Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Representative Peltola releases statement following President Biden’s State of the Union Address
Washington,
February 8, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Representative Peltola releases statement following President Biden’s State of the Union Address February 8, 2023 Contact: Washington, D.C.— Representative Peltola attended President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union Address along with her invited guest A.J. “Joey” Merrick II, Business Manager & Secretary-Treasurer of the Alaska District Council of Laborers, Local 341. After the speech, she reacted with gratitude and reminded the President of the importance of Alaskan infrastructure. “I am grateful to be here on behalf of all Alaskans,” said Representative Peltola. “Witnessing the State of the Union is a tremendous honor. In Yupik culture, we have deep respect for the wisdom of elders, and President Biden has used his experience to achieve bipartisan successes over the past two years. However, there is much we still need to do. Alaska has not seen the same job growth that the rest of the country has enjoyed the past year, and vital projects like Willow are still awaiting decisions that could create thousands of good-paying jobs for Alaskan workers like the ones Joey represents. I will continue making the case for Willow and Alaskan workers to the Administration, making it clear that the state of our union depends on affordable American energy. As the President said, we are going to need oil and gas for at least another decade.” “I am honored that the Representative invited me as her guest,” Joey said. “On behalf of the workers I represent, I thank her for bringing our priorities to the Capitol, and for her zealous advocacy with the Biden Administration for projects like Willow. Her determination shows me that she is following through on her promises and delivering economic growth that brings jobs and opportunities to all Alaskans. President Biden and the Alaska Congressional delegation have made a once-in-a-generation investment in our infrastructure. By moving forward with Willow together, we can finish the job of getting Alaska’s economy back on track.” ### |