President Barack Obama addresses both houses of Congress tonight. The big policy news will be a new executive order requiring federal contractors to pay workers hourly wages of at least $10.10. The move could affect hundreds of thousands of workers. Last year the president proposed increasing the federal minimum wage to $9.00 per hour, but Senator Tom Harkin and other liberal Democrats argued for raising the wage to $10.10. Obama indicated his support for that wage level in November.

I will update this post later with highlights from tonight’s speech and reaction from Iowa’s Congressional delegation. Meanwhile, this thread is for any comments about the substance or the politics of the State of the Union address.

On a related note, I hope Treasury Secretary Jack Lew is right about the president refusing to negotiate with Congressional Republicans over raising the debt ceiling.

UPDATE: Click here for the full transcript of the president’s speech, as prepared. I’ve added some Iowa reaction after the jump.

Statement from Senator Chuck Grassley:

“The Constitution created three branches of the federal government and checks and balances among the branches that are fundamental to our strength as a nation.  Based on that, the President should use his pen and phone to build coalitions on Capitol Hill and sign legislation into law, not issue executive orders that Congress and the American people don’t support.

“The President spoke about inequality.  Congress and the President should find common ground and create economic growth that builds people up.  We ought to reform the tax code to close loopholes and give job creators the certainty and confidence to expand, hire and raise wages.  We can’t tax and spend our way to prosperity through government.

“The President should work with Congress to renew Trade Promotion Authority so we have more places around the world to export what we make and grow in Iowa and other states.

“The President should promote energy independence and new jobs by approving the Keystone Pipeline and faithfully executing the 2007 federal law that created the Renewable Fuel Standard.

“Together, we should strengthen the patent system to clear the way for entrepreneurs and inventors to create, innovate and grow minus the patent trolls who abuse the system with frivolous lawsuits.

“Washington should first try to get the most bang for the buck out of existing programs before rushing to create more.  For example, too many housing dollars go to executives and bureaucrats instead of people in need.  The IRS whistleblower office is limping along, when it could be helping to collect billions of tax dollars that are already due.  The Justice Department could criminally prosecute Wall Street executives who defraud consumers instead of settling for pennies on the dollar.  The IRS could make public disclosures from colleges and other major tax-exempt groups more readily available or maybe even require more disclosure in exchange for their tax exemption so executive perks and other spending that contributes to college costs receives scrutiny.

“If the President is willing to work with Congress, there are a number of areas where we can work together to create economic growth and get more from the taxpayer dollars already in the U.S. treasury.”

Statement from Senator Tom Harkin:

Harkin Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address

A fair wage and expanded access to quality education will strengthen the ladder of opportunity for all Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s fifth State of the Union address.  Harkin chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and is the Senate author of legislation to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 for all workers as well as legislation to expand early learning.

“Tonight the president outlined an agenda inspired by the values that make our country great, including the promise that if you work hard and play by the rules, you will have the opportunity to get ahead.  His proposals will resonate with working and middle class families in Iowa and across the country: increasing access to early education and quality, affordable health care; as well as new efforts to make college more affordable and to promote fair wages and retirement security in our country.

“I applaud President Obama’s bold plan to ensure that the federal government plays a strong role in promoting good jobs that pay fair wages.  I think most Americans would agree that taxpayer dollars should not support companies that pay poverty wages.  His Executive Order is a strong step in the right direction.  But as I’m sure the President would agree, this is only a first step.  Low-wage workers perform some of the most difficult and important jobs in our society.  They should not have to live in poverty, regardless of whether they are employed by a federal contractor or elsewhere in the private sector.  It is vitally important for Congress to pass my bill to raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 per hour, and to provide for automatic future increases so that minimum wage workers don’t fall behind again.

“I was encouraged to hear the President expand on his comments in last year’s address when he emphasized the importance of early learning.  Modern science teaches us that learning begins at birth, and the preparation for learning begins before birth. The investment we make as a nation in early learning will pay dividends for generations to come.  Not only did the President address the benefits of investing in early learning,  but also the realization that we must take action against  the increasing cost of college and the burden of student loan debt, which are putting the promise of higher education out of reach for far too many students.  I look forward to working with him on both initiatives.

“We know that creating opportunity means access to quality, affordable health care.  The more that Iowans and other Americans learn of the benefits and protections in the Affordable Care Act, the more they like it.  Approximately three million people have now enrolled in a private health insurance plan since October 1.  Millions more are enjoying historic benefits and protections.

“I also commend the President for recognizing that we are facing a retirement crisis.  The President is doing everything he can to make the system work better for middle class families, but he has limited tools.   That’s why, on Thursday, I will introduce comprehensive legislation that tackles the retirement crisis head-on by ensuring that every working person has the opportunity to earn a safe, portable, and secure pension.  The retirement crisis is too big to ignore, and it’s time for Congress to tackle the issue by rolling up our sleeves and getting to work.

“The agenda outlined this evening will strengthen the ‘ladder of opportunity,’ putting the American Dream in reach for all Americans.”

Statement from Representative Bruce Braley (D, IA-01):

– Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement on tonight’s State of the Union Address from President Obama:

“I wasn’t listening for Democratic or Republican values tonight, I was listening for Iowa values. I was pleased to hear the President challenge Congress to make this a year of action to create opportunity for all Americans. I agreed with the President about the need to support the middle class and directly address issues of economic fairness-particularly through common-sense solutions like raising a minimum wage whose purchasing power has dramatically declined. I was also relieved to hear emphasis on the need to help all of our veterans-including those in need of mental health services.

“However, I was disappointed there was no mention of certain issues that mean so much to our state-especially the Renewable Fuel Standard-a law that benefits our economy and moves us toward energy independence.  And while I agreed with the President on the need to continue the progress we’ve made on reducing our deficit, we need to hear more focus on specific proposals that will reduce spending and put us on a sustainable fiscal path.

“Ultimately speeches can help outline priorities but they’re no substitute for action. I’ll keep my focus on fighting for what Iowans need and will support or oppose any presidential initiative based on that factor.”

Statement from Representative Dave Loebsack (D, IA-02):

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after President Obama delivered the State of the Union address.

“My number one priority and the heart of what I have always fought for is to create jobs and grow the economy.  The middle class, and those looking to join the middle class, must have the tools and opportunity to pull themselves up and fulfill the American dream. As someone who grew up in poverty, I know the hard work and determination it takes to succeed.  I also know that without ladders of opportunity, hardworking families will continue to fall behind and young kids growing up like I did will watch the American Dream slip farther out of their reach. One way we can immediately help working families is by raising the minimum wage and I applaud the President for making it a priority, as I have been calling for.

“I also strongly back the President’s focus on expanding education, skills training and high-tech manufacturing. I have long pushed to ensure workers can receive the training they need to secure good jobs and employers have access to a workforce with the skills that are needed for them to expand, boost our economy, and out-compete the global competition. To get our country moving again, we have to work to reinvigorate our manufacturing base. We must put Iowans to work while maintaining and investing in the infrastructure that is critical to our communities’ well-being and economic development.

“What was not discussed enough tonight was the need to advance our rural communities and our renewable energy sector. Far too often these are left behind by Washington. Our rural economy and renewable energy sector have created good jobs and brought economic development to rural Iowa. Washington must also work to serve our veterans with the dignity and honor they deserve, including securing a good job when they return home after serving our country.

“Of course, none of these priorities will be possible if Congress doesn’t put aside the partisan gridlock and ideological divisions that have threatened our economy time and again. Iowans know how to work together to get things done. It’s far past time for Washington to learn from our great state and get to work on the real priorities of Iowa families and job creators. I look forward to working with the President and people on both sides of the aisle to move our country forward.”

Representative Steve King (R, IA-04) released a video statement:

Statement from Democratic Congressional candidate Staci Appel (IA-03):

Staci Appel, candidate for Congress in Iowa’s Third District, released the following statement after President Obama’s State of Union address:

“The President tonight rightfully called for action on the growing income disparity in America, including calling on Congress to raise the minimum wage and extend the social safety net for those still struggling to find jobs,” said Appel. “However, I would have liked to see President Obama recognize the immediate impact on existing jobs here in Iowa, by calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to reject possible changes to the ethanol blend requirements for gasoline.”

About Staci: Born and raised in Iowa, married for 17 years, mother to six kids and a former financial consultant, Staci Appel calls rural Ackworth, Iowa home. Staci took her deep Iowa roots, and her equally deep commitment to Iowa families to the State Senate in 2006 where she fought for Iowa’s backbone – middle-class families, farmers and small-business owners. During Staci’s time in the Iowa Senate, legislators took notice of her steadfast commitment to the people she served. Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal said, “I have never seen a freshman legislator come down to the capital and work as hard as Staci Appel.” That work included leadership on legislation like Iowa’s statewide smoking ban, pre-school for every 4 year old and championing the bill making Iowa the first state in the nation to require equal pay for equal work.

Statement from Democratic Congressional candidate Jim Mowrer (IA-04):

Boone, IA – Former Senior Pentagon official, Iraq War Veteran and 4th district congressional candidate Jim Mowrer released the following statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address responded with the following statement:

“There were many positive ideas the President spoke about tonight, however I wish that the President would have spent more time talking about how to find spending cuts and, in particular, finding efficiency in government.  I know we can cut waste without hurting essential services — this is something I have significant experience and success with from my time at the Pentagon and something that I would make a top priority when I’m in Congress.”

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Sam Clovis released his live-tweets of the president’s speech:

“The President claims economic success even in the face of a jobless recovery?”

“Bypassing the duly elected Congress to force your agenda is NOT leadership, Mr. President.”

“The President’s idea of “Leadership via Executive Order” sounds more like monarchy.”

“Recovery? Over 20 million Americans are still struggling for work.”

“The theme “I will work on my own” is becoming all too common in the State of the Union.”

“Energy policy? What are the odds the President will bring up Keystone Pipeline?”

“Gas prices have increased from $1.89 to $3.38. That’s the kind of energy policy we have seen under this President.”

“Fix our broken Immigration system? How about we Uphold the Rule of Law and secure our boarders?”

“Does a world class education include respect for homeschooling, Mr. President?”

“Millions of Americans have lost their doctors and their plans under Obamacare. That is NOT fixing healthcare.”

“Mr. President: I am for free market health care solutions.”

SECOND UPDATE: Democratic candidate Monica Vernon (IA-01) released this comment.

CEDAR RAPIDS – Cedar Rapids City Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tempore Monica Vernon commented on President Obama’s State of the Union address.

Vernon said, “I stand with the President in strongly advocating for things like raising the minimum wage, extending unemployment insurance benefits, providing equal pay for equal work and giving our kids a world class education.  Families deserve a fair shot at achieving economic security and success.  All of these actions would help us to build a stronger and fairer economy for the middle class and the opportunity to get ahead.”

She continued, “I’ve been working mom and small business owner and the President said it best when he said, ‘when women succeed, America succeeds.’  I couldn’t agree more.  I would only add that when women and families succeed, America succeeds.”

“It’s also time for Congress to move past the obstructionism of the Tea Party and do what is best for Americans.  We need a real conversation on economic security, climate policy and a jobs plan,” stated Vernon.

State Representative Walt Rogers, a GOP candidate in IA-01, released this statement:

Cedar Falls, Iowa – Iowa Congressional Candidate and State Representative Walt Rogers issued the following statement in response to the President’s State of the Union Address.

“There is an economic black cloud over our country and it’s called Obamacare. After five years, President Obama continues to be more focused on advancing his own ideologies instead of working with Congress to solve the problems our nation faces. Rather than finding common ground, the president is more interested in issuing executive orders and ignoring the voices of the American people. In order to add jobs and grow our economy we must embrace America’s energy potential, put an end to out-of-control spending, and restore transparency and accountability to Washington D.C.  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers said it best in last night’s Republican response:  our party remains focused on empowering Americans, not government.”

The only Republican state legislator currently serving from Black Hawk County, Walt Rogers was first elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 2010 by defeating an incumbent Democrat. Elected by his colleagues as an Assistant Majority Leader during his freshman term in office, Rogers was also chosen as one of only 15 state legislators nationwide for GOPAC’s Emerging Leaders Class of 2012; the following year Rogers was named one of four co-chairs of their Emerging Leaders Summit. Rogers serves on the Appropriations, Economic Growth, Education, and Transportation committees and is the Vice Chair of the Administration and Rules Appropriations Committee.

Rogers represents Iowa House District 60, which is comprised of much of west Waterloo and southern Cedar Falls, Hudson, and southwestern rural Black Hawk County.

Steve Rathje, another Republican candidate in IA-01, posted several Facebook updates about the speech last night:

The same business owners that Obama ‘says’ he wants to reduce taxes on, are the same business owners he ‘says’ aren’t paying their ‘fair’ share in taxes. How do you explain that Mr. President?

_______

Obama ‘says’ he wants to reduce taxes on business owners and bring jobs back home to America. Well, I have the same question for him I have for every other politician, which includes those hoping to one day represent us in Washington; “where’s the plan that depicts the constitutionally based solutions for actually getting it done?” Without one, it’s nothing but rhetoric, and I’m passed being tired of hearing it!

_________

The labor participation rate is the percent of Americans still in the workforce. The chart shows how many people have left the workforce, stopped looking for a job.

If it remained as high as it was in 2008, unemployment would be over 10%. This is the sleight of hand we are getting from the president.

Rod Blum, another Republican candidate in IA-01, had this reaction on Twitter:

Nothing in #SOTU about our $17+ trillion debt. Will we continue to mortgage our children’s future to satisfy our spending addiction?

Matt Whitaker, a GOP candidate for U.S. Senate, released a video response. He criticized Obama and Democratic Senate candidate Bruce Braley for failing to grow the U.S. economy, “spending money we don’t have,” and “Obamacare.” He argued that big government policies make inequality worse.

THIRD UPDATE: Senator Tom Harkin spoke with Radio Iowa on Tuesday night:

“After 40 years, I finally got mentioned in a State of the Union message,” Harkin told Radio Iowa after the speech, laughing. “Kind of nice.”

The president praised Harkin’s plan that would raise the national minimum wage to $10.10 an hour.

“I hope that his strong support for increasing the minimum wage just sort of sent a message to everyone that we have to get this done,” said Harkin, who announced a year ago he would not seek reelection in 2014.

Representative Tom Latham (R, IA-03) didn’t release a statement about the president’s speech but wasn’t impressed.

Congressman Tom Latham, a Republican from Clive, said he “heard a lot of platitudes” but nothing new from the president.

“I’m not sure what the speech actually was meant to accomplish,” Latham told Radio Iowa. “I thought it was more divisive than it was constructive as far as congress and the relationship with the White House.”