Local Views on State of the Union

The president will play up "the American dream" and bringing back the middle class in his speech Tuesday.  Democrats believe it can be done by adding jobs in manufacturing and energy, but republicans don't think more government is the answer. 

“You look around there are businesses and buildings closed everywhere,” said Kathy Valenzuela, a Fresno woman currently looking for work.  She thinks economic recovery has been slow, at best, in Fresno.  The former bookkeeper has been looking for work for seven months.

Even though Obama has added three million jobs added in the last two years, Valenzuela says she isn't feeling the uptick.

“I don't think there's been any jobs added here, maybe a few, but I haven't noticed it,” said Valenzuela.

Congressman Jim Costa, a democrat representing the 20th district, wants to hear Obama's plan to fix the problem's plaguing the Central Valley.

“To insure we have sustainable jobs, to focus on foreclosures that have been far, far higher than the national norm,” said Rep. Costa.

According to county recorder Paul Dictos, 400 homes are foreclosed on every month in Fresno County.  But republican Congressman Devin Nunes doesn't believe government is the answer.  Instead he wants to focus attention on specific needs.

“Secure water supply.  That is the number one pressing need.  Secondarily we have infrastructure needs, especially the main arteries through the San Joaquin Valley, including highway 99,” said Rep. Nunes.

Obama believes economic recovery will come with more manufacturing jobs and green energy.  Those hurting in Fresno say they need relief now.

“Just get us some more jobs, somehow,” said Valenzuela.

Obama will also talk about how all American troops are currently out of Iraq, something republicans fear is a dangerous move.