Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL,11th District) issued the following statement Friday, Nov. 19 after the U.S. House of Representatives passed president Joe Biden’s Build Back Better economic package:
“I’m proud to have voted for the president’s Build Back Better legislation, a once-in-a-generation investment in American families that is fully paid for by making sure the richest Americans and corporations are paying their fair share in taxes.
“I’m particularly proud of the measures it includes to benefit the people of Illinois. This sweeping bill bolsters the financial security of the middle class by extending the Child Tax Credit; expanding access to childcare services so that parents, especially mothers, can stay in their jobs; and providing free, high-quality preschool for every three- and four-year-old in Illinois.
“This transformative legislation also makes critical investments in education and job training so that our state can sustain long-term economic growth. It makes higher education more affordable and accessible for middle- and low-income families, and it invests in programs that will prepare Illinois workers for high-quality jobs in rapidly-growing sectors like health care, manufacturing, IT, and clean energy. Taken together, these measures will position Illinois as a prime destination for companies looking to hire the best-trained workers in America.
“In addition, critical investments that will expand and strengthen health care coverage will allow tens of thousands more Illinoisans to access lifesaving health care. It will extend the increased subsides for those who purchase insurance through the ACA Marketplace, give seniors on Medicare access to hearing care for the first time, and bring down the cost of insulin and other prescription drugs. This package also provides the investment needed for the United States to finally join the rest of the industrialized world in offering paid family and medical leave so that workers don’t need to choose between helping a sick loved one and getting their paycheck.
“This legislation also represents the largest effort to combat climate change in American history. The Build Back Better Act will reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating good paying union jobs, spur innovation so that America is the world leader in clean energy industries, and protect the environment for future generations.
“I am also proud that this legislation is fully paid for by closing tax loopholes and asking the wealthiest Americans and corporations to pay their fair share. We’re investing those tax revenues right back into our economy so that hard-working families and small businesses can enjoy the economic growth that has unfairly favored those that the top for too long. In addition, after Republicans targeted states like Illinois with a cap on the State and Local Tax Deduction to pay for their 2017 tax cut for the wealthiest Americans, this legislation raises the cap in a sensible way that will directly benefit Illinois households.
“I am proud of the House’s Build Back Better legislation and urge the Senate to pass it and send it to the president as soon as possible.”
— Congressman Bill Foster