Sen. Schatz Comments on State of Union Address

Brian Schatz. File photo courtesy Maui Democratic Party.

US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement in response to the president’s annual State of the Union address:

“Tonight, we heard the president reflect on the significant progress we have made in the last seven years. From the economic recovery to healthcare reform to historic global action on climate change, we have seen real results that have strengthened our economy and provided more opportunities for working families. But there is still more work to be done, and President Obama outlined a clear plan on how we can build on that progress.

“The president’s commitment to tackle college affordability is an important step forward. Right now, too many students in Hawai‘i and across the country are leaving college with tens of thousands of dollars in debt, and many are choosing to not go to college at all. When the cost of a higher education discourages young people from going to school, it doesn’t just impact the student, it also affects our local communities and our economy. We all want the best for our kids and that’s why I’m confident we can fix this broken system, make college affordable and give more students a better shot at success.

“We have come too far to return to policies that led to the Great Recession and failed families in Hawai‘i and across the country. In President Obama’s final year and beyond, I hope my colleagues in Congress answer the president’s call and make real, commonsense reforms that move our nation forward.”