Dear John,

This week, President Joe Biden delivered the State of the Union (SOTU)  address. During the speech, the President shared the many historic achievements of this administration and his vision for our nation.  

From a commitment to American Manufacturing, to protecting Social Security and Medicare, to increasing teacher pay and expanding access to preschool, to building global coalitions, the Biden-Harris Administration are working to move our country forward in incredible ways. 

This year my guest at the State of the Union was Niko, a student at Western Connecticut State University.  

For my full State of the Union recap, please read below. 

A Commitment to American Manufacturing

Under the leadership of  President Biden, the unemployment rate has dropped to 3.4%, a 50-year low, with a near-record low unemployment rate for Black and Hispanic workers. Additionally, as a result of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, 800,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs have been created. This represents the fastest growth in four decades. Further, over the last two years, a record 10 million Americans have applied to start new small businesses.  

During the address, President Biden announced new standards to require all construction materials used in federal infrastructure to be made in America. This will bring supply chains back home, ensure more goods are made domestically, and boost the economy.  

The President is working to ensure the United States can compete with China or any other nation by investing in American innovation and industries that will define the future. Today, we are in the strongest position in decades to ensure American competitiveness on a global stage. 

Supporting our Seniors and Protecting Social Security and Medicare

Alongside President Biden, House Democrats have been working to lower health care and prescription drug costs for Americans, improve access to health insurance, cap out-of-pocket drug payments for seniors, and give Medicare the power to negotiate lower prices. The Inflation Reduction Act capped the price of insulin at $35 a month for seniors on Medicare and capped the out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors on Medicare at a maximum of $2,000 a year.  

With the full support of the President, House Democrats are working to safeguard Social Security and Medicare. During the speech, President Biden made clear he would veto any attempts to cut or sunset these earned benefits. 

Increasing Teacher Pay and Expanding Access to Preschool  

The President also shared his blueprint to have the best-educated workforce – highlighting the need to give public school teachers a raise and provide access to pre-school for 3- and 4-year-olds.  

Studies show that children who attend pre-school are nearly 50% more likely to finish high school and earn a 2- or 4-year degree, no matter their background. Additionally, the President focused on the importance of paid family and medical leave, affordable childcare, as well as restoring the full Child Tax Credit. These efforts will enable millions more people to enter the workforce and cut child poverty in half. 

Building Coalitions with Allies and Partners

Last year, the President delivered the State of the Union just days after war broke out in Ukraine. Since then, the U.S. has provided critical support and humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine in the fight for their democracy.  

Additionally, we have worked to build strong coalitions with our allies and partners – including uniting and strengthening the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).  

Meet my State of the Union Guest: Niko

I was thrilled to share this experience with a student and emerging leader from Western Connecticut State University (WCSU).  Niko was selected by his peers at WXCI 91.7, the student-run radio station to represent them at the State of the Union as my guest. 

It has always been my practice to empower students to be active participants in our democracy. As a Member of Congress, this has not changed – in fact, I am more determined to bring young people into the fold. Witnessing history firsthand is the greatest learning opportunity a teacher can provide. 

I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues to advance President Biden’s vision for students, working families, families struggling with addiction, and all my constituents across the Fifth District of Connecticut. 

President Biden closed his remarks by stating, “Because the soul of this nation is strong, because the backbone of this nation is strong, because the people of this nation are strong, the State of the Union is strong” …. Let’s finish the job. 

ICYMI: The 2023 State of the Union Address can be viewed here.   

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress