RLC Weekly: Making It In America
Dear Colleagues,
As House Democrats touted the anniversary of the CHIPS and Science Act and PACT Act this week, members of the Regional Leadership Council (RLC) joined their colleagues, the Biden-Harris Administration, and local stakeholders to celebrate funding opportunities made possible by the Investing in America agenda. Here are some of the highlights:
Deadline Extension: PACT Act Benefits
On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) gave Veterans and survivors until Monday, August 14 at 11:59 P.M. to start their PACT Act claims and receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022. To ensure we reach as many Veterans as possible, RLC Leaders are continuing to engage Veterans and local VA leaders to help these brave heroes receive the maximum level of health benefits they have earned. Find more up-to-date resources from the VA here.
Making It In America
RLC Leaders know that the Investing in America agenda is putting union workers at the center of our economic future. This week, Vice President Kamala Harris was joined by RLC Leader Rep. Madeleine Dean (PA-04) in Philadelphia to announce new wage standards for over one million construction workers. As investments become available from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, the RLC will work to ensure these investments bring good-paying jobs back home and give families the tools they need to Make It In America.
Supporting Small Businesses
RLC Leader Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) recently met with folks in his district to discuss how the investments made in the America Rescue Plan have helped keep local businesses afloat through a global pandemic and supply chain disruptions. The first act of the Investing in America agenda was to beat back the COVID-19 pandemic and help small businesses and schools open their doors safely. Now, the RLC is committed to identifying key funding opportunities that support local infrastructure and help small businesses achieve the American Dream. More from Rep. Soto here.
Celebrating One Year of CHIPS and Science
As seen in the graph above, the CHIPS and Science Act has unleashed a new wave of American ingenuity and innovation, putting America’s workers on the path to high-paying, competitive jobs. The Regional Leadership Council partnered with the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology to spread the word on House Democrats policies that strengthen America’s competitiveness in science and technology, and Republican proposals that slash funding for innovation. For inspiration on how to maximize outreach on this law, here are two recent events held by Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-12) and Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03).
What’s Next?
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held an online Climate Action Funding Fair this week with representatives from numerous federal agencies to spotlight key funding programs from the Investing in America agenda that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and much more. Find their resource guide here.
- Applications for the Tech Hubs Program made possible through the CHIPS and Science Act are due Tuesday, August 15, 2023, by 11:59 p.m. ET. As a reminder, applications can only be submitted through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s grant management portal 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.