WI AFL-CIO Statement on Senate Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan

(August 10, 2021, MILWAUKEE, WI) -- Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, released the following statement on Senate passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021:

“Wisconsin workers can celebrate as the U.S. Senate passes a historic $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill to transform our infrastructure and create millions of good paying union jobs. This bill will put Americans to work building and upgrading our roads, railways, highspeed internet capabilities, water infrastructure, public transit systems, utilities and more. Passing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in the Senate is the first step toward enacting President Biden’s Build Back Better economic agenda designed to boost economic growth, raise wages, support working families and transform America for the better for generations to come.

It is deeply unfortunate that Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson is so out of touch with the needs of Wisconsinites that he voted against the bipartisan infrastructure deal supported by Americans on both sides of the aisle that will bring family-supporting jobs to our state and country.

According to a recent White House report, Wisconsin will receive over five billion dollars in federal funds for needed infrastructure projects through this historic investment in America. Wisconsin received a "C" grade in the 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers' infrastructure report card with our roads and public transit individually earning a D+ rating. We look forward to revamping and upgrading our infrastructure and furthering the support network for working families with House passage of both the bipartisan infrastructure deal and the $3.5 trillion budget resolution. We call on Congress to capitalize on this momentum for progress by passing the rest of the widely popular Build Back Better agenda, including the American Families Plan and the pro-worker Protecting the Right to Organize Act.

By investing in our local communities across America, we invest in our future, create jobs, and lay the foundation for a better life for all.”