Nov 17, 2021 — The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides more than a trillion dollars to upgrade hard infrastructure like roads, bridges, and broadband.
Billions of dollars have already been allocated to the Empire State, with the possibility to compete for even more.
“New York can expect to receive $11.6 billion for highway projects and nearly $2 billion for bridge replacement and repair over the next 5 years,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
In announcing the funding Gillibrand said that money would prioritize hiring local workers and reconnecting urban communities split by construction of the interstate system.
Another $2 billion will help pay for the replacement of lead pipes in municipal water systems across the New York, particularly larger cities along the Thruway corridor.
The infrastructure package also provides substantial investment in climate change related projects, like an electric vehicle charging network.
“New York should expect to receive $175 million over 5 years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state,” Gillibrand explained.
An additional pot of $2 billion will be awarded in the form of competitive grants to fund electric vehicle charging
The hard infrastructure bill passed Congress with bi-partisan support in both chambers.
13 Republicans in the House voted in favor. North Country Republican Congresswoman Elsie Stefanik was not among them.
After President signed the infrastructure bill into law, Stefanik led the House Republican Caucus in declaring their opposition to a second package.
The Build Back Better initiative focuses on so-called “human infrastructure” like paid family leave and funding childcare.
Speaking outside the U.S. Capitol, Stefanik said it will worsen inflation, which is currently at the highest level in decades.
“House Republicans are united in our fight to defeat this legislation,” the often controversial Representative declared, flanked by colleagues.
“We have the worst inflation crisis in 30 years. This Thanksgiving will be the most expensive holiday in the history of the holiday,” Stefanik said, before claiming without evidence that the legislation would bankrupt the country.
Democrats like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer argue the opposite, claiming the Build Back Better package will actually ease inflation, in part by lowering the price of prescription drugs.
Supporters also rebuff inflationary fears, arguing that new social spending would be offset by raising taxes on the wealthy.
However, outside observers say both sides are likely exaggerating.
The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center estimates Build Back Better would at most produce a modest inflation increase of 1 to 2 tenths of a percent.
Much of the bill’s future depends on approval from moderate Democrats, who are awaiting an evaluation of the Build Back Better package’s fiscal implications from the Congressional Budget Office.