WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement after attending the State of the Union address:
"Like many New Mexicans, I'm frustrated by the tough economic recovery. People in our state are still working to pull themselves out of the recession. Now is a time for bold but practical ideas that will support middle class families and ensure they can afford to buy a house and educate their kids. I was pleased tonight to hear the president pledge to roll up his sleeves to make real changes to support the middle class. I've been pushing to help high-tech businesses thrive and small businesses expand in New Mexico, and I was glad to hear the president endorse new support to boost innovation and reduce red tape.
"I applaud the president's decisions to raise the minimum wage for federal contractors and help workers save for retirement. America was built on the principle that if you work hard you can build your way into the middle class. Yet today, too many workers have to take two or three jobs just to make the rent - leaving nothing left for a rainy day, much less retirement. Fair wages lead to healthier families and a stronger economy. Congress should take the next steps to raise the minimum wage for all workers and tackle the retirement crisis head on.
"The president is right that we still have a lot of work to do - to support energy independence, strengthen our workforce, protect our public lands, and fix our broken immigration system. Like him, I believe the slow pace and obstruction in Congress are holding us back. At the end of the day, the real solution is making the legislative process work the way it's intended. I'm going to keep pushing for reforms that will cut the gridlock and ensure the Senate works for the American people again."
