RLC Weekly: Savings and Sunshine ☀

April 19, 2024
In The News

Dear Colleagues,

Ever since Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries established the Regional Leadership Council (RLC) in January 2023, the RLC has worked closely with the Biden Administration to ensure that the investments made in the 117th Congress reach every community in America. It’s clear from the Investing in America Week of Action, and this past week on Capitol Hill, that Congressional Democrats are holding firm on the commitment to put People Over Politics and give workers the tools they need to Make It In America. Here are some the highlights:

Meeting with Director Jigar Shah, Department of Energy Loans Program Office

The RLC met with Jigar Shah, Director of the Loan Programs Office at the Department of Energy, this week to discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is stimulating private investments and developing new green technologies that combat the climate crisis. Director Shah and Members of the Regional Leadership Council discussed how the Department of Energy's reinvigorated loan program is creating new opportunities for American workers, businesses, and entrepreneurs to invest in American-made clean energy resources. Check out more from the meeting on social media here.

Shining a Light on IRA Savings

Rep. Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined PennEnvironment and local religious leaders to discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is lowering the cost of solar panel installation for non-profit groups, places of worship, and businesses. David Masur, Executive Director for PennEnvironment, said during the tour that “plentiful sunshine and generous solar incentives through the Inflation Reduction Act are here. Now is a critical time for more congregations in Pennsylvania just need to take advantage of them.” More on this event can be found on Rep. Deluzio's website.

Protecting Affordable High-Speed Internet

As part of House Democrats' ongoing work to lower costs and grow the middle class, RLC Leader Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02) and her New Democrat Coalition colleagues held a press conference to call on House Republican leadership to join Democrats in supporting the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP has helped 23 million households save money on their internet bills since 2021. Members are encouraged to reference the RLC's district-level briefings and White House Factsheets on the success of the ACP as they work to save this program.

What Else?

  • U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in an interview with CNBC that she expects the Department of Commerce to distribute 100% of the grant money allocated under the CHIPS and Science Act by the end of 2024. This interview came as the Biden Administration announced $6.4 billion in federal funding for Samsung to expand chip manufacturing in Texas. Read the more from the interview here.
  • The U.S. Department of Transportation announced funding to help 112 under-resourced and disadvantaged communities access the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These technical assistance grants total $23.6 million and they come from the Thriving Communities Program.

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.