The Columbian — Following President Obamaâs State of the Union address on Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray expressed agreement with the presidentâs desire to make the wealthiest Americans pay more taxes, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell touted his plan to keep manufacturing jobs in the country, and U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler said he needs to get serious about cutting government regulations.
Herrera Beutler, a Republican representing Washington stateâs 3rd District, said she made her way down to the good seats to greet the president as he made his entrance Tuesday night. The congresswoman said she shook Obamaâs hand, said âItâs going to be a good year,â and he replied, âYes it is.â
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Meanwhile, Murray, a Democrat who represents Washington, said she agrees with the presidentâs plan to make sure millionaires pay a tax rate closer to the rates paid by middle-class Americans.
âWe are going to fight to make sure the wealthiest Americans and the biggest corporations contribute their fair share,â Murray said in a news release.
Murray also said she supports the presidentâs mission to increase funding to the Veterans Affairs department, spend more on infrastructure, and increase science and technology training so more Americans can compete in those fields.
Cantwell, also a Democrat, said she agreed with the presidentâs desire to invest in clean energy and to make college more affordable. She also honed in on Obamaâs message to end tax incentives for companies that send jobs overseas, noting that manufacturing jobs in industries such as aerospace are crucial to the economic health of Washington state.
âWe are at a pivotal point for the competitiveness of our nation,â Cantwell said in a news release. âWashington state is a national leader in many industries including aerospace, biotech, clean energy technology, software, and agriculture. We need policies that will help the manufacturing sector grow.â
As one of the most beautiful states in the unionâand one of the richest in natural resourcesâWashington has a special interest in energy and environmental policy. And Maria has fought hard to uphold the stateâs conservation tradition, while also working to bring our energy policy into the 21st century.
Maria knows Washingtonâs business community â because, as an executive at an innovative software company, she was part of it. And as a Senator, sheâs led the way in helping businesses large and small throughout Washington grow, thrive, and create jobs.
Maria has taken a leadership role on safety and security issues, including defending our borders, strengthening our military, cracking down on gangs, and taking on drug crime in Washington communities
Middle-class families around Washington and across the country are facing tough timesâand tough decisions about balancing the family checkbook each month. Maria has fought to strengthen the economic security of Washington families and cut taxes for middle-class families.
