January 21, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement last night after President Obama delivered his State of the Union Address:
“Tonight President Obama presented a plan to ensure a fair shot at the American dream for anyone willing to earn it. As I travel throughout the state, New Yorkers tell me they are still struggling even as the economy begins to show signs of recovery. They want action from Congress to ease the burden of the basic costs of living so they can provide for their families, afford to send their kids to college, work good paying jobs, and retire with dignity. Now, Congress must do its part to work together, Democrats and Republicans, to expand economic opportunity for hard working families.
“I had hoped the President would use this opportunity to demand that we also make college campuses safe. Last week I personally urged the President to shine a national spotlight on the need to flip the incentives that currently reward colleges for sweeping sexual assaults under the rug. I was honored to have Emma Sulkowicz as my guest tonight who represents the grassroots movement of young women holding Congress and the system accountable. I will continue to fight to pass the Campus Accountability and Safety Act, a bipartisan bill that will finally force colleges and universities across the country to face this problem head-on with the goal of making safe campuses for America’s students a reality.
“The President’s goals for an expanded middle class, a fairer tax system and a better shot for hardworking families should rise above political party, and I am hopeful Congress will use his ideas as a starting point for real action.”
