WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following President Obama’s State of the Union address this evening, Senator Susan Collins released this statement:
“Far too many Americans remain out of work or have given up looking for work altogether. Fostering an environment and implementing policies that will help encourage businesses to invest, grow, and create jobs is my top priority. Congress and the President should be doing everything we can to embrace policies that will help businesses succeed and create jobs. That is why I developed my "Seven-Point Plan to Create Jobs and Help Small Businesses Grow," which will help small businesses—the engine of our economy and our job creators—to start-up and prosper. In addition, I share the President’s goal of ensuring that Americans get the education and training they need to compete in the global economy. We must help make certain that this generation and the next have the education and skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
“I was pleased that the President announced a new initiative to encourage people to save more for their retirement. As Ranking Member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I have become painfully aware that far too many American seniors have real reason to fear that they will outlive their savings. I, along with Committee Chairman Bill Nelson, will introduce a bill tomorrow that would encourage small employers to offer retirement plans, encourage employees to save more for retirement, and ensure that low- and middle-income taxpayers are able to claim tax benefits for retirement savings already authorized in law. My hope is that this is an area where I can work with the Administration since we seem to share a common goal.
“While the President has called on both parties to work together to tackle other important issues, I am very concerned that it appears the President is willing to circumvent Congress in an attempt to counteract the frustrating gridlock in Washington. This approach, however, will only serve to heighten partisan tensions and exacerbate the problem. The President’s decision to issue Executive Orders, to make recess appointments, or to suspend enforcement of certain laws is inconsistent with our Constitutional system of checks and balances. Americans are rightfully disappointed with the gridlock and partisanship so prevalent in Washington these days, and I share this frustration. The President is in a unique position to foster compromise, and he should recommit to work with members of Congress in order to reach consensus and move our country—and our economy—forward.”
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