For Immediate Release:

November 15, 2021

CONTACT: Michael Beyer, mbeyer@ohiodems.org, 504-307-7154

ODP Statement On President Biden Signing Historic Infrastructure Investment And Jobs Act Into Law

Columbus, OH — Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters released the following statement today after President Biden signed the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law, which will create jobs in Ohio and provide critical investments for infrastructure projects around the state. Today would not be possible without the work of President Biden, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, and Ohio’s Democratic congressional delegation to negotiate this landmark infrastructure bill.

“Thanks to President Biden, Senator Brown, and Ohio’s Democratic congressional delegation for this once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure that will create good-paying jobs in Ohio. This bipartisan plan will invest in roads, bridges, water pipes, and high-speed internet, bring back jobs from overseas, and help America compete with countries like China that threaten our economy. The infrastructure plan is a huge win for Ohio, and despite opposition from GOP politicians, will make a meaningful difference in the lives of working Ohioans,” said Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters.

BACKGROUND:

Thanks to Senator Brown and Ohio’s Democratic congressional delegation, Ohio is set to receive new infrastructure funding:

  • Ohio is expected to receive $9.2 billion for highways and $483 million for bridge replacement and repairs. [White House, 8/4/21]
  • Ohio is expected to receive $1.2 billion to improve public transit. [White House, 8/4/21]
  • Ohio is expected to receive $100 million in broadband funding, including providing high-speed internet access to the at least 259,000 Ohioans who lack it. [White House, 8/4/21]
  • Ohio is expected to receive $1.4 billion over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state. [White House, 8/4/21]
  • Ohio is expected to receive approximately $253 million for infrastructure development for airports. [White House, 8/4/21]

Thanks to Senator Brown and Ohio’s Democratic congressional delegation, the bipartisan infrastructure bill includes huge wins for Ohio:

  • Headline: Federal infrastructure bill could breathe new life into Brent Spence Bridge project [WKRC, 11/5/21]
  • The bipartisan infrastructure bill includes the strongest Buy American language ever in federal law. [Star Beacon, 11/11/21]
  • Lake Erie will benefit from $1 billion in new funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. [Toledo Blade, 11/9/21]
  • Amtrak’s CEO named Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus as cities for passenger rail expansion thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure bill. [Dayton Daily News, 11/8/21]

Leading GOP senate candidates to replace Senator Portman have opposed this deal:

  • Headline: Republican Ohio candidates bash infrastructure bill championed by the senator they want to succeed, Rob Portman [Cleveland.com, 8/11/21]
  • Headline: Toledo Leaders Slam Republican Senate Candidates for Attacking Infrastructure Bill [Truth Toledo, 9/2/21]