Indianapolis Business Journal: “At the federal level, it was refreshing to see a bipartisan approach that resulted in a responsible spending bill, rather than partisan bickering and frustrating gridlock.”
Every single Indiana Republican in Congress voted “NO” on broadband, roads and bridges, clean water — calling it “socialism”
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Democratic Party, the organization that advocates for the future of Indiana and its families, today praised the impact President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure and Jobs Act would have on the future of Indiana and its families. Hoosiers are learning about how the Democrats are delivering for them ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, and it includes investments in broadband expansion ($100 million), road and bridges ($7 billion), and clean water infrastructure ($751 million). Indiana Democrats like U.S. Congressmen André Carson and Frank Mrvan are building a better tomorrow for Hoosier families, and INDems look forward to campaigning on The Jobs Act and American Rescue Plan for 2022 (and beyond).
In fact, the Indianapolis Business Journal described the bipartisan collaboration for The Jobs Act as “refreshing” and a turn of the page from the “partisan bickering and frustrating gridlock” Hoosiers see in Washington, D.C.
But, this does not include the Indiana Republican Party. Elected officials like Todd Young, Victoria Spartz, and Jackie Walorski view clean water, broadband, and roads and bridges as “socialism” – despite campaigning on these very issues. Not one Indiana Republican in Congress supported The Jobs Act, and instead, resorted to old and tired excuses that are embedded with extreme partisanship, misinformation, and political hypocrisy. Republicans proved once again to Hoosiers that they are betting against Indiana’s future, and their choice to abandon families will be a hallmark message Democrats will carry through the 2022 and 2024 elections.
Here’s a look at what Hoosiers are reading ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday:
Indianapolis Business Journal: Editorial: Infrastructure bill is a win for Indiana and the nation
“Last week’s hard-fought passage of the $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure package is a win for the nation and for Indiana.
The state stands to gain nearly $9 billion to accelerate improvements to roads, bridges, water systems, ports and broadband, sorely needed infrastructure upgrades the government has long neglected.
The money, distributed over the next five years, will gin up Indiana’s construction economy, help the state preserve its standing as a transportation and logistics hub, and give more rural communities greater access to broadband commerce and remote job opportunities.” […]
“At the federal level, it was refreshing to see a bipartisan approach that resulted in a responsible spending bill, rather than partisan bickering and frustrating gridlock.
The bill approved by Congress certainly isn’t as expansive as President Joe Biden’s initial $2.3 trillion proposal—and that’s a good thing.” […]
“…we found it hard to argue against a measure that will address so many long-standing infrastructure needs. It was also difficult to understand why at least some Republican members of Indiana’s 11-member congressional delegation didn’t vote for the measure when national GOP leaders such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell found value in it.” […]
“…And as ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new construction projects across the state are held, Republicans will find themselves in the awkward position of having to explain why they voted against the federal funding.”
IndyStar: New details on what Indiana will get from Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure bill
“Following the president’s stamp of approval on the long-awaited infrastructure bill, the White House released a more detailed breakdown of what the bill may deliver for Indiana.” […]
“Federal highway formula funding for highways and bridges: $7 billion
This is a 30% increase over current federally apportioned funding for repair and rebuilding of highways and bridges. Indiana typically receives about $1 billion a year in formula funding for roads and bridges, according to INDOT, but this bill allocates an extra $200 million in the first year, with incremental increases each year after. About 75% of that original appropriation will stay with INDOT for state projects, and the other 25% will go to cities, towns and counties for local projects.” […]
“Improving public transit options: $673 million
This is a 32% increase over current federal funding for improving healthy, sustainable transportation options, such as replacing old transit vehicles.” […]
“Electric vehicle charging infrastructure: $100 million or more
The Surface Transportation Block Grant Program expanded to include electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects. Through this formula funding, Indiana will receive $100 million. The bill also has a new competitive grant program with $2.5 billion available to help communities deploy this infrastructure, which is expected to launch within the next year.”
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