Biden sells infrastructure bill at Minnesota tech college – Minnesota Public Radio News

Updated: 4:56 p.m.

President Joe Biden told a small audience at Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount Tuesday that the infrastructure funding law he signed will revitalize American competitiveness and help rebuild the middle class.

In his first trip to the state as president Biden said U.S. infrastructure used to be the best in the world, but that it’s been slipping. He said the $1.2 trillion measure will change that.  

“We’re going to help America win the competition for the 21st Century,” Biden said. “We’re getting back in the game.”

Using a semi-truck as a background, Biden stressed the need for skilled workers and said schools like the technical college can provide them.

He said technical and community colleges are a key part of his plan. 

“Places like this, we’re going to train the next generation of workers to do the jobs that my infrastructure law and our Build Back Better Act are going to put into even greater demand,” Biden said. “We’re going to need more qualified people.”

Biden said the jobs would include electric vehicle mechanics, line workers to improve the power grid, commercial electricians to install vehicle charging stations, and construction managers.

Biden first met with students in a garage space with a bulldozer, backhoe and cargo truck. The president stressed to the students the importance of education as part of the infrastructure package, even though the administration says the jobs being created won’t require college degrees.

Biden’s $1.75 trillion social and economic bill, which he is still trying to get through the Senate, includes $5 billion for community colleges to expand workforce training programs.

“Technology moves so rapidly,” Biden told students. “You’ve got to get an education to make it work.”

The trip occurs at a crucial pivot point for Biden, who is facing the threat of the new omicron strain of the coronavirus and high levels of inflation as vital parts of his agenda are still awaiting congressional approval. Biden also needs to get Congress to move to temporarily fund the government and preserve its ability to borrow as the debt limit could be breached in December.

Minnesota Republicans ramped up their criticism of Biden ahead of the visit.

They blamed the president for inflation, high fuel prices and other economic woes. Republican 8th District U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber said people are hurting.

“We’re paying more for our groceries, more for our gas, more for our everyday items,” Stauber said. “And it’s hurting …….

Source: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/11/30/biden-to-visit-minnesota-with-focus-on-infrastructure