Progressive Advocacy Groups Demand More Than Bipartisan Infrastructure Proposal
Washington, D.C. (June 21, 2021) — Last week, a bipartisan group of senators announced support for a framework on physical infrastructure spending. While not fully detailed, the proposal amounts to $579 billion in new spending for transportation, internet, and water infrastructure. The framework is a fraction of the size of Pres. Biden’s original proposals.
Claire Guzdar, spokesperson for ProsperUS, released the following statement:
“An infrastructure deal that leaves out millions of caregivers and essential workers, especially women of color, whose paid and unpaid labor carried us through this pandemic, is unconscionable. An infrastructure deal that lets the planet burn is a literal recipe for disaster. Cutting child care, climate, housing, racial justice, other critical investments — and failing to tax corporations and the wealthy, who are long overdue to pay their fair share — does not deliver what people need and deserve and will undermine our economic recovery.
“This watered-down proposal does not reflect the urgency or seriousness of this moment. The workers, families, and communities who power our economy demand popular, needed, and economically sound investments.”
###
Additional Background
Voters want more economic relief, not less. A recent ProsperUS/Data for Progress Poll found that:
A majority of likely voters agree that when it comes to passing additional economic relief, the United States cannot afford to wait, and want more economic legislation passed — even after being told Congress passed a rescue bill in March.
Likely voters under the age of 45 and likely voters of color are particularly supportive of additional economic relief. Overall, two-thirds of voters under 45, more than two-thirds of Black voters, and three-fifths of Latinx voters support passing more economic legislation immediately.
A strong majority of likely voters support an economic recovery package, even as the price tag increases. Specifically, the passage of an economic recovery bill is supported by a majority of likely voters when no dollar figure is attached, and at a $4 trillion and $10 trillion figure.
About ProsperUS
ProsperUS is a coalition of major progressive labor, grassroots, movement, faith-based, small business, and policy organizations at the state, local, and national levels. As ProsperUS, we’re coming together to ensure the government at all levels hear the demands of the people, meet the historic nature of the crises we face with bold ideas, and fearlessly commit the public resources needed to implement them. Learn more at ProsperUS.org.
