PENNSYLVANIA — At Tuesday’s State of the Union Address, President Joe Biden spoke of standing up for Democracy, promoting economic success, lowering costs and addressing the kitchen table issues that matter to working families. In addition to speaking on the priorities that are top-of-mind for Pennsylvanians, the president and first lady invited Western Pennsylvania steelworker Jojo Burgess to attend Tuesday’s event. This week, Pennsylvanians are hearing the president’s message of strength, unity and growth again in news coverage across the commonwealth.
Here’s what Pennsylvanians are reading…
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Biden Pushes for Unity Against Russia, Vows to Fight Inflation
Mr. Biden outlined plans to address inflation by reinvesting in American manufacturing capacity, speeding supply chains and reducing the burden of childcare and eldercare on workers.
“Too many families are struggling to keep up with the bills,” Mr. Biden said. “Inflation is robbing them of the gains they might otherwise feel. I get it. That’s why my top priority is getting prices under control.”
Trib Live: Pittsburgh-area steelworker Joseph Burgess gets front-row seat at State of the Union address
“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this,” Burgess said. “I still don’t believe it happened.”
The experience got even more surreal from there.
In advocating for passage of the Bipartisan Innovation Act to revitalize American industry, Biden said, “All told, we created 369,000 new manufacturing jobs in America just last year. Powered by people I’ve met like JoJo Burgess, from generations of union steelworkers from Pittsburgh, who’s here with us tonight.”
WTAJ: State of the Union by the numbers
Biden discussed the record-setting economic growth the country experienced in 2021 in its continued rebound from the coronavirus pandemic—6.5 million new jobs created last year and a rise in gross domestic product of 5.7%. These updates come within the context of a 7% rise in inflation, putting it at its highest rate in 40 years. Biden called to raise the minimum wage to $15.
Biden highlighted that America ranks 13th in the world for infrastructure. Among some of the ways Biden suggested improving American infrastructure were: to begin fixing 65,000 miles of highway and 1,500 bridges in disrepair, and adding a network of 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: How Pa. pols reacted to President Joe Biden’s debut State of the Union speech
President Joe Biden offered a wide-ranging State of the Union address on Tuesday night, talking tough on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and calling for congressional authorization of his Build Back Better plan.
6ABC News: President Biden delivers first State of the Union address
He says that his plan is to unveil proposals to reinvest in American manufacturing. He also was expected to announce a proposal to reduce the burden of childcare and eldercare on workers.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: President Biden gives nod to Western Pa. steelworker to promote his jobs plan
Mr. Biden said the 369,000 manufacturing jobs added last year are “powered by people I’ve met like JoJo Burgess, from generations of union steelworkers in Pittsburgh, who’s here with us tonight.”
Mr. Burgess — a 20-year member of the United Steelworkers and Clairton Coke Works employee from Washington, Pa. — was one of eight people who joined first lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff in the viewing box.
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