LANSING — Hours ago, the U.S. Senate passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a $1.2 trillion package that invests in a sweeping range of infrastructure improvements, from repairing our roads, to replacing lead water pipes and expanding broadband access. It’s the largest federal resource allocation for these sectors in almost a century.
However, and despite the bill passing with a “wide bipartisan majority” of 69-30, all nine Republican Michigan gubernatorial candidates – including James Craig, Garrett Soldano and Tudor Dixon – have so far refused to support it.
The positive impact the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act would have on Michigan should it reach President Biden’s desk cannot be understated. As MDP just pointed out, Michigan can expect the following dedicated investments totaling roughly $9 billion over the next five years:
- $7.3 billion for highway repairs
- $563 million for bridge replacement
- $1 billion for public transportation improvements
- $110 million to expand Michigan’s charging network for electric vehicles
- $100 to provide broadband coverage and help low-income households afford internet
Additionally, Michigan would be eligible to compete and apply for a number of programs disbursing $31 billion of additional funding to all of the above categories.
“The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act would bring crucial funding to states and create a significant amount of good-paying union jobs. That’s a fact even Senate Republicans couldn’t ignore in the face of a huge opportunity to deliver a win for their constituencies rather than stick to their usual obstructionist games,” said Rodericka Applewhaite, MDP spokesperson. “It’s unfortunate that the same can’t be said for a single one of the nine Republicans currently running for Michigan governor. It isn’t surprising that this out-of-touch crop of candidates refused to set partisanship aside to applaud a huge win for our state. However, Michiganders still deserve to know where they stand on this bill and what their plan is to invest in our roads, bridges, and public transportation. Since her term began, Governor Whitmer has prioritized improving these key infrastructure sectors to keep our economy going strong, improve the livelihoods of our working families, and keep Michigan first.”
