Connect with us

News

Biden’s $2 trillion infrastructure plan: what’s in for the masses?

Published

5 years ago

on

President Joe Biden unveiled a $2 trillion economic recovery plan on Wednesday afternoon, which includes raising the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28% to help pay for a massive overhaul of America’s infrastructure.

The proposal, called the American Jobs Plan, is the first of the two economic recovery plans the administration plans to roll out in the coming weeks. Biden detailed the infrastructure overhaul on Wednesday in Pittsburgh and the second plan — the American Families Plan — sometime next month, according to the White House.

The American Jobs Plan includes:

  • $621 billion to repair and modernize bridges, roads and highways; modernize and expand public transit systems; invest in electric vehicles; improve rail systems; improve ports, waterways and airports
  • $300 billion to boost U.S. manufacturing and strengthen supply chains
  • $111 billion to ensure safe drinking water by replacing lead pipes and services lines and updating water infrastructure
  • $100 billion to expand high-speed broadband access
  • $100 billion to build a more resilient electric grid
  • $213 billion to produce, preserve and retrofit more than 2 million “affordable and sustainable” homes to address the nation’s affordable housing shortage
  • $100 billion to build and upgrade public schools
  • $180 billion for research & development and technologies of the future
  • $100 billion for workforce development programs

The Biden administration also incorporates measures to fight climate change through clean energy and address racial equity through jobs, transportation and housing.

“This is not a plan that tinkers around the edges,” said Biden in Pittsburgh.

Biden calls for a $174 billion investment in the electric vehicle space — including rebates and tax incentives that would encourage Americans to buy electric vehicles, grant and incentives programs to build 500,000 electric vehicle chargers by 2030, and electrifying the federal vehicle fleet.

The administration says the plan will create “millions and millions” of jobs, though it has not yet provided an exact estimate.

In order to pay for the plan, Biden wants to hike the corporate tax rate to 28% — undoing a key part of Republicans’ 2017 tax cuts. He’s introducing the Made in America Tax Plan alongside the American Jobs Plan. The tax plan aims to increase the global minimum tax for U.S. multinational corporations, to make sure they pay at least 21%. It also includes measures designed to prevent companies from offshoring jobs and moving profits to tax havens.

Paying for the plan by fixing a ‘broken’ tax system

A senior administration official told reporters on Tuesday night the $2 trillion would be spent over the course of eight years, and the tax changes would fund the plan over 15 years.

The official said the “broken” tax system is currently “providing greater incentive to evade the U.S. tax system and to locate production overseas.” The White House argues the changes will make the U.S. more competitive and encourage domestic production in the United States.

“It’s time to build our economy from the bottom up and from the middle out — not the top down,” said Biden.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D., Oreg.), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said he and Biden are “rowing in the same direction…by ensuring mega-corporations pay their fair share and overhauling Republicans’ 2017 international tax provisions.” In a statement, Wyden said he would introduce his own plan to overhaul international taxation next week.

Progressives, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.), argue the plan is not enough. Ocasio-Cortez said in a tweet that the plan needed to be “way bigger.”

Meanwhile, Republicans have bashed the idea of raising taxes on corporations to cover the cost of an infrastructure plan.

The Business Roundtable — made up of CEOs of the nation’s biggest companies — urged Congress to pass a bipartisan infrastructure plan and reject a corporate tax hike.

“Business Roundtable has long supported user fee models, which includes business paying its share, to provide sustainable support for infrastructure investment,” said Business Roundtable CEO Joshua Bolten in a statement. “Business Roundtable strongly opposes corporate tax increases as a pay-for for infrastructure investment. Policymakers should avoid creating new barriers to job creation and economic growth, particularly during the recovery.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce described the plan to pay for the infrastructure package with tax increases as “dangerously misguided.”

“Properly done, a major investment in infrastructure today is an investment in the future, and like a new home, should be paid for over time — say 30 years — by the users who benefit from the investment,” said Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer for the U.S. Chamber. “We strongly oppose the general tax increases proposed by the administration which will slow the economic recovery and make the U.S. less competitive globally — the exact opposite of the goals of the infrastructure plan.”

The White House said it has already begun “extensive outreach” to Republican and Democratic members of Congress.

“I don’t think you’ll find a Republican today in the House or Senate…who doesn’t think we have to improve our infrastructure,” said Biden. “I’ll have a good faith negotiation with any Republican who wants to get this done, but we have to get this done.”

A senior administration official would not say if the administration would push to use the reconciliation process to pass the package without Republican support.

_____

Culled from Yahoo Finance

Author Jessica Smith is chief political correspondent for Yahoo Finance, based in Washington, D.C. Follow her on Twitter at @JessicaASmith8.

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Education

TSU’s CommWeek Positions School of Communication at the Forefront of AI, Innovation, and Student Success

Published

3 weeks ago

on

April 7, 2026

By

HOUSTON, TX — Texas Southern University’s School of Communication is set to host its 44th Annual Media and Communication Conference (CommWeek 2026) from April 6–10 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Building, bringing together a dynamic mix of scholars, students, industry professionals, and civic leaders to examine the future of media in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.

Widely regarded as one of the School’s signature academic and professional events, CommWeek has evolved into a powerful platform for intellectual exchange, industry engagement, and student-centered learning. This year’s theme, “Beyond the Algorithm: Reimagining Media, Learning & Innovation with AI,” reflects the growing influence of artificial intelligence across journalism, entertainment, digital storytelling, and communication education.

Throughout the week, participants will engage in a series of panels, workshops, masterclasses, and networking sessions designed to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping media ecosystems. Discussions will address critical topics such as AI-driven content creation, ethical considerations in automated communication, evolving media business models, and the future of audience engagement.

According to Interim Dean Dr. Alan K. Caldwell, CommWeek represents a strategic opportunity to elevate the School’s academic and professional profile.

“Communication Week represents more than a conference; it is a powerful platform to strengthen the School of Communication’s brand, showcase the excellence of our students and faculty, and highlight the innovative work happening across our programs,” Caldwell said. “By bringing together industry leaders, scholars, and alumni, we create collaborative connections that position our school as a hub for forward-thinking communication education.”

Conference Chair Dr. Anthony Obi Ogbo (left) and Interim Dean Dr. Alan K. Caldwell: CommWeek has evolved into a powerful platform for intellectual exchange, industry engagement, and student-centered learning.

In addition to its academic significance, CommWeek plays a vital role in advancing student success. A key highlight of the conference is the Dean’s Banquet and Scholarship Awards, which raises funds to support academically talented and financially underserved students. These scholarships help reduce financial barriers, cover tuition and educational resources, and improve student retention and graduation outcomes.

For Conference Chair Dr. Anthony Obi Ogbo, CommWeek 2026 represents both a continuation of tradition and a bold step toward the future of communication education.

“CommWeek is where scholarship meets practice and where innovation becomes accessible,” Ogbo said. “This conference is not only about examining the future of media—it is about preparing our students to lead it. By integrating academic rigor with industry insight, we are building a platform that empowers our students, strengthens our institutional identity, and fosters meaningful collaborations that extend far beyond the classroom.”

The conference also emphasizes experiential learning, offering students direct access to industry professionals, hands-on workshops, and career development opportunities. These interactions provide invaluable exposure to real-world practices and help bridge the gap between academic training and professional application.

As a historically Black university with a long-standing commitment to cultural responsiveness and community impact, Texas Southern University continues to position its School of Communication as a leader in preparing students for both local and global media landscapes. CommWeek reinforces this mission by creating an inclusive space where diverse voices, perspectives, and ideas can thrive.

Open to students, alumni, and the broader community, CommWeek 2026 is free to attend and serves as a testament to TSU’s commitment to accessibility, innovation, and academic excellence.

For more information and the full conference schedule, visit www.soc-commweek.com.

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

News

Donald Trump Receives Message From Iran After His Threats

Published

3 weeks ago

on

April 7, 2026

By

As the US-Israel and Iran war enters its 6th week, the Iranian military has responded to Donald Trump‘s threats from the Sunday outburst. The president warned Iran that they would be “living in hell” if they didn’t open the Strait of Hormuz. Responding to Trump’s Sunday rant, Iran’s military responded that if he plans to harm the civilians, then their retaliation would be far stronger and larger in scale.

Following threats from Donald Trump, the Iranian military issued a statement warning that if civilian infrastructure is impacted, they will not remain silent, and their retaliation would be more severe. The statement read, “If attacks on civilian targets are repeated, the next stages of our offensive and retaliatory operations will be much more devastating and widespread.”

This statement comes amid Trump’s outburst on Truth Social, where he demanded that Iran open the Strait of Hormuz or face serious consequences. Naming potential targets, he said, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!” Threatening Iran further, he added, “Open the F*ckin’ Strait, you crazy b*st*rds, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!” He concluded his post with, “Praise be to Allah.”

Additionally, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the speaker from Iran’s Parliament, also responded to Trump’s public threats on X (formerly Twitter). He noted that his “reckless” moves are pushing the US into “living hell” for every person residing there. Condemning the president’s latest tweet, he added, “Our whole region is going to burn because you insist on following Netanyahu’s commands. Make no mistake: You won’t gain anything through war crimes.”

In a follow-up tweet, Qalibaf wrote that the only solution to this conflict is for the president to start respecting the Iranian people and to put a stop to this “dangerous game.”

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Burbank Marriage Unravels After Woman Allegedly Used Tracking Devices to Monitor Husband

Published

4 months ago

on

December 27, 2025

By

Burbank, Calif. — What began as a seemingly happy two-year marriage ended in confrontation and police involvement after a Burbank woman allegedly used multiple electronic tracking devices to monitor her husband’s movements, authorities and sources familiar with the situation said.

According to information obtained by this outlet, the marriage between Amos and Yolanda deteriorated after Yolanda allegedly placed Apple AirTags, Tile trackers, and a GPS tracking device on Amos’ vehicle and personal belongings without his knowledge. The devices reportedly allowed her to monitor his location in real time and reconstruct his daily movements across the city.

Friends of the couple said the marriage appeared stable during its early years, with the pair often seen together at community events and social gatherings. However, tensions reportedly escalated when Yolanda began confronting Amos about his whereabouts, referencing locations and timelines he had not shared with her.

The situation reached a breaking point when Yolanda allegedly tracked Amos to an apartment complex in Burbank, where she believed he had gone without informing her. Sources say she arrived at the location shortly after he did, leading to a heated confrontation in the parking area of the building. Neighbors, alarmed by raised voices, contacted local authorities.

Burbank police responded to the scene and separated the parties. While no arrests were immediately announced, the incident marked the effective end of the couple’s marriage, according to individuals close to Amos.

Legal experts note that the unauthorized use of tracking devices may raise serious privacy and stalking concerns under California law, depending on intent and consent. Law enforcement officials have not publicly disclosed whether an investigation remains ongoing.

The case underscores growing concerns about the misuse of consumer tracking technology, originally designed to help locate lost items, but increasingly implicated in domestic disputes and surveillance-related allegations.

As of publication, neither Amos nor Yolanda had publicly commented on the incident.

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Trending