President Biden's Infrastructure Plans

[Derec]

What parts of the Biden bill does this not apply to?

Home elder care and non-infrastructure stuff like it.

 

[TV and credit cards]

What parts of the Biden bill does this not apply to?

Home elder care and non-infrastructure stuff like it.

Come on. This again. Subsidizing eldercare and childcare frees up that portion of the workforce who would otherwise need to perform these duties. These people added to the workforce directly contribute to the economy/society. There’s no separation between the two. It would get a Bacon Number of 1. Human capital, a well trained and available workforce is infrastructure.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

What parts of the Biden bill does this not apply to?

Home elder care and non-infrastructure stuff like it.

As a personal anecdote, my Dad developed a rare cancer. At that time, I was literally needing to a day off from work every month or so because I had max'd out at the 9 weeks of vacation. My Dad would pass away about 18 months later and my vacation and sick time were exhausted. In fact, I had to go back to work before I was ready because I had nothing left to cover it.

That was just 18 months of intensity. Taking care of a mother or father who is just aging poorly for years? Like needing to go home early from work because the fire department showed up to your home for the second time in a month? Putting parents in a home? You know the cost? And how that doesn't just make the problems go away, or the intensity of trying to find a home?

And of course, you need to make a decent amount of money to justify working as a second parent due to the very high cost of daycare (think a mortgage payment for one child). In America, a person that wants to work shouldn't have to stay at home because they can't afford to work​.

Derec, these things are real, and do impact a good worker's ability to work and do their jobs, lower or middle class (upper can afford the help).

 

[funinspace]

What parts of the Biden bill does this not apply to?

Home elder care and non-infrastructure stuff like it.

As a personal anecdote, my Dad developed a rare cancer. At that time, I was literally needing to a day off from work every month or so because I had max'd out at the 9 weeks of vacation. My Dad would pass away about 18 months later and my vacation and sick time were exhausted. In fact, I had to go back to work before I was ready because I had nothing left to cover it.

That was just 18 months of intensity. Taking care of a mother or father who is just aging poorly for years? Like needing to go home early from work because the fire department showed up to your home for the second time in a month? Putting parents in a home? You know the cost? And how that doesn't just make the problems go away, or the intensity of trying to find a home?

And of course, you need to make a decent amount of money to justify working as a second parent due to the very high cost of daycare (think a mortgage payment for one child). In America, a person that wants to work shouldn't have to stay at home because they can't afford to work​.

Derec, these things are real, and do impact a good worker's ability to work and do their jobs, lower or middle class (upper can afford the help).

First, I really get what happened to your family, it sucks big time! My parents were fortunate, and paying a little over $6k a month was affordable for the last 15 months of their lives. I was also fortunate in that I was a remote worker at the time, so I could manage those emergencies much easier, and it was still 18 months of hell.

It is weird what the federales pay for and is ok to some people, and then what becomes 'fuck no' on paying for. My mother while in assisted living ended up in the hospital roughly once a month about 5 times before we could convince my dad that it was time for hospice care instead. Medicare paid out a small fortune patching up her dying body each time, and very little came back as costs to our family. Hospice was like even more almost free for what ended up being 9 months of still very high expenses.

At the same time, I do get the idea that this large push for spending isn't what is traditionally called 'infrastructure'. Ok, it isn't. Now get over it and argue over the value of the spending.

If one is against such spending, was one against the massive tax cut bill in 2017? Cuz Repugs certainly acted as if there was a money tree then; Repugs acted as if invading and occupying countries is paid for by that money tree; Repugs have acted as if doubling military complex spending over the last 20 years came from that money tree. And that 2017 tax cut package most certainly wasn't doing shit to help regular people, but far more for helping those already with financial resources to spare. And the Repugs have had years to suggest/propose improved funding for 'real infrastructure', but some how never got around to doing jack shit...kind of like their "HELL NO" health care plan. At least it only took one 3x5 card to print it out on....

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

I can accept that it isn't what we think of when we say the word infrastructure. It would definitely be expanding the definition. Care for parents almost never comes into discussion when one talks about work. Oddly, care for small children does. I think the sickening issue here is that this is applied to infrastructure, because it seems to be the only way to pass such legislation at all!

We desperately need elder home care support. That stuff can run thousands a month. There aren't enough qualified workers. There aren't enough nursing home beds (this is an actual crisis brewing!).

 

[TV and credit cards]

https://apnews.com/article/joe-bide...and-politics-494f67f3014ec5d1361ebf27646f8340

They’ve got eleven Republicans on this bipartisan group trying to advance an infrastructure bill. That’s something.
The chances of including child or elder care looks to be about zip point shit percent. But there is a bright side to this as well. (I always look for the bright side of things.) This will keep the pressure on to raise wages in low paying jobs. And for moneygrubbers like Jeff Bezos, to improve working conditions. Watching CNBC, it was reported Amazon has 3% employee turnover per week. And with over a million employees, they worry of draining the available pool of workers in some area. So that’s good news.

 

[lpetrich]

Senate Democrats weigh $6T infrastructure bill, without GOP - POLITICO

The bigger proposal doesn't necessarily mean, however, that the party has given up on bipartisan talks just as they gain steam.

...
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has repeatedly insisted that infrastructure talks are currently on two tracks: The first track is bipartisan, while the second track will include priorities that have no chance of getting GOP support.

...
Senate Budget Chair Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has been pushing for an aggressive approach to the infrastructure talks and is angling to insert a large expansion of Medicare into Democrats' plan. Earlier this week, Sanders said he opposed the emerging bipartisan agreement.

Andy Levin on Twitter: "Guess what? I’ve got a bill to tackle this exact issue. My #EVFreedomAct with @AOC would install 500,000 EV chargers throughout the land—made in America, made by union workers—so we can get more electric cars on the road. Let’s get it done! (link)" / Twitter
noting
The fastest way to get more people to buy electric vehicles: Build more charging stations - Vox

 

[lpetrich]

Sam Mintz on Twitter: ".@AOC and @sethmoulton are leading a rally to support more high-speed rail funding tomorrow alongside unions and @USHSR" / Twitter

Someone noted
Phil Ryan on Twitter: "@samjmintz @AOC @sethmoulton @USHSR AOC is too busy not even supporting transit here in New York, so I don’t expect much here. https://t.co/FPwpYoQByl" / Twitter
noting
AOC’s Council Endorsements Raise Questions About Her Commitment to Livable Streets – Streetsblog New York City

That aside,
Official Team AOC on Twitter: "@AOC and @sethmoulton just called for an increase in funding for high-speed rail in the upcoming infrastructure package. Now, they need you to help make it happen.

Contact your representatives and let them know you want a high-speed rail network. (link)" / Twitter
noting
Tell Congress: Fund High-Speed Rail

Funding a high-speed rail network would create millions of union jobs, help decarbonize the transportation sector, connect more communities, and create new housing and economic opportunities. But the federal government spends at least three times as much on roads than transit and rail combined each year.

Call your representatives now and urge them to support increased high-speed rail funding in our upcoming infrastructure package.

Not a very good pitch for HSR. Much better would be some video of high-speed trains in action, showing them in action over much of the rest of the industrialized world.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "High speed rail could get you from Albany to NYC in 36 minutes - & we can build it across the country.

Rail is the right thing to do for jobs, people, and planet - but we need your help.

Your call truly makes a difference here. Take 5 mins and go to (link) " / Twitter
(the aforementioned link)
Noting
The Hill on Twitter: "Rep. @AOC: "Climate legislation is infrastructure legislation. That's why it's so important that this infrastructure bill actually helps us meet our climate goals." (vid link)" / Twitter
AOC spoke at a rally where she said that what is necessary is "inside-outside strategy" including activist pressure.

 

[lpetrich]

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "High-speed rail connects people to opportunities, creates union jobs, & helps the planet.

Our infrastructure ask is simple: For every $1 the US puts into car infrastructure, let’s put $1 into rail. Go to (link) & join me, @sethmoulton,& @Teamsters to get going. (link)" / Twitter
(video of her and Rep. Seth Moulton speaking in front of Washington Union Station)

AOC putting in a plug for HSR in Spanish:
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "The case for train infrastructure but make it bilingual " / Twitter

noting
El Tiempo Latino on Twitter: "Este miércoles 16 de junio, desde la Union Station, la representante Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@aoc / @repaoc) participó en un evento para recaudar fondos para el tren de alta velocidad que forma parte de la propiedad federal (1/2) (link)" / Twitter
and
El Tiempo Latino on Twitter: "En Exclusiva para el Tiempo Latino dio estas declaraciones en Español: "Necesitamos inversiones aquí en los trenes, para nuestras infraestructura, no solo para la comunidades ricas, pero para las comunidades humildes" @AOC @AOCenEspanol (2/2) (link)" / Twitter
Google Translate:

This Wednesday, June 16, from Union Station, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@aoc/@repaoc) participated in a federally owned high-speed rail fundraiser

In Exclusiva para el Tiempo Latino he gave these statements in Spanish: "We need investments here in the trains, for our infrastructure, not only for rich communities, but for humble communities"

Seth Moulton on Twitter: "Join @AOC and me in telling Congress: fund high-speed rail. (links)" / Twitter

 

[lpetrich]

High Speed Rail Alliance on Twitter: "@sethmoulton & @AOC were on Morning Joe this morning to discuss the importance of high-speed rail! #BuildHSR (link)" / Twitter
noting
Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Seth Moulton push for high-speed rail
and
House Members Push For High-Speed Rail As Part Of Infrastructure - YouTube
Climate Power on Twitter: ""What Democrats should prioritize is not 'process'...but are we passing a deal that helps working people the most...that makes the most jobs...that brings down the most climate emissions?"

@AOC on what an infrastructure package should deliver — WATCH: (link)" / Twitter

Stephen Spaulding on Twitter: " @AOC & @SethMoulton here. Big Money from corporate lobbyists is what’s driving down wages and blocking progress on commonsense solutions like high speed rail. And Big Money is fueling voter suppression campaigns nationwide. We MUST keep the anti-Big Money provisions in #HR1. (link)" / Twitter

She mentioned the leak of Sen. Joe Manchin's conversations with some big donors: Joe Manchin Call With Billionaire Donors Offers Rare Glimpse of Dealmaking

Then she said that the big-money provisions in HR1 should be kept because they will cut down the voices of big donors.

Big money from the airline lobby, the oil lobby, and the car lobby. New highway 80%, new airport or runway: 80%, new HSR: nothing.

 

[lpetrich]

Seth Moulton on Twitter: "We can transform the way we travel, investing in infrastructure for the next generation like high-speed rail.

Or we can just do this for the next 50 years." / Twitter
noting
Travis R. Eby on Twitter: "It keeps getting worse and worse, and guess why? Our leaders are doing literally nothing to stop it (link)" / Twitter
(some video of a big traffic jam)


Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "Through the #AmericanJobsPlan, we have an opportunity to meaningfully invest in building the infrastructure of the future, expanding clean energy, and protecting communities from climate risks. It’s 2021. We need to pass an infrastructure plan that will #ActOnClimate." / Twitter

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "High speed rail could get you from Albany to NYC in 36 minutes - & we can build it across the country.

Rail is the right thing to do for jobs, people, and planet - but we need your help.

Your call truly makes a difference here. Take 5 mins and go to (link) ������" / Twitter
(the aforementioned link)

Yeah... she needs to play RR Tycoon. High speed rail to Albany would require a lot of stuff. It isn't as if they haven't given it a thought. The electrification, the new track, the new alignment in places where there is little flat ground to work with...

 

[ZiprHead]

So the Dems and the Reps have compromised on an infrastructure bill. Bets on how many Republicans will actually vote for it

Also, bets on how many Republicans will take credit for it.

 

[Derec]

So the Dems and the Reps have compromised on an infrastructure bill. Bets on how many Republicans will actually vote for it

Also, bets on how many Republicans will take credit for it.

Biden just said that he will not sign the compromise infrastructure bill unless the Congress also passes the 6 Trillion "Dems only" bill through reconciliation.

I think this is very disingenuous and defeats the entire purpose of a comprise.

 

[Derec]

Senate Democrats weigh $6T infrastructure bill, without GOP - POLITICO

As I said above, this defeats the whole idea of a compromise.

Also, spending 6 trillion after just having spent a great deal of money on COVID related spending is pretty irresponsible. Especially with inflation heating up.

 

[TV and credit cards]

So the Dems and the Reps have compromised on an infrastructure bill. Bets on how many Republicans will actually vote for it

Also, bets on how many Republicans will take credit for it.

Biden just said that he will not sign the compromise infrastructure bill unless the Congress also passes the 6 Trillion "Dems only" bill through reconciliation.

I think this is very disingenuous and defeats the entire purpose of a comprise.

Biden wants 6 trillion more or did you misspell Bernie?

 

[lpetrich]

President Biden and Congressional Democrats have settled on a two-track strategy for their infrastructure efforts.

Biden Agrees to Bipartisan Group’s Infrastructure Plan, Saying ‘We Have a Deal’ - The New York Times
"The plan is expected to increase federal spending by nearly $600 billion but leave many of President Biden’s economic proposals, including investments in child care and much of his climate agenda, for a future bill."

Biden extols bipartisan infrastructure deal as a good start
He showed up to announce his deal with Senators Bill Cassidy R-LA, Lisa Murkowski R-AK, Joe Manchin D-WV, Rob Portman R-OH, Mitt Romney R-UT, Jeanne Shaheen D-NH, Kyrsten Sinema D-AZ, Mark Warner D-VA.

Interesting that both Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema were there. Also Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney.

Of the women, Jeanne Shaheen was dressed the most like the men, in a pantsuit with dark pants and jacket and a pinkish-white shirt. Lisa Murkowski wore a purple dress and Susan Collins a pinkish-white shirt and skirt, but Kyrsten Sinema wore a sleeveless red top and a long skirt with diagonal red and white stripes.

Let's see if the Republicans will go along with that one.

 

[ZiprHead]

Let's see if the Republicans will go along with that one.

Which one? The bills or the way the women dressed?

 

[thebeave]

Let's see if the Republicans will go along with that one.

Which one? The bills or the way the women dressed?

Why is what the women are wearing even newsworthy? Am I missing something?

 

[laughing dog]

Senate Democrats weigh $6T infrastructure bill, without GOP - POLITICO

As I said above, this defeats the whole idea of a compromise.

No it doesn't. He is compromising (a lot, by the way) for now but he is sending a signal he wants to continue his plan in the future.

Also, spending 6 trillion after just having spent a great deal of money on COVID related spending is pretty irresponsible. Especially with inflation heating up.

If the $6T is to spent immediately, you'd have a point. If it is to be spread out over 4 or more years, you really don't.