From the beginning, I have been clear that I would not be able to support the infrastructure bill without a vote on the Build Back Better Act.
Passing the infrastructure bill without passing the Build Back Better Act first risks leaving behind childcare, paid leave, health care, climate action, housing, education, and a roadmap to citizenship.
Right now, families across my district are struggling with the rising cost of childcare, the inability to get family leave to take care of their kids and deal with a medical emergency."
The Build Back Better Act addresses it by creating a universal pre-k program, affordable childcare, and paid family and medical leave.
In the Twin Cities, we have the worst housing shortage in the nation. The Build Back Better Act addresses it, by investing $150 billion in affordable housing.
Minnesota is experiencing some of the fastest rising temperatures in the nation. The Build Back Better Act makes the boldest investment in history in the climate crisis—investing in zero waste initiatives and creating jobs in the process.
My community cannot wait any longer for these much-needed investments that will be delivered through the Build Back Better Act. I cannot in good conscience support the infrastructure bill without voting on the President’s transformative agenda first.
And for those reasons, I voted NO on the infrastructure package.
You can view the full statement here: