The American Jobs Plan: The Need for Action in Indiana

Indiana’s entire Republican Congressional delegation has called for broadband expansion, majority within the last month alone

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Democratic Party, the organization that advocates for the future of Indiana and its families, today began a public campaign about why Indiana needs President Joe Biden’s American Jobs Plan (AJP) and why the entire Indiana Congressional Delegation should support it. To start, the AJP would extend broadband access to Hoosiers across Indiana, including the 16-percent of households that do not have internet service. Further, about 12.4-percent of households do not have quality broadband service and nearly half of all Hoosiers only have one broadband service provider. 

This is why the Indiana Democratic Party supports the American Jobs Plan. On top of providing quality, affordable, high-speed internet service to more Hoosiers, the AJP would create numerous good-paying jobs, rebuild Indiana’s roads and bridges, and set up our nation to outcompete China in the future. Democrats are ready to get to work and responsibly get things done for all Hoosiers — regardless of politics. 

Indiana Democrats believe this is the time for the Indiana Republican Party to do the same. Already, many Republicans have come out in favor of expanding broadband services to Hoosiers — most recently Senator Mike Braun, who just last week labeled broadband access as an issue that’s “most concerning” for voters. Opposing the American Jobs Plan would mean Indiana Republicans are putting their negative partisanship ahead of getting things done for Indiana and its communities. 

Here’s a look at what the Indiana’s Republican Congressional Delegation has said in the (recent) past about broadband access:

U.S. Senator Todd Young

The Columbus Republic: “Another employee question came from Trenton Ford, who asked Young what he thought of the Biden administration’s $2 trillion infrastructure bill known as the American Jobs Plan.

Young said the proposed bill calls for advancements he supports such as broadband internet expansion, upgrades for roads and bridges and improving ports and waterway systems.” [April 2, 2021]

U.S. Senator Mike Braun

WLFI: “[Mike Braun] says there are three issues that are concerning Hoosiers the most. Rural Broadband, affordable housing, and the workforce” [April 7, 2021]

U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski

Facebook Post: “Providing rural broadband to all Hoosiers is long overdue. It’s time to bridge the digital divide to provide more opportunities across the state.” [February 22, 2021]

U.S. Congressman Jim Banks

Fort Wayne Journal Gazette: “Third District Congressman Jim Banks wants Gov. Eric Holcomb to spend some of the unspent federal pandemic aid to improve access to affordable high-speed broadband.” [November 11, 2020]

U.S. Congressman Jim Baird

Kokomo Tribune: “He also favors the infrastructure of rural broadband. In the agriculture committee, ‘we’re very interested in rural broadband,’ said Baird.” [April 8, 2021]

U.S. Congresswoman Victoria Spartz

Farmworld: “Spartz is focusing in part on things that will “empower” agriculture: rural broadband and good infrastructure.” [April 14, 2020]

U.S. Congressman Greg Pence

Greenfield Reporter: “Pence made his visit in search of feedback as Congress prepares what he called a “flood of federal dollars” coming for enhancing broadband telecommunications throughout the country. ‘What we’re going to champion is — let’s deliver it to rural,’ Pence said.” [March 31, 2021]

U.S. Congressman Larry Bucshon 

Facebook Post: “Had a great time this morning catching up with Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. Appreciate her tremendous leadership on so many issues – from mental health to rural broadband expansion – that are important to Hoosiers!” [April 6, 2021]

U.S. Congressman Trey Hollingsworth

Twitter Post: IN09 has been fighting for stronger rural broadband + connectivity because of how vital it is for education, healthcare, farming, and business success. I look forward to the boost this @USDA loan will give our efforts to connect all to highspeed internet→” [October 7, 2019]

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