"There is a lot of talk and chatter about Bidenomics and I can tell you, there is a big Bidenomics boom going on in the Badger State"
Thursday, August 17, 2023
MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, Wisconsin Public Radio highlighted the success of the Inflation Reduction Act following its first anniversary this week, showing how investments from the law are already creating jobs and improving Wisconsin communities.
The article highlights the Inflation Reduction Act’s support for clean energy projects and incentives for improvements to commercial buildings, homes, and electric vehicle infrastructure. The law is also strengthening apprenticeship programs, giving more Wisconsin workers the tools they need to succeed.
Despite the law’s success, every member of Wisconsin’s Republican Congressional Delegation continues to oppose the law, and have failed to speak out about attempts to weaken many of its provisions.
Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh: “The Inflation Reduction Act is already making Wisconsin stronger by creating jobs, supporting our manufacturing industry, and improving our state’s infrastructure. While Republicans in Congress try to obstruct the Inflation Reduction Act and prevent it from succeeding, Wisconsinites are already seeing its success and we’re demanding better from our elected officials.”
Wisconsin Public Radio: How has Wisconsin changed since the Inflation Reduction Act?
When construction began on the Badger Hollow solar farm in 2019, busloads of out-of-state workers were being dropped off in Iowa County to build the massive project.
But work continues on phase two of Badger Hollow and other solar projects across the state. Solar panels are now being erected by in-state, union labor, said Kent Miller, president of the Wisconsin Laborers District Council.
Miller says this is possible because of the Inflation Reduction Act, signed one year ago.
"There is a lot of talk and chatter about Bidenomics and I can tell you, there is a big Bidenomics boom going on in the Badger State," Miller said.
The landmark legislation, signed Aug. 16, 2022, invests in climate, clean energy and regenerative agriculture. The law provides clean energy tax credits for energy efficient commercial buildings, homes and electric vehicles.
Developers and utility companies who hire registered apprentices and incentivize prevailing wages are also given tax credits, which has changed how Wisconsin job sites look, Miller said.
At the Paris Solar Farm in Kenosha County, Miller said there are about 150 union workers on the job and 43 people in apprentice programs. Most of the apprentices are people of color, Miller said.
"We’re bringing in folks who have had little experience or knowledge into the construction industry," Miller said. "By the time the project is completed, they could be pretty close to being a journey person."
President Joe Biden was at the Ingeteam manufacturing company in Milwaukee Tuesday touting the Inflation Reduction Act.
Biden said since the act was signed, Wisconsin companies have committed to spending more than $3 billion in manufacturing and clean energy.
But the bill isn’t universally supported. Every Republican in Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation voted against the Inflation Reduction Act. And while Derrick Van Orden wasn’t a member of Congress at the time, he tweeted his opposition to the bill.
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"These are smart economic investments," Boushey said. "When you look at the nation overall, the president has made bold and important goals. But there are a lot of different interim goals. If we make these investments on the public side, as well as encourage private sector firms to invest in clean energy, then certainly these goals are achievable."
Allison Carlson, president of the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition, said there were early opportunities when the Inflation Reduction Act was signed for local communities including broadband expansion.
As the law enters its second year, small businesses, local homeowners and municipalities will have even more opportunities, Carlson said.
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