RLC Weekly: An Agenda With Action

October 20, 2023
In The News

Dear Colleagues,

Further evidence that the Investing in America agenda is working was on display across the country this week. The Regional Leadership Council (RLC) continues to ensure the transformational investments made possible by House Democrats are reaching the communities that need them the most. Here are some of the highlights:

Driving American Innovation

RLC Leader Rep. Robin L. Kelly (IL-02) hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in in Kankakee, IL, to discuss how the Investing in America agenda is supporting local farmers and investing in the next generation. This was Secretary Vilsack’s second visit to Kankakee to discuss programs like the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program, which is funding 17 new projects that will develop fertilizer technologies and help farmers lower costs. Read more from Secretary Vilsack here. 

Increasing Infrastructure Resilience

The success of the American Rescue Plan was on display in Hudson, MA, recently as RLC Leader Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) welcomed $1.4 million in resilience funding to prevent future flood damage and protect local roads. The funding will bolster water drainage upgrades and ensure students and families have a safe commute. Read more from Rep. Trahan here. 

Upgrading Energy Grids

Americans in New Orleans are getting an energy grid upgrade thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law! RLC Leader Rep. Troy A. Carter (LA-02) welcomed a $300 million federal investment that will set up "resilience hubs" around the state and fortify Louisiana's electric grid. As Rep. Carter said, "This funding is a beacon of progress, demonstrating a comprehensive and inclusive approach to modernizing infrastructure for a sustainable and resilient future." Read more from this story here.

What Else?

  • The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $100 million in federal funding to help 1,500 low-income families save money on energy bills and retrofit their homes. Read more here.
  • The Department of the Treasury and Department of Energy opened the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program under the Inflation Reduction Act. This program will provide up to a 20% boost to the Investment Tax Credit for qualified clean energy facilities in underserved communities. More information can be found here.

For more updates on how to help implement the Investing in America Agenda locally, please follow us on social media and share your story on how these investments are making a difference in your community. You can also visit our website for additional resources that will help track these historic investments.