LI delegation reacts to State of the Union

Reactions to the State of the Union Address:

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.):

"Tonight, the president called on Congress to act on bipartisan common-sense ideas and for the American people to hold us accountable. It is clear the American people are demanding action on a balanced approach to the economy and putting the middle class first . . . These should not be Democratic or Republican ideas, they are simply the right ideas."

Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford):

"Unfortunately, the president ignored continued high unemployment and out-of-control deficits and chose instead to propose more federal programs and more federal spending. This speech was a missed opportunity and a real disappointment."

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola):

"Tonight, President Obama laid out clear and common-sense ways to grow our economy -- from the middle out, not the top down -- and to reduce gun violence, among other tough challenges. The ball is now in Congress's court. Legislators need to do what they were elected to do and work with our president to move our country forward."

Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington):

"The president laid out his vision for a safer, more inclusive and prosperous America. The priorities he highlighted -- to create jobs and grow the middle class, as well as protect our families by reducing gun violence and cut the deficit while preserving our social safety net -- are priorities that are important to Long Island and our country on the whole."

Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton):

"Growing the middle class is the key to growing our economy, so I appreciate the President's focus on expanding opportunity through improving education and infrastructure while taking a balanced approach to deficit reduction."

Sen. Charles Schumer
(D-N.Y.):

"The President focused squarely on the middle class and appealed to the average American. He talked about education, gun safety and immigration, but most of all, jobs. The President's proposals will help put the middle class on a renewed path to prosperity and make our country safer. They deserve a vote, and they deserve our support."