Washington, DC – DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement following President Obama’s State of the Union address:

“Tonight, President Obama used his State of the Union address to offer an assessment of where we are as a nation, remind us of the obstacles we’ve overcome in recent years, and provide a vision of where our nation is headed.

“It was exactly six years ago that President Obama was sworn into office. He inherited an economy that had been losing 750,000 jobs per month, the housing market’s bubble had burst, and the auto industry was in danger of collapsing.

“Under President Obama’s leadership, we put an end to the trickle down policies that failed and restored an emphasis on middle class economics. We experienced our 58th straight month of private sector job growth. The unemployment rate is at its lowest point since 2008. The auto industry is thriving once again and millions more Americans have access to quality, affordable health care.

“Now, it is our responsibility to ensure that all Americans can share in our success. We need to ensure that middle class families have their shot at the American dream; where every American has the peace of mind to know that when they get sick, they have health insurance, can afford to send their child to college and to retire with dignity.

“Republicans need to stop stacking the deck in favor of corporations and the wealthiest among us and against working families looking to get ahead. Unfortunately, Congressional Republicans and the GOP’s 2016 hopefuls have shown little desire to work toward this goal. Instead of doubling down on failed, trickle-down economics that would reverse the progress we’ve seen, they should work with President Obama and Democrats in Congress to enact policies that put middle class families first.”