FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea released the following statement ahead of President Biden’s 2024 State of the Union Address:

“The Idaho Democratic Party enthusiastically encourages all Idahoans to tune into President Biden’s State of the Union Address on Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m. MT/6 p.m. PT. This is an invaluable opportunity for Idahoans to hear firsthand about the transformative progress that President Biden and Democrats have delivered over the past three years, resulting in historic job growth and record-low unemployment.

“We eagerly anticipate hearing about landmark investments in America, such as the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act, which have already begun to positively impact communities across Idaho.”

The president’s Investing in America agenda continues to build up the economy from the bottom up and middle out — rebuilding our infrastructure and creating thousands of good-paying Idaho jobs.

Unleashing a Private Investment Boom in Idaho:

Thanks to the President’s Investing in America agenda, Idaho’s economy is now a more attractive place for companies around the world to invest and expand, helping drive U.S. competitiveness. For example:

  • Micron is investing $15 billion to construct a new Boise facility for advanced, leading-edge memory chips used in new vehicles, data centers, and artificial intelligence and 5G technologies, creating an expected 2,000 jobs

Rebuilding Idaho’s Infrastructure:

Thanks to President Biden’s economic plan, about $1.2 billion in federal funding has already been announced for 139 infrastructure projects across Idaho. That includes $978 million in federal investments to fund transportation projects —roads, bridges, and roadway safety — and over $117 million for better access to clean water. For example:

  • The Dworshak Dam and Reservoir has been awarded $17 million for a fish hatchery, electrical upgrades, and road restoration.
  • The Idaho Falls Regional Airport will receive $5.2 million to improve its terminal building.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency has allocated $5 million through its Clean School Bus Program to support the purchase of three electric school buses for the Genesee Joint School District and ten electric school buses for the McCall-Donnelly Joint School District.

Lowering Costs for Idaho Families:

Thanks to legislation in President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, Idaho residents are saving money on their health care premiums and prescription drugs, high-speed internet, and home energy costs. In fact:

  • Over 324,000 Idaho residents with Medicare will benefit from the $2,000 yearly cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, a $35 monthly cap per insulin prescription, and free vaccines.
  • 79,000 individuals in Idaho signed up for health insurance through the ACA Marketplaces during the Open Enrollment Period for 2023 and will benefit from up to thousands of dollars per year in savings from lower health care premiums.
  • Over 34,000 Idaho households can access affordable high-speed internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program investments made as part of the President’s Investing in America agenda.

While extreme MAGA Republicans are focused on ripping away fundamental rights like a woman’s right to choose and abandoning our allies in Ukraine, Democrats are committed to working with the President to keep our economy strong, lower costs, and stand up for freedom and democracy here and around the world.

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