MADISON, Wis. — Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure bill, Wisconsin’s cities and towns are preparing for an influx of jobs and a boost to their local economies as investments to update the state’s roads and bridges, clean water infrastructure, and expanded broadband are put into effect. While Democrats and Republicans worked together to pass this transformative legislation, Ron Johnson fought to kill the bill, going so far as to warn people to “beware of bipartisanship” and that he was “praying” for gridlock to stop the bill’s passage. Johnson stood in the way of what is best for Wisconsin despite admitting that he never even read the legislation.
“Ron Johnson’s top priority in Washington is to fulfill his self-serving agenda that only enriches himself and leaves the rest of Wisconsin behind,” said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Senate Communications Advisor Philip Shulman. “Johnson has worked overtime to pass bills that help his bottomline, but can’t be bothered to support, or even read, transformative bipartisan legislation that will put Wisconsinites to work and be a boon to the state’s economy.”
Background
Infrastructure Projects
- Wisconsin is slated to receive $5.2 billion for federal highway repairs and expansion.The National Farmers Union found Wisconsin drivers pay $547 a year in costs due to driving on roads that need repair.
- The Infrastructure bill provides $225 million in bridge replacement and repairs, and $198 million to improve airports.
- In time, Wisconsin will also be eligible for a portion of $12.5 billion in bridge repairs and another $16 billion for economic development.
Expanding Broadband
- $100 million will be available to improve and expand quality broadband internet.
- This legislation would expand internet access to nearly 318,000 Wisconsinites.
- 1.25 million low income Wisconsin families would be eligible for an internet tax-break under this legislation.
Clean Water
- Wisconsin will receive $841 million in funding to improve water infrastructure and deliver clean drinking water.
Public Transportation
- $592 million dollars are allocated for public transportation across the state, which will be vital for low income communities.
- $79 million of this money is allocated for expanding EV charging stations.
