Washington, DC—Below is a statement by U.S. Conference of Mayors President Columbia (SC) Mayor Steve Benjamin in response to President Trump’s State of the Union:

“The nation’s mayors agree with President Trump that passing an infrastructure bill is not an option, it is a necessity.  Given that cities are where 85 percent of Americans live, mayors see firsthand every day the impact that our crumbling infrastructure has on our nation and the quality of life for our residents.

“Recently, a group of bipartisan mayors met with President Trump at the White House to discuss our infrastructure priorities.  We shared with him our five-point plan that focuses on the pressing needs around transportation, water, energy and community development, along with real tax reform for local infrastructure investment.

“There is no doubt that our country is stronger when we set aside our partisan differences and work together toward the common good.  We welcome the opportunity to continue our conversation with the White House and Congress as we get to work on a plan that benefits all Americans.”