WASHINGTON, D.C. – In advance of President Obama’s State of the Union Address today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) previewed the speech during a news conference call. Brown also outlined his legislative priorities for the coming year.

“This speech is about laying the framework to ensure that America can continue to out-compete and out-innovate any country in the world,” Brown said. “After 12 straight months of private sector job creation, our economy is starting to show signs of recovery. But with too many Ohioans still struggling, it’s critical that we continue to revitalize Ohio manufacturing. We need to ensure that we create 21st century manufacturing jobs that allow Ohio producers to develop, commercialize, and export cutting-edge technologies. Innovation for Ohio’s economy means an environment where manufacturers and small businesses can hire new workers, expand operations, and compete with anyone through a level playing field for foreign trade and an aggressive export strategy. Tonight, as members of Congress cross the aisle to sit together and cross party lines, I am committed to working together on a bipartisan basis to advance economic development in Ohio.”

According to published reports, President Obama will describe five “pillars” for ensuring America's competitiveness and economic growth: innovation, education, infrastructure, deficit reduction, and reforming government. Brown will discuss his priorities and concern for each pillar:

  • Innovation: Brown’s top priority is creating jobs and creating an economic climate that ensures that U.S. manufacturers and small businesses can hire new workers, expand operations, and compete globally. Brown will discuss how he is working to ensure Ohio is a national leader in innovative technologies and entrepreneurial success, including proposals to promote clean energy manufacturing, spur the development of business incubators, match 21st century jobs to skilled workers, and support the success of new business ventures. He will also outline the components of a “National Manufacturing Strategy” that he has discussed with the Obama Administration and he will discuss his proposal to extend tax credits for clean energy manufacturing and promote business incubators. 
  • Education: In order to promote job creation and attract new employers to Ohio, Brown is working to ensure that federal workforce development initiatives help train workers for high-growth, regional industries. Brown will discuss his Strengthening Employment Clusters to Organize Regional Success (SECTORS) Act, which would support the development of specialized workforce training programs at two-year colleges to meet the regional workforce needs of emerging industries. The bipartisan legislation addresses the disparity between high unemployment rates and a shortage of skilled workers for many emerging industries. Brown will also discuss efforts to promote college affordability, protect students against unfair lending practices, and promote science and math education.
  • Infrastructure: Brown has held more than 160 community roundtable discussions in Ohio – including at least one in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. At nearly every roundtable, he’s heard – from business leaders, mayors, and economic development groups – about the importance of infrastructure in attracting employers and promoting economic growth. Brown will discuss his Clean Water Affordability Act, which would protect communities from large rate hikes, and his efforts to create a National Infrastructure Bank.
  • Deficit Reduction: Brown is a strong supporter of efforts to reduce the deficit, but believes the budget should not be balanced on the backs of seniors.  Brown will discuss ways to reduce the deficit – including leading by example through a congressional pay freeze, reducing health care costs, and expanding federal revenue by increasing manufacturing output – while fighting efforts to cut Medicare or raise the retirement age for Social Security.
  • Reforming Government: Brown will discuss efforts to promote more bipartisanship in Congress. Brown will sit with his colleague Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) during the State of the Union Address. He will also discuss his bipartisan work with Republican members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation. Brown will also discuss government reform efforts. Tomorrow, he will cosponsor legislation that would repeal the automatic pay raise that Members of Congress receive each year.

###