Congresswoman Kathy Castor released the following statement regarding President Obama’s State of the Union address:

“President Obama is rightfully focused on jobs and the economy and reducing the long-term debt and deficit.

“The President was on target when he said that the biggest contest we face is not between Democrats and Republicans but between the United States and other nations across the globe. We are competing with other counties for jobs, so we must innovate and invest in our future right here in America.

“What that means in the Tampa Bay area is investing in the Ports of Tampa and Manatee, our first-class hospitals and research centers, our high-speed rail jobs initiative, the University of South Florida, our community colleges and our local students.

“Investing in education will be vital to our future prosperity and will prepare us to compete successfully across the globe.

“In Florida, economic recovery will be bolstered by Gulf Coast economic and environmental restoration. Our small businesses and tourism industry supply many of the jobs in our region. My guest tonight for the State of the Union address was Michael Stephens of Bama Sea Products in St. Petersburg. Michael understands how small businesses were affected by the BP Deepwater Horizon oil drilling blowout. For Michael and our other business owners, we must remain focused on the economic and environmental recovery from the BP oil disaster.

“Repairing Florida’s economy is clearly an area where we can work together, regardless of political party. I have proposed the Gulf Coast Economic and Environmental Restoration Act to direct 80 percent of the fines and penalties to be paid by BP to Gulf Coast states. Such a multibillion-dollar investment in the Gulf Coast region – including Tampa Bay – would provide a foundation for clean and healthy beaches, a pristine environment and a robust economic recovery.”