Last night, President Barack Obama issued the annual State of the Union speech. The president confidently took the podium at the joint session of Congress and delivered perhaps the most enthusiastic, impassioned state of the union of his second term.

Themes of equality permeated the speech. He focused quite a bit on middle class economics – raising minimum wage (“To everyone in this Congress who still refuses to raise the minimum wage, I say this: If you truly believe you could work full-time and support a family on less than $15,000 a year, go try it. If not, vote to give millions of the hardest-working people in America a raise”), free community college, creating and filling high tech jobs, sick leave and child care.

On one hand, Obama seemed open and willing to work with the Republican-majority Congress, saying, “There are a lot of good people here, on both sides of the aisle. And many of you have told me that this isn’t what you signed up for…Imagine if we broke out of these tired old patterns. Imagine if we did something different.” However, he also made several threats to use his veto powers. For the full speech, see the video above.

Since the conclusion of the State of the Union, a number of politicians from Indiana have weighed in on the president’s speech.

Congressman Marlin Stutzman wrote: “When President Obama first ran for the White House he promised to put partisanship aside and bring real change to Washington. He has had many opportunities to do so including tonight, but I am afraid he has missed that opportunity once again.

“The American people do not want a bigger government, more regulations, or higher taxes. Instead they want common sense conservative solutions that will grow our economy so more working families have the opportunity to climb the economic ladder of success. The president’s plan to raise taxes and increase spending is nothing but pure politics, bad policy, and it will hurt our continued recovery.

“Republican majorities in both the House and the Senate heard the voters loud and clear this past November. As a result, we will put forward solutions to stimulate the job market, reform healthcare, expand choice in education, secure our borders, and strengthen our military. It is time for Washington to put politics aside and promote an agenda that keeps America strong both at home and abroad.”

Representative Jackie Walorski stated: Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02) made the following statement in response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address:

“The president and I have two very different visions for the future of this country. His vision is an idea of higher taxes on hardworking Americans, burdensome government regulations, higher spending, and a reckless national defense that further endangers our country.

“My vision is one I share with my constituents and Americans across the country – they want a future that empowers people, not Washington, D.C. Our vision is lower taxes, less government intrusion and the strongest military to protect America. We want a balanced budget, not taxes on hardworking people and higher spending.  We want our country, and our Commander in Chief, to lead on national security. Whether it’s ensuring America’s veterans receive the benefits they deserve, strengthening our national defense and military, or making sure hungry kids have food to eat, these are the priorities I have, and will continue to fight for on behalf of my constituents.”

For additional Hoosier responses to the State of the Union, check out this post on Inside INdiana Business.