2665