Golden-led Hearing Highlights Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as a Tool to Fight Inflation, Strengthen Small Businesses & Labor
WASHINGTON — With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law beginning to fund infrastructure projects around the country, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) chaired a congressional hearing this week to discuss the landmark infrastructure investment's importance as a tool to drive down inflation and to strengthen small businesses and workers in Maine.
The hearing of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Rural, Agricultural, and Underserved Business Development featured Ed Mortimer, Vice President of Transportation and Infrastructure at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and two Maine witnesses, Mark Ouellette of the Machias-based Axiom Technologies and Jason Shedlock of the Maine State Building and Construction Trades Council.
"When I talk to small business owners in my district, the conversation often turns to infrastructure, " said Golden at the hearing. "They rely on our roads, bridges, and broadband to reach customers and deliver their goods and services… In Maine, [the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law] will invest $1.3 billion in road repairs, $225 million for bridges, $390 million to remove dangerous lead pipes and mitigate PFAS contamination, and more than $100 million for broadband. These investments are more than just dollar figures; they will lead to positive change and are critical for the state's economy."
A representative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce noted significant concern with ongoing inflation in America, and highlighted the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as playing an important role in fighting inflation over the long term.
"The Chamber also views implementation of the [Bipartisan Infrastructure Law] as an opportunity to ensure small businesses of all types can be part of the modernization effort as well as a beneficiary of these investments." said Ed Mortimer, Vice President, Transportation and Infrastructure, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, "We view these investments…as a long term vision for our country that actually [will be] deflationary because they are long term."
Jason Shedlock, Executive Director of the Maine State Building & Construction Trades Council, spoke to the positive effect the legislation will have on the union's members and their families, as well as the new opportunities it will present for Mainers to find work in the state, get apprenticeships, and much more.
"One of the things that this piece of legislation is going to spur [is] our Registered Apprenticeship programs," said Jason Shedlock, Executive Director of the Maine State Building & Construction Trades Council. "...Due to the much-needed investment that this piece of legislation injects into Maine and the state… these are individuals that are now equipped with the tools that they need to pivot to those jobs and to work in other areas across the state with the skills that they've learned because of this piece of legislation."
Mark Ouellette, CEO of Axiom Technologies, a broadband service provider in Machias, Maine, highlighted the impact the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will have on bringing affordable broadband access to the communities he serves, while helping him create jobs. He also drew attention to a provision in the bill that would help lower internet costs for struggling families.
"I do not think it can be overstated how big the economic impact of this bill will [be for] the Maine economy. Not only is my company adding jobs and growing but the work we do will bring broadband to thousands of rural Maine homes," said Mark Ouellette, CEO of Axiom Technologies in Machias. "The bill also addresses affordability — a roadblock for rural families struggling to pay their bills. The [bill] will provide qualified individuals with [a] $30 reduction on their monthly bill, really a game changer for disadvantaged families."
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, known formally as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, was passed in November of 2020. Golden and his colleagues in the Problem Solvers Caucus were instrumental in crafting the deal and Golden was part of a smaller group that successfully pushed to bring the bill up for a standalone vote in the House. The legislation is projected to bring billions in funding for infrastructure projects in Maine, including at least:
- $1.3 billion for roads;
- $225 million for bridges;
- $390 million to remove dangerous lead pipes and mitigate PFAS contamination;
- $100 million for affordable broadband; and
- $74 million for airports.
Watch the entire hearing here.
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