Local Lawmakers React To President's State Of The Union Address

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --  Members of our local Congressional delegation are reacting to the President's State of the Union address.

In a statement, Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey said, "Tonight President Obama delivered a forward looking, optimistic state of the union address that highlighted the progress our nation has made while acknowledging the substantial challenges we must confront in order to move the nation forward."

Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey released this statement: "Our country faces two great threats. First, our economy is growing too slowly. Second, the threat to our nation, our citizens, and our allies from violent islamist extremists is not waning. I am disappointed the president failed to provide a serious, meaningful plan for each of these challenges."

Wounded Pennsylvania State Trooper Alex Douglass was Senator Toomey's guest.  Authorities say Douglass was ambushed by shooting suspect Eric Frein outside the Blooming Grove Barracks in 2014. Another trooper, Corporal Bryon Dickson, was killed.

And 12-year-old Braeden Mannering of Bear, Delaware was among First Lady Michelle Obama's guests.
Mannering started a non-profit organization to provide food to homeless and low-income people.
He took action after attending a White House event to encourage children to improve their communities.