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Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) released the following statement in reaction to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address Tuesday night:

“What we heard tonight from the President was a strong message that we need to create an economy that works for everyone. Shortsighted policies and endless political brinksmanship in Washington over the last four years have led to an economy that serves Wall Street very well, but does nothing to boost Main Street and the American middle class.

“By investing in our workforce and the education of those looking to train for the jobs of tomorrow, we can provide a down payment on America’s future success. Through increased access to college, paid sick leave, and targeted tax cuts for the middle income community, Washington can work with the private sector to provide real opportunity for the strongest force the world has ever known – the American middle class.

“The top zero-point-one percent of our nation and Wall Street have enough people and special interests taking care of their needs. It’s time the rest of us are heard as well. I support many of the proposals that President Obama has laid out here tonight. It is now time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. It is the responsibility of Congress to act on these issues, find common ground, improve the financial stability of America’s working families – and to create an economy that works for everyone.”

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