FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Julie Hasquet, Press Secretary
January 24, 2012
(907) 258-9304 office
2012-013

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich released the following statement after President Obama tonight delivered his State of the Union address:

“The President touched on many important issues tonight, including his focus on the success of the middle class and our need to protect and promote small businesses, but I am disappointed to hear the President talk about energy being a cornerstone of our economic growth and future while failing to mention Alaska’s critical role in our nation’s energy security.

“I am eager to hear more details about oil and gas production but frankly, I don’t know how you can talk about American energy potential and not include the tens of thousands of jobs that would be created by development of oil and gas in the off-shore waters of Alaska’s Arctic. Since I came to Washington, we have made important steps toward Arctic development, and I was hoping to hear the President outline the next steps to finally getting the job done.

“When it comes to our economy, I agree that we are in a much better position than we were three years ago and I am proud of the work I have done here in the Senate to get our economy moving again. I look forward to continuing to build on the progress we have already made to protect Alaska’s middle class families, support our small businesses, and encourage the next generation of great innovators.

“Whether it’s a real energy plan, a better education system, helping our veterans, or working to get our fiscal house in order, I am always an optimist and have great faith in our ability to get things done together.”

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