Rep. Jim Renacci (OH-16) tonight released the below statement following President Obama’s State of the Union address:

“The strong economy the President described tonight drew a stark contrast with the harsh economic realities that hardworking individuals and families in Ohio’s 16th district continue to face. The President’s health care law is raising costs, cancelling plans, and turning full-time work into part-time work for too many. Higher taxes and increased federal regulations are stifling our small businesses and preventing them from growing. Our labor force continues to shrink and the participation rate is the lowest it’s been since 1978.

“I was encouraged to hear the President mention the need for tax reform and an all-of-the-above energy policy; however, his proposals lacked substance. I was disappointed that the President failed to address our growing $17 trillion debt, which is threatening the very future of this country, and did not acknowledge our seniors or the Social Security and Medicare programs that they rely on. Lastly, I was troubled by the President’s stated intention to circumvent Congress, which represents a disregard for the legislative process outlined in our Constitution.

“At a time when we are facing serious challenges, it is more important now than ever that Congress and the President work together. It has been done successfully in a divided government before, and we can do it again. In order to put our nation on the path to a long-lasting recovery, we must enact policies that will rein in excessive spending, address deficit reduction in a meaningful way, and reduce unnecessary federal regulations that continue to stand in the way of job creation.

“I look forward to working with the President and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to restore economic stability so that we may pass on a better America with more opportunities to future generations.”