(BLACK PR WIRE) (January 28, 2010) WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Representative Calvin Smyre (GA), President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL), issues the following statement regarding the State of the Union Address.
In last nights State of the Union Address, President Barack Obama addressed the events of the past year and laid out a compelling vision for carrying the Nation forward.
NBCSL lauds the Presidents commitment to assist the Nations middle class by increasing educational and employment opportunities; providing resources to small businesses; and building the necessary infrastructure to address climate change. 

Although much has been accomplished, it is necessary to enact true reforms that benefit the American people on a tangible level. For over the past decade, the middle class has faced stagnant wages coupled with increasing expenses for housing, education and healthcare. These difficulties have been heightened by the economic crisis of 2009. It is imperative that we provide assistance to the middle class of this Nation; they have been neglected for far too long. 

The frustrations faced by many threaten to unravel the political framework of our country. In that spirit, it is important that we support the Presidents plea for the restoration of bipartisanship in the political process. Now is the time for a ceasefire in the political warfare mentioned in the Presidents remarks. How we respond to the current setbacks will define us as a nation going forward. We must reposition ourselves to address issues that have been placed on the back burner. The difficulties facing this Nation as a whole cannot be resolved in a climate of cynicism and intransigence. We must all work together across party, ideological and even economic lines to forge workable solutions to the crises facing our states, cities and all citizens. 

ABOUT NBCSL
The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) is a membership association representing more than 600 African American state legislators hailing from 42 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. NBCSL members represent more than 50 million Americans of various racial backgrounds. NBCSL monitors federal and state activity and provides this information to its members through policy symposiums and conferences. Each year, NBCSL members pass policy resolutions that directly impact federal and state policy. NBCSL focuses on issues that directly impact US domestic policy and is committed to policies that positively affect all Americans.