President Joe Biden promised real solutions for rural America throughout his campaign; today, on the second anniversary of his inauguration, he has undeniably made good on those promises.
Together with House and Senate Democrats, President Biden and Vice President Harris have delivered historic investments to rural America through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Iowa alone has received more than $7.6 billion in grants and loans so far, including:
- $100 million to improve water and sewage systems.
- $152.2 million to bring broadband internet to nearly 19,000 homes and businesses.
- $530.6 million in COVID recovery funds.
- $195 million in rental assistance.
- $39 million in mortgage assistance for low-income rural homeowners.
RuralOrganizing.org and Progress Iowa recognized the two year anniversary of the Biden-Harris administration and their success for Iowans with the following statements.
The following is a statement from Matt Hildreth, Executive Director or RuralOrganizing.Org:
“Rural voters across the country and in Iowa have demanded action from the Biden administration to address the economic fallout from the worst pandemic in a century. And it’s obvious that President Biden has delivered on those promises with the largest investment rural Iowa has seen in a generation.
“Through these funds , Democrats are bringing quality jobs to rural Iowa while empowering rural communities to make long-needed infrastructure improvements. And they’ve had to fight Iowa Republicans every step of the way.
“While the only Iowa Democrat in Congress, Rep. Cindy Axne, voted for both bills, every Iowa Republican in the House and Senate voted against ARPA, and all but Sen. Chuck Grassley voted against the Infrastructure Act. Meanwhile, Gov. Kim Reynolds criticizes the funding as a “blue state bailout” — except for when she tries to take credit for it or uses it for tax cuts that benefit the wealthy while shortchanging the Iowans who need it most.
“Republicans like to say they’re the party of rural America, but actions speak louder than words. And while Iowa Republicans are busy trying to score political points, Democrats — led by President Biden — are delivering for rural Iowa.”
The following is a statement from Matt Sinovic, Executive Director of Progress Iowa:
“During the past two years, the Biden-Harris Administration has made remarkable progress for Iowa families. We have achieved historic economic growth and seen Democrats and Republicans work together to deliver real solutions.
“Biden-Harris put shots in arms to get people back to work after the pandemic. They invested in broadband internet, bridges, and roads, to connect Iowans in every corner of our state. They expanded health care access and helped more people find a place to live.
“We’re confident the administration will keep building on their progress of the past two years. Iowans deserve leaders like President Biden and Vice President Harris who put people first, not politics.”
