On June 18, House Democrats unveiled H.R. 2, the “Moving Forward Act,” a $1.5 trillion, comprehensive plan that calls for a robust increase in funding to repair America’s infrastructure, from roads and bridges to expanding broadband access in rural areas.
The base of the bill is the $500 billion INVEST in America Act, which separately passed out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on June 18 as well. Additionally, it includes $25 billion for drinking water, $100 billion for broadband, $70 billion for clean energy projects, $30 billion to upgrade hospitals, $100 billion in funding for public housing and $25 billion for the postal service. The package also includes the Rebuild America’s Schools Act, which would invest more than $100 billion in America’s public schools. ACTE has endorsed the Rebuild America’s Schools Act and is actively advocating for its passage, particularly in light of the additional challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has created related to educational facilities, which are highlighted in the Moving Forward Act.
Addressing the deficiencies in our nation’s infrastructure will require more than just new investments in roads, bridges, airports and waterways. Any federal infrastructure legislation should include dedicated resources to develop and expand CTE programs of study that are essential to creating a robust workforce pipeline to rebuild our infrastructure and secure its sustainability for the future. ACTE will continue to monitor the specific provisions of this legislation and advocate for the inclusion of dedicated resources for our nation’s infrastructure workforce.
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