WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) announced that he will host former Connecticut State Representative Joe de la Cruz as his guest of honor for President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address tomorrow evening. As a union sheet metal worker and Vice President of Hillery Co., a metal fabricator and submarine supplier in Groton, Mr. de la Cruz has long been a leader in eastern Connecticut’s booming manufacturing sector. He has played an instrumental role in growing the region’s skilled workforce through his work in the State Legislature, and through his work with programs like the Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (MPI).

Mr. de la Cruz is also an active volunteer in helping local families and communities battle back against the opioid crisis and overcome addiction. He is a co-founder of Community Speaks Out, a non-profit organization that helps people and families struggling with opioid addiction to find treatment and recover. Mr. de la Cruz served as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives representing District 41 (Groton) from 2016 to 2022, and credits his motivation to combat the opioid crisis as his reason to run for state office.

“I am truly honored that Joe Courtney invited me as his guest to witness such an historic moment in our democracy,” said Joe de la Cruz. “The State of the Union not only refers to the present, but also lays out the path for our future. The President has proven his commitment to solving many issues in our country, and I look forward to hearing his plans for 2023. President Biden has supported the funding to keep the USA ahead of our competitors regarding the submarine program, and has been equally supportive helping solve our country’s overdose catastrophe. I believe the House is truly the most representative body in our Democracy, and cannot find the words to express how much Joe’s representation means to us here in Eastern CT.”

“Eastern Connecticut is at the tip of the spear when it comes to America’s manufacturing resurgence, and people like Joe de la Cruz are a big part of the reason why. I’m grateful for the chance to host him for tomorrow night’s State of the Union address,” said Rep. Courtney. “While our region has benefited from rising demand for submarine production, Joe has been at the center of making sure we can meet the moment. Not only does he have a lifetime’s worth of experience as a union sheet metal worker and Vice President of a critical submarine supplier, but he has also played a key role both in the Connecticut State Legislature and as a local employer in building up our region’s skilled manufacturing workforce. As if that weren’t enough, Joe is also a leader in helping our region battle back against the opioid epidemic. He turned personal tragedy into an inextinguishable motivation to help other families save their loved ones, and his work has helped people earn a second chance at healthy, fulfilling lives. I’ve been honored to work alongside him to advance both of these crucial efforts, and I’m looking forward to hosting him for tomorrow night’s address.”