Statement of Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Presidetn A. Shuanise Washington on State of the Union address

WASHINGTON - A. Shuanise Washington, president and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) today released the following statement on President Barack Obama's State of the Union address.

"The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) shares President Obama's optimism and concurs that this will be a breakthrough year for America. By working together in a bipartisan manner, legislators, business owners, educators, local leaders and everyday Americans can all contribute to the betterment of our country. In 2014, we are poised to strengthen the middle class, build new ladders of opportunity for the next generation, ensure quality health care and most importantly, create more and better employment opportunities.

"President Obama's speech was a clear call to action. His decisive action to increase the minimum wage paid to federal contractors and low-wage workers, policy to invest in our infrastructure and calls to guarantee access to a world-class education for all Americans were major touch points of the President's message and of particular importance to African Americans.

"CBCF is committed to continuing to support communities nationwide by developing research and programs to eradicate the social, economic, health and educational disparities that plague African Americans and other underserved populations as well as its public outreach efforts in encouraging civic participation. We invite those who share a sense of common purpose and these values to join us."