Local Congresswoman Cheri Bustos was in attendance last night for President Barack Obama’s final State of the Union address.
The East Moline Democrat tells WGIL she was “encouraged” by what she heard from the Commander-in-Chief.
“I think the President was as hopeful and aspirational as I have heard him in the four State of the Union’s that I have been able to sit in the house chamber and listen to.”
Bustos says the President touched on a number of topics significant for Illinois including manufacturing, clean energy, wind and solar tax credits, student loan debt and relinquishing the trade embargo with Cuba.
“I just went to Cuba within the last couple of months here,” says Bustos. “The President talked about opening up trade and lifting the embargo with Cuba. I think there are some tremendous opportunities for our family farmers, for John Deere, for Caterpillar.”
Bustos is referring to her October trip with Republican Congressman Rodney Davis. The two have sought to open up an office in Cuba, specific to Illinois Agriculture.
Bustos was joined in session last night by Gary Halbach, President and CEO of “Remedies Renewing Lives”–a Rockford based non-profit. Each member of congress was allotted a guest for the President’s annual address.
