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What Indiana students, lawmakers thought of President Trump's State of the Union address

Posted at 8:04 AM, Jan 31, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-31 16:47:28-05

INDIANAPOLIS -- President Donald Trump gave his first State of the Union address Tuesday night, to mixed reactions across Indiana.

The University of Indianapolis hosted a watch party on campus for students to attend and see the speech.

"I think President Trump did a great job," Calleigh Smith said. "I think he hit some major high points. I think professionally he did better than he had in talks in the past."

Prominent Indiana figures also released statements on what they thought of Trump's speech.

Rep. Todd Rokita (R-Ind. 4th District): 

“President Donald Trump put forth an American First agenda to build a safer, stronger, and prouder country. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the forgotten men and women of this country have a voice in the White House and I’m proud to be an ally to drain the swamp and make our nation great again.”

Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.): 

“I’m pleased that President Trump spoke about continuing the economic growth that our country has enjoyed for the last several years, but we have more work to do to ensure every Hoosier who wants a job has one, to prevent the outsourcing of American jobs, and to realign our trade policies to benefit hardworking men and women across our country. There are a lot of pressing challenges facing our country, and I look forward to working in a bipartisan manner to: address the opioid epidemic, which is in desperate need of a more robust federal response; repair and upgrade our nation’s infrastructure; and implement a comprehensive strategy to effectively counter the dangerous threat posed by North Korea.”

Rep. Luke Messer (R-Ind. 6th District): 

“2017 was a great year! We delivered on several of President Trump’s key agenda items and tonight he laid out another bold, optimistic vision for 2018. Under President Trump’s leadership, unemployment is at record lows, the economy is booming, and Hoosier workers are keeping more of their paychecks. I look forward to continue working with the President to keep delivering for Hoosiers.”

Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind. 7th District): 

“Despite my deep misgivings about President Trump’s campaign for president, I entered his first year in office ready to work together for solutions to critical problems facing all Americans. I was deeply disappointed that rather than working across the aisle, he pursued a series of policies that abandoned the middle-class, seniors, children, and immigrants. He enacted a tax law that left behind the middle-class in favor of millionaires and billionaires. He disrupted our health insurance markets, leaving millions of Americans unsure how they will access affordable health care in the near future. His unrestrained tweeting and self-aggrandizing rhetoric played on our national divisions and ostracized our allies around the world.  The state of our union has suffered because of his irresponsible governance. Tonight’s speech did little to repair the damage of the last year. However, I continue to believe that working together is the best way to move our country forward. President Trump and I agree on the job creation and economic development potential we could see from an infrastructure investment package. In Indiana, where crumbling roads and bridges cost the average Hoosiers $272 per year in repairs, this package could mean more good paying jobs and more money in their pockets.  I hope to work with the President to bring forward a well-balanced proposal early this year. With over 59,000 overdose deaths in 2016, including over 1,500 in Indiana, we agree on the need to tackle the opioid crisis. I applauded his decision to formally name it a national health emergency and to get the chance to vote for legislation to give the funding it deserves. Affordable community health care continues to be a top priority for countless low-income neighborhoods across our country. Despite allowing Community Health Centers to lapse, I’m hopeful that my Republican colleagues will work with us to bring return to our long track record of funding these centers. No matter how much I disagree with the President’s ideology, policies, and approach to the presidency, I remain committed to working with anyone who has the best interests of my constituents and the American people at heart. I will continue to encourage the President and my Republican colleagues to return to our traditional, non-partisan approach to many of the issues facing our country. But, as through the last year, I will stand firmly opposed to any effort that will hurt those I represent or further divide our nation. Now is the time for unity, not division.

Indiana GOP Chairman Kyle Hupfer: 

“In just one year’s time, Hoosiers are already seeing the benefits of the strong leadership that President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are bringing to Washington. As a direct result of President Trump’s tax cuts, for example, Hoosiers throughout the state will start to see larger paychecks in the coming weeks, while companies like FedEx are choosing to expand here and give raises and bonuses to their Hoosier workforce. Today the state of our union is strong, with President Trump and our Republican team in Congress tackling the biggest issues facing our nation today – from protecting America from threats around the world to building our nation’s critical infrastructure here at home. Tonight, President Trump laid out a clear vision for continuing to help build better lives for all Americans. For this progress to continue, it’s critical that we send President Trump and Vice President Pence the team they need to deliver this bold agenda to the American people. In November, Hoosiers will have the opportunity to fire Democrat Joe Donnelly – who consistently votes against President Trump – and replace him with a leader who will help the president reform Washington.”

The Indiana GOP also hosted four watch parties across the state in Lowell, Martinsville, Anderson and Indianapolis. More than 40 Hoosiers attended the party at the Indiana GOP headquarters, including more than 20 students from UIndy and IUPUI. 

The Indiana RNC issued the following statement.

“At the State of the Union watch party at Indiana GOP headquarters, Hoosiers were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about what President Trump had to say. From college students to GOP activists and volunteers in attendance, the excitement around the President’s first year accomplishments and upcoming agenda were second to none. The President’s unifying message resonated with our crowd and Hoosiers are ready for Congress to work together and continue to move our country forward.” –RNC Spokesperson Michael Joyce

MORE STATE OF THE UNION COVERAGE | Checking President Trump's State of the Union facts | Trump delivers first State of the Union after divisive year | Melania Trump arrived at State of the Union separately from the President | State of the Union: Immigration tops the list of issues for Trump's speech
 

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