President Donald Trump earned generally high marks from business groups for his State of the Union address Tuesday, but some associations used the opportunity to urge lawmakers to enact a meaningful immigration overhaul and protect free trade agreements.

Trump spent a significant portion of the SOTU touting the strength of the U.S. economy. He also cited recent tax and regulatory changes while calling for a $1.5 trillion investment in infrastructure. Many association leaders welcomed the latter policy proposal in statements reacting to the speech.

"Public transportation is an essential component of our nation's infrastructure and increased investment is needed to fuel the economic growth the president lauded in his speech," American Public Transportation Association CEO Paul Skoutelas said. "APTA strongly urges President Trump to act on his proposal to dramatically improve our country's infrastructure, including public transportation."

Trump's comments on immigration also provoked reaction. Trump has favored restrictions on immigration to the U.S. and has been mired in finding a legislative solution for U.S.-raised children of illegal immigrants, called Dreamers. Most business groups support an immigration overhaul and allowing Dreamers to remain in the country.

"(T)he White House and Congress must find a way to break the stalemate over immigration in a way that drives job creation, protects American workers, and reflects our values as a nation of immigrants," TechNet CEO Linda Moore said. "This begins with finding a legislative solution for the Dreamers, but also includes reforms for our high-skilled immigration system."

The president also has threatened to pull the U.S. out of the North American Free Trade Agreement, saying in his speech that his administration "will work to fix bad trade deals and negotiate new ones." In particular, many farmers rely on NAFTA to stay in business.

"The NAFTA agreement is critical to the U.S. apple industry," U.S. Apple Association CEO Jim Bair said. "Since the agreement took effect, American apple growers have quadrupled and doubled their exports to Mexico and Canada, respectively. With a combined value of $430 million annually, these top two exporting countries represent a 46 percent share of U.S. apple exports."

A sample of association reactions to the SOTU:

Tom Donohue, CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
"We share the president's commitment to modernizing America's infrastructure and welcome his engagement on badly needed immigration reforms… However, the economic gains we're seeing from regulatory relief and tax reform could be erased if we do not stand up for and protect free, fair, and reciprocal trade around the world. It's clear that if the U.S. isn't leading on trade, we're falling behind."

Jay Timmons, CEO, National Association of Manufacturers
"The NAM and manufacturers across this country stand at the ready to work with leaders in Congress to advance a bold and ambitious agenda to rebuild our nation's broken infrastructure, upskill our workforce for modern manufacturing jobs, deliver further regulatory relief for the men and women who make things in America, and finally provide a pathway to legal status for those young immigrants who know no other country than ours."

Chuck Robbins, chair of Business Roundtable's immigration committee
"America's immigration system is broken and our leaders in Washington must address major challenges, including reforming the green card and work-based visa systems, addressing the undocumented and controlling our borders. First, President Trump and Congress must immediately enact a solution for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). This is both a moral and economic imperative for our country. Dreamers are hard-working students, employees and members of our armed forces who contribute a great deal to our economy and society."

Tim Pawlenty, CEO, Financial Services Roundtable
"Tax reform is already positively affecting communities across the country, but more work can be done to move us forward. The banking and payments industry will be a constructive partner to push regulatory modernization, housing finance reform, and infrastructure financing across the finish line."

Jack Gerard, CEO, American Petroleum Institute
"Promoting American infrastructure is critical to delivering the energy that Americans demand every day and will help our country further realize the benefits of natural gas and oil including cleaner air, more jobs, and economic growth. Private investment in U.S. energy infrastructure is a more than $1 trillion proposition and could support more than 1 million jobs per year through 2035."

Juanita Duggan, CEO, National Federation of Independent Business
"Following the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, President Trump reiterated his commitment to growing the economy by reducing costly regulatory burdens that have been plaguing small business. 2017 displayed a historic level of optimism among small business owners, and that is a direct reflection of the positive small business policies enacted over the last year."

Gary Shapiro, CEO, Consumer Technology Association
"An investment in infrastructure is not only necessary to move people and goods, it means we can be competitive in providing cutting-edge technologies that will make our cities and towns safer and more livable. Smart city technology will enable more efficient delivery of government services. And soon, self-driving vehicles will save countless lives and reduce congestion."

Hal Quinn, CEO, National Mining Association
"While plans are underway to spend more than $1 trillion for the nation's roads, bridges, transit and other projects, what is rarely recognized is that none of these projects are possible without the raw materials made available through mining. The first step taken in modernizing America's infrastructure is one that has no cost: modernizing our permitting processes."

Barry Russell, CEO, Independent Petroleum Association of America
"For the first time in nearly a decade, the United States, under President Trump's administration, has begun recognizing and utilizing our own energy resources as a strategic, American asset… Thanks in no small part to Congress lifting the ban on U.S. crude oil exports, our nation's energy security and its role as an energy leader are strengthening. In addition to the significant economic and trade advantages, the resurgence of energy production here at home is creating new, high-paying jobs for hardworking men and women from the well pad to the local car dealer and corner grocery store."

Richard Hunt, CEO, Consumer Bankers Association
"The tax reform legislation passed by Congress and signed by the president empowered American families, helped businesses drive economic growth, and allowed banks to increase wages and charitable donations as well as strengthen banking institutions. As Congress and the administration pursue the new policies proposals outlined tonight, we hope they are implemented in a way to bolster economic growth and are not paid for with punitive business taxes."

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