La Crosse, WI – Today, Rep. Ron Kind voted to pass provisions of the Build Back Better Act through the Ways and Means Committee that make landmark progress in lowering health care costs, creating jobs, boosting our economy, and supporting working families across Wisconsin.
“This pandemic has been devastating for communities across the state. However, far too many Wisconsinites were struggling even before this crisis. As we recover, we need to address these longstanding issues and ensure our economy works for everyone – and the Build Back Better Act will help do just that,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “I’m proud to vote for this legislation today to invest in our workers and families, lower health care costs, and create good-paying jobs, all while delivering historic tax cuts for middle-class families.”
Provisions from Rep. Kind’s bill to reduce the cost of alternative energy options for Wisconsin dairy farmers were also passed as part of the Build Back Better Act. This legislation makes key investments to:
- Extend the American Rescue Plan’s expanded Child Tax Credit
- Provide 12 weeks of universal paid family leave and medical leave for all U.S. workers
- Support working families by increasing access to affordable, reliable child care
- Enhance the ACA premium tax credits and close the Medicaid coverage gap to improve access to comprehensive no-cost or low-cost health coverage
- Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to reduce tax burdens on childless workers
- Address the physician workforce shortage in rural and underserved communities
- Reduce prescription drug costs by allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices
- Modernize the Trade Adjustment Assistance programs by increasing access and benefits
- Protect seniors and people with disabilities in nursing homes
- Support the development and deployment of clean energy to combat climate change
Rep. Kind is a member of the Ways and Means Committee, the most powerful – and the oldest – committee in the House of Representatives. It has jurisdiction over tax measures, the management of public debt, trade and tariff laws, Social Security, Medicare, pensions, and many other economic growth measures.
