Florida’s infrastructure is in disarray and it has been for decades due to a systemic lack of investment from the Republican leadership in this state. As such, the American Jobs plan is crucial for Florida, and not only will it help revitalize state infrastructure, but also it will create hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs. In response, Florida Democratic Party Chair Manny Diaz released the following statement:
“The American Jobs Plan represents a historic investment in the future of Florida. From bridges, roads, and public transportation, to water, broadband and housing, this plan will allow us to bring Florida’s infrastructure into the 21st century and will help us revitalize our economy across multiple sectors. With the American Jobs Plan, President Biden and the Democrats are working hard to make everyday Floridians’ lives better. ”
More on what the American Jobs Plan will do for Florida:
In Florida there are 408 bridges and over 3,564 miles of highway in poor condition. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 11.6% in Florida and on average, each driver pays $425 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair. The American Jobs Plan will devote more than $600 billion to transform our nations’ transportation infrastructure.
Our public transportation is also in dire need of help. Floridians who take public transportation spend an extra 77.9% of their time commuting and non-White households are 3.5 times more likely to commute via public transportation. 16% of trains and other transit vehicles in the state are past useful life. The American Jobs Plan will modernize public transit with an $85 billion investment.
Over the next 20 years, Florida’s drinking water infrastructure will require $21.9 billion in additional funding. The American Jobs Plan includes a $111 billion investment to ensure clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities.
Millions of Florida residents have minimal access to affordable internet. And 13% of Florida residents have no internet subscription. The American Jobs Plan will invest $100 billion to bring universal, reliable, high-speed, and affordable internet coverage to every family in America
In Florida, 38% of residents live in a childcare desert. The American Jobs Plan will modernize our nation’s schools and early learning facilities and build new ones in neighborhoods across Florida and the country.
As of 2019, there were 166,032 Floridians working in clean energy, and the American Jobs Plan invests in creating more good paying union jobs advancing clean energy production
In Florida, an average low-income family spends 8-10% of their income on home energy costs forcing tough choices between paying energy bills and buying food, medicine or other essentials. The American Jobs Plan will upgrade low-income homes to make them more energy efficient