Bridges Attends White House Discussion on Benefits of Building a Better America Agenda for Colorado
Senator discusses impacts, opportunities of federal policy on Centennial State
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, today joined leaders from around the country at a White House event to celebrate the Biden Administration’s work to support communities through landmark federal policy that creates jobs, invests in the economy, and moves Colorado forward.
Bridges shared how significant federal policy championed by President Biden like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) have created jobs and grown the economy and how state lawmakers have sought to maximize those resources in Colorado.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to share with the White House how critical bipartisan legislation has helped us here in Colorado make transformational investments in priorities like behavioral health care, workforce development, and housing,” Bridges said. “Every Coloradan deserves to live where they work, which is why we used these federal dollars to help make our state more livable. From investing in middle-income housing and building tens of thousands of new homes across our state to our innovative housing incentive program, Democrats are fighting to make sure every Coloradan has a safe, affordable place to call home.”
The Inflation Reduction Act is the most significant legislation in U.S. history to tackle the climate crisis and strengthen American energy security. It will lower energy costs for households and businesses, create manufacturing jobs for American workers, and deliver a clean, secure, and healthy future for our children and grandchildren.
To date, $1.9 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been announced and is headed to Colorado with over 60 specific projects identified for funding. This year alone, Colorado will receive more than $1.1 billion for transportation to invest in roads, bridges, public transit, ports and airports and over $120 million for clean water. And, as of today, more than 150,000 households across the state are receiving affordable internet due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The American Rescue Plan Act is helping states recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, including over $26 billion in federal pandemic relief funds to help Colorado build back stronger. These funds were dispersed across the state through various programs and local governments; and the legislature received over $3.8 billion to direct to areas of greatest need.
Read more about our work to save people money on housing, transform our behavioral health care system, provide economic relief and recovery to communities, and prepare our students for success and bolster Colorado’s workforce HERE.