U.S. Senator Tina Smith: With Infrastructure Bill Set to Become Law, "Build Back Better" Budget Now Top Priority

Press Release

U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said the historic, bipartisan infrastructure package - which has passed both the Senate and the House - will be signed into law soon, delivering billions of dollars in long-overdue investments to Minnesota's roads, bridges, broadband, water infrastructure and other needed upgrades.

Sen. Smith said the new law will jumpstart the economy and create jobs and economic development in rural, urban and suburban communities across the state. But as the Infrastructure bill delivers upgrades across the state, she said she will continue to press to enact the "Build Back Better" Budget that lowers taxes for working families, addresses the climate crisis, includes investments in childcare and housing, while also cutting the price of prescription drugs.

"As this bill becomes law, we're no longer just talking about infrastructure, we're actually delivering the once-in-a-generation improvements that will make life better for millions of Minnesotans, create good-paying jobs and economic growth, while positioning the United States to succeed in the 21st Century," said Sen. Smith. "Now that the Infrastructure bill is law, my top priority will be to also pass the Build Back Better budget that cuts taxes for working families and lowers their costs for things like childcare, housing, and prescription drugs. These efforts have been difficult, but I'm determined to finish them for people in Minnesota and across the country."

Sen. Smith said the infrastructure package -- which passed the Senate in August - will bring significant investments to communities across the state, including:

· $4.5 billion for Minnesota highways;

· $819 million for transit systems across the state;

· $302 million for bridges, as well as competitive grant funding available for economically-significant bridges;

· At least $100 million for broadband internet systems in communities across the state, and aim to connect the 171,000 Minnesota households without reliable internet access; and

· $68 million for electric vehicle charging stations.

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