Statement by IUPAT General President Kenneth Rigmaiden on the State of the Union Address

In his address to Congress and America, President Obama outlined a bold plan to fuel the middle class economics of this great nation. Although the construction industry continues to recover from the recession, working families still need a commitment and action from our leaders to build and maintain a 21st century infrastructure to create even more jobs.
We still need Washington to give the middle class the opportunity to overcome the economic difficulties they face every day as we suffer a nearly unprecedented state of income inequality in this country. Such an opportunity comes only through building the middle class, building our communities and strengthening the organized labor movement.
President Obama’s pledge to accomplish these goals makes it clear to the men and women of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades that his administration is committed to building a better America for all, and we stand ready to work with the President and leaders in Congress on both sides of the aisle to make these goals a reality.
Read the full transcript of the speech HERE.
Watch the full speech below or a three minute version HERE —