Editor, Times-Union:
Everyone pays taxes — property, sales, excise, income, etc. The main means by which our local, state and federal governments can fund the services they provide is by “asking” us to pay taxes. One of the necessary services provided by our various governing bodies falls under the umbrella of infrastructure — the “‘underlying structure’ of a country and its economy, the fixed installations that it needs in order to function. These include roads, bridges, dams, the water and sewer systems, railways and subways, airports, and harbors.” (Merriam-Webster dictionary) A dangerously neglected use of our tax money for decades has been the postponement of infrastructure upkeep and repair. Donald Trump frequently promised the implementation of “Infrastructure Week” for our safety and well being, but he never made good on those promises. Joe Biden did — one year into his presidency.
His infrastructure bill passed, and Biden stated, “We got a little help from Republicans — but not a lot — but enough to get it passed. But the truth is, there are a lot more Republicans taking credit for that bill than who actually voted for it.” Nancy Pelosi dubbed the behavior of those hypocrites, “Vote no and take the dough.” They are not just taking the dough, however, they are also trying to take the credit for the improvements to their districts.
A few of the “flip-flopping” hypocrites who voted “no” are: Pete Stauber (R-MN) whose state received $105 billion to replace a bridge, said, “I have long fought for these funds.” Paul Rand (R-KY) petitioned for “more of that money coming into Kentucky”; Kay Granger (R-TX) received $403 million for a flood control project and stated, “This is a great day for Ft. Worth;” Steve Scalise and Clay Higgins (R-LA) took credit for $400 million to mitigate flooding; Ted Cruz (R-TX) “highlighted his work advocating for a highway project he voted against” and said, “A great bipartisan victory!” Tony Gonzales (R-TX) claimed he secured $75 million for a creek restoration project in his district. Rick Scott (R-FL) tried to take credit for “securing an unprecedented $1 billion for Everglades restoration, the largest single amount ever allocated by the federal government.”
As of November, 2023, at least 40,000 infrastructure projects have begun across the country (with plans to continue for years) creating more jobs, boosting the economy even more, and actually making America greater than ever. Check out the interactive map at whitehouse.gov/build/maps-of-progress … click “View Interact Map”... then click on a dot in the map to discover location, investment amount, and jobs announced. Tax money well invested, don’t you think?
A recent contributor to the Times-Union’s letters to the editor asked the question, “Has anyone heard any Democrat outline the programs, ideas, or even direction that the Biden administration wants to take this country?” Really? Is the cave this person lives in on this planet? Didn’t think so.
Jeanne Schutz