State of the Union 2012
Think about the America within our reach: A country that leads the world in educating its people. An America that attracts a new generation of high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs. A future where we’re in control of our own energy, and our security and prosperity aren’t so tied to unstable parts of the world. An economy built to last, where hard work pays off, and responsibility is rewarded.
We can do this. I know we can, because we’ve done it before.
~ President Barack Obama State of the Union January 24, 2012
"After inheriting an economic catastrophe, President Obama has delivered 22 straight months of private-sector job growth. Mayors across the country have benefited from his leadership in putting cops on the street, teachers in the classroom and unemployed workers back on the job — including in the auto industry, which made one million more cars last year because of the President’s bold leadership. He has also delivered critical investments in small business, including upgrades in homegrown energy, which have created hundreds of thousands of new jobs that didn’t even exist before. The President’s leadership has delivered for America’s middle class.
“The built-to-last economy that President Obama laid out tonight will level the playing field for the middle class. The President’s vision for America is one in which people who work hard, do their fair share and play by the rules will no longer be swimming upstream, but will actually get ahead. That’s just common sense.”
— Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak
President, National Conference of Democratic Mayors
Mayor Michael B. Coleman praised President Obama’s State of the Union Address, which laid out the president’s vision for a stronger and more equitable American economy.
“For the past three years, President Obama has led us from the brink of economic collapse down a steady path toward economic recovery,” Mayor Coleman said. “Tonight he laid the foundation for an even stronger economy that will increase our manufacturing base, expand our sources of energy, invest in our workers and treat all Americans fairly. I call upon the Congress to enact President Obama’s proposals as soon as possible.”
--- Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman
"The President's State of the Union clearly addresses America ’s needs on behalf of the Economic Recovery so desperately needed for all Americans. President Obama has led with excellent leadership against all odds; Mitt Romney’s claim that the President is not a Leader is false. We just have to look at the courageous stance that is being taken against Iran to show what Leadership is all about.
"There is a sense of confidence here in Florida with our unemployment numbers going down and consumer spending on the rise.
"The President's stand on our own clean energy sources points us in the right direction away from dependence on Foreign Oil.
"I say that while we still have a long way to go, I want this President to be the one leading us."
--- Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank Ortis
“I applaud President Obama’s determination to strengthen the economy, create family-sustaining jobs, and reaffirm America’s commitment to the middle class. As the President emphasized, we need to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States, invest in education, and ensure a fair opportunity for all Americans to succeed. Millions of Americans are still hurting, and job creation is imperative.
"The President understands that providing the best education for our children is a commitment to the future of our nation. It is time to stand with the President as we work together to uphold America's promise—if you work hard, you can provide a good life for your family and save for your future.”
--- Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter
“In tonight’s State of the Union Address, President Obama underscored his commitment to strengthening the American economy by creating good jobs and opportunity for every family. Here in San Francisco, job creation remains my highest priority. We’re making progress getting people back to work in our small businesses and in construction jobs through millions of dollars in investment in our own San Francisco infrastructure.”
--- San Fransico Mayor Ed Lee
“What President Obama presented to the American people tonight was a blueprint for moving our country forward at this critical moment. By focusing on innovation, on common-sense solutions and on the things that matter most – job creation, workforce development and housing – we can set the course of our nation right once more.”
--- Denver Mayor Michael Hancock
“Last week, when I met with President Obama, he committed to continuing to rebuild the American economy by focusing on American manufacturing, American energy, education and skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values like support for the middle class. Tonight, President Obama demonstrated that he understands the needs of the American people and specifically those of us in cities across our country.”
--- New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu
"The President's speech is right on track. His focus on manufacturing, the creation of jobs, and education is the right formula to continue to grow the economy. The middle class is the backbone of the American economy, and the President is doing the right things to support the middle class."
--- Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory
