Ohio Valley Politics

Rep. Zack Space has also released a brief statement in response to the State of the Union speech.

“There is little doubt that the economy needs a short-term shot in the arm, which is why I agree with the President’s call for quick passage of an economic stimulus plan by the Senate.  However, we have to couple that with a long-term plan for sustainable economic growth.  Without that, a stimulus package will have little chance to succeed.

“I also agree with the President’s claim that we need to break our dependence on foreign oil, and I am confident that the advances being made in Southeastern Ohio toward advanced energy will help lead the way.  Hopefully, the President’s call for carbon capture will mean that we take great advantage of clean coal, the God-given natural resource we have in abundance. 

“Where I think this President continues to have a tin ear to the needs of the American public is on immigration and free trade.  With the President’s ongoing insistence on free trade agreements – which do nothing but undermine our domestic job market – a new long-term plan is increasingly necessary.  President Bush has told us tonight that he will spend his last year in office pushing more free trade deals that will only further hurt Ohio and will push for an immigration policy that will effectively grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants. 

“The President is once again asking America to ‘stay the course’ with jobs moving overseas and illegal immigrants flowing into the country.  These are not the priorities that Americans are calling for.”

– Rep. Zack Space