RLC Weekly: Making the Economy Work for Everyone

October 4, 2024
In The News

Dear Colleagues,

When House Democrats passed the Investing in America agenda in the 117th Congress, these laws unleashed a historic wave of investments to help local leaders build safer communities, grow the middle class, and make life more affordable. This week, House Democrats and the Regional Leadership Council (RLC) showed the momentum of these investments as they are turning into workforce development programs, clean water systems, and more. Here are the highlights:

Making the Economy Work for Everyone

House Democrats and the Biden-Harris Administration are ensuring that the CHIPS and Science Act creates opportunity for all. Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12) joined Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, and others to highlight how a $716,701 investment from Catalyst Connection will bolster Pittsburgh's Workforce Hub designation. Acting Labor Secretary Su says this funding is "about more than jobs—it’s about ensuring equity, so that every person has the opportunity to benefit from these investments." See more from this event here and here.

In addition, U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo joined New York Governor Kathy Hochul, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten, and Micron Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer April Arnzen to discuss efforts to bolster workforce development programs in Central New York. She emphasized the Biden-Harris Administration's ongoing work to expand access to career and technical education through the CHIPS and Science Act and more. Read more on this visit here.

Ensuring Safe Drinking Water

House Democrats are laser focused on building safer communities and a healthier American economy. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) and Sharice Davids (KS-03) rang in another investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law this week that will clean up brownfield sites in their metro area. "With $13.3 million in brownfields funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law already awarded to Kansas City," said Rep. Cleaver, "this latest investment will allow us to continue the revitalization and economic development of underserved communities..." Read more on this event here.

Rep. Greg Landsman (OH-01) joined Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) to celebrate $910,000 in funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Rep. Landsman says, “This investment is essential to protect folks from potential lead exposure, which could lead to serious long-term health effects." More on this story here.

Staying in Touch With Veterans

Ever since House Democrats helped pass the Honoring Our PACT Act into law, Members are working to communicate these new health benefits to local Veterans. RLC Leader Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06) recently sent out a newsletter to inform people about her team's next VA Intake Day, which helps military families get connected to health benefits and more. The RLC continues to encourage Member offices to utilize district-level materials to describe the number of Veterans impacted by the Investing in America agenda. Find your congressional district's information on our website.

What Else?

  • The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that 24 participating states will be eligible for Direct File in Filing Season 2025, bringing the total number of eligible participants to more than 30 million. Read more from Treasury here.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced cost savings for 54 prescription drugs under the Inflation Reduction Act's Medicare Inflation Rebate Program. This announcement means that enrollees can potentially save up to $3,854 a day depending on coverage. See how Rep. John Larson (CT-01) touted the announcement here.
  • The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released $62 billion from their Fiscal Year 2025 formula funding to 12 highway programs this week. Read more here.
  • Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced approximately $2.8 billion to support reliable, clean power in the Midwest. Read about USDA's investment in Wolverine Power Cooperative and Hoosier Energy here. See more from DOE Loan Program Office's investment in Covert Township, Michigan 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.