Issue Position: Build Resilient Infrastructure

Issue Position

A 21st Century infrastructure will improve our quality of life from removing toxins like lead and asbestos from our homes to connecting communities with high-speed rail, to affordable high-speed internet for everyone.

The American Society of Civil Engineers assigned the United States a D+ grade when assessing our conditions of roads, airports and other infrastructure elements

We need a $2 trillion investment in our energy, water and transportation systems

The Highway Trust Fund is facing a shortfall of $18 billion

The Federal Communications Commission estimates indicate that $40 billion in funding is necessary to complete broadband internet service deployment so that 98 percent of the country has access to high-speed, reliable broadband

VISION AND POLICY PRIORITIES
TRANSITION TO A 21ST CENTURY INFRASTRUCTURE TO TRANSFORM OUR ENERGY, WATER AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

Enact a comprehensive, bold infrastructure package that rebuilds our crumbling roads and bridges while also creating jobs, improving resiliency and investing in the green economy

Mandate local hiring in addition to raising the benchmark for locally prevailing wages in each area, increasing workers' paychecks

Target employment for those who have been systematically shut out of economic growth

Invest in and prioritize communities of color and women-owned businesses, cooperatives and employee-owned firms, and community-owned and municipal enterprises

ADDRESS THE NATIONAL CLEAN WATER CRISIS​

Our nation's water infrastructure continues to age and suffer from a lack of repairs, while new water quality challenges are emerging and localities are being asked to do more with less support from their federal government.

Fully fund the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds

Create a new grant program for the repair and service of household drinking water wells

Increase funding to Indigenous governments for water infrastructure

Provide funding for public schools to test and replace drinking water infrastructure

Provide grants to replace lead service lines serving households

ENSURE NATIONWIDE ACCESS TO RELIABLE, HIGH-SPEED INTERNET

Restore and protect Net Neutrality

Support the FCC's "E-Rate" program which invests in broadband internet in rural, small towns, and underserved urban schools

Auto-enroll low-income American's in the FCC's lifeline program to make internet access more affordable and provide grants for these families to afford home computers or laptops so that they have the tools they need to fully participate in the economy

Provide digital health tools for health care professionals and remove geographic barriers for patient treatment

Provide a 21st century education for our youth, giving them the digital skills they need for a brighter future

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