ICYMI: Govs. Gretchen Whitmer and Tony Evers Pen Joint Op-Ed In Support of Critical Infrastructure Investments in the American Jobs Plan

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers penned a joint op-ed in Newsweek advocating for President Biden’s American Jobs Plan and highlighting the critical need for federal investments in state infrastructure. 

Both governors have led the push for infrastructure reform in their own states and have seen the positive impact on economic growth and opportunity that comes as a result of rebuilding crumbling infrastructure. The American Jobs Plan will expand on the work Democratic governors are doing across the nation, spurring innovation in areas such as high-speed broadband access, clean water, and transit systems — all while creating good-paying jobs. 

Read more on Govs. Whitmer and Evers’ call to fix and improve our nation’s infrastructure through the American Jobs Plan below: 

Govs. Gretchen Whitmer and Tony Evers in Newsweek: State Infrastructure Will Grow Stronger With American Jobs Plan | Opinion

Fixing the damn roads. It’s a promise we both made to both Michigan and Wisconsin when we were running for governor in 2018 and one that we’re already working to fulfill with increased funding and innovation in our states. But years of neglect means fixing our roads and other outdated infrastructure can’t happen overnight and it can’t happen without serious federal support. As we work to bounce back from this pandemic, continued state investments and the American Jobs Plan are needed to spur transformational change and create more opportunity for everyone.

Over the past two years, both Michigan and Wisconsin have prioritized infrastructure. Wisconsin’s 2019-21 budget included the largest investment in transportation infrastructure in a generation: $465 million for road projects. During the pandemic, hundreds of projects have moved forward—some even under budget and ahead of schedule. In Michigan, a new $3.5 billion road bonding plan is supporting investments in 122 major new projects across the state—without an increase at the pump. This investment will create thousands of good-paying construction jobs, keep drivers safe and save Michigan money in the long run.

And we’re not just focusing on roads and bridges. In Wisconsin, the second budget in a row includes what will be the state’s largest-ever broadband investment. In Michigan, the second budget in a row includes the largest investment in K-12 education in state history without raising taxes. And both states are taking critical action to rebuild and protect drinking water infrastructure, including the removal of lead service lines to make sure every family has clean, safe water at their tap, a goal replicated at the national level by the American Jobs Plan. We’re also making sure investments are spread across our states, improving opportunity regardless of who you are or your zip code.

The progress we’re already making is helping connect our communities and create greater economic opportunities in our states. But these projects are just the beginning. If we’re serious about bouncing back from this pandemic, it’s never been more important for us to make real investments in our future. Investing in infrastructure primes economic growth by connecting families and businesses virtually and physically with the rest of the world, and will help create good-paying jobs for American workers.

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