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SOTU Reaction Mixed

www.npr.org

Reaction to President Obama’s State of the Union Address is falling along party lines.

Republicans say they want fewer regulations and more fiscal responsibility.

U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-Collinsville), in a statement, says he hoped for more.

“President Obama talked a good game tonight about growing our economy and strengthening the middle class. Unfortunately, the measures he proposed would instead grow government and weaken America’s ability to compete in the global economy. From energy to education, the president’s policies undermine, rather than enhance, the free enterprise system that has given Americans the opportunity to pursue their dreams for generations.”

On the issue of immigration reform, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) said the House is willing to act on immigration.

“Secure your borders first, (then) sit down together, negotiate a pathway to citizenship that is sensible, but don’t just all of a sudden put people to the front of the line when there’s people that have been waiting for years to try to get their citizenship,” he said in an interview.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) says Congress will ignore the president at their peril.

“How can you say that you really care about income inequality and struggling families in this country and ignore the litany of opportunities the president presented this evening? I don’t think that passing one Keystone XL pipeline is going to satisfy most working families in Illinois that that’s a good work agenda,” he said in a conference call with reporters after the speech.

U.S. Sen. Mark S. Kirk (R-Ill.) says he’s willing to consider the President’s free community college proposal, but prefers a different approach.

“Through new ways to save for college and keeping kids off gang-ridden streets and in school, we can make real progress that directly benefits Illinois families,” he said in a statement.

Mr. Obama begins a multi-state tour to promote his agenda now that the speech is over.

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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