Lucas,
When President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address last month, he spoke of the importance of middle-class economics. He told us that inequality has deepened in our country and he reaffirmed the need for all Americans to have a fair shot to work hard for a decent wage. In the year ahead, Congress must act to expand opportunity for middle and working-class Americans.
Two weeks ago, when I delivered my State of the District address, I recognized that the issues that President Obama mentioned are fully evident here in Brooklyn and throughout New York City. The middle class is shrinking and good-paying jobs continue to disappear. It's more and more difficult for young people to find sustainable employment.
My constituents confront these issues every day. People working full-time simply don't earn enough to get by. Married couples working multiple jobs have trouble affording their rent and paying their bills. Working families don't make enough to pay for quality childcare. Parents who have saved for years can't pay for a college education for their children.
But we can change that!
The middle-class economic agenda, which I proudly support alongside President Obama and my Democratic colleagues, is designed to lift up working families and middle-class Americans. We will increase the minimum wage. We will make community college free for millions of deserving students. We will elevate affordable child care and pre-kindergarten education as priorities throughout the land.
These are achievable goals and represent significant progress towards a fairer and more prosperous society. Unfortunately though, right-wing conservatives in Congress continue to stubbornly block the President's agenda. We're trying to move the country forward. Others want to turn back the clock.
Thank you,
Hakeem Jeffries