In his final State of the Union speech, Obama sought to lay the groundwork for the coming campaign, and his successor to be chosen in November. But he also urged Congress to act, during his final year in office, on several issues important to manufacturers. Trade, workforce development and regulation topped the list of issues of interest for equipment manufacturers in President Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday.
“That’s how we forged a Trans-Pacific Partnership to open markets, protect workers and the environment, and advance American leadership in Asia,” Obama said. “You want to show our strength in this century? Approve this agreement. Give us the tools to enforce it.”
Obama also focused on workforce development and education reform as keys to economic advancement and global competitiveness for businesses like manufacturers.
“We agree that real opportunity requires every American to get the education and training they need to land a good-paying job,” Obama said.
And the president talked up his willingness to eliminate harmful regulations, but in the context of broader corporate citizenship.
“I believe a thriving private sector is the lifeblood of our economy. I think there are outdated regulations that need to be changed, and there’s red tape that needs to be cut,” he said.
