The Trump administration since the election has shifted the conversation on investing in U.S. infrastructure toward public-private partnerships and tax credits for corporations, but that isn't always a realistic way to meet rural America's needs, Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) said today.
"Wall Street investors are going to put money, time and resources where they can make the largest profit and get the quickest return on investment," Heinrich, ranking member of the Joint Economic Committee, said during a press conference announcing release of a report on the economic challenges facing rural America.
Infrastructure projects in remote areas aren't likely to deliver those profits, which is why the federal government needs to invest, Heinrich said. Otherwise, a portion of the population will be left behind. He said public-private partnerships "work great if you're developing an airport. It doesn't work if you're trying to build a water project in eastern New Mexico or a highway in rural Montana."
Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee will publish additional reports on how Congress, federal and state governments and the private sector can improve access to health care, broadband, promote job growth and close the education gap in rural America, among other issues. The panel wants its recommendations to be incorporated into legislation like the farm bill, a potential broader infrastructure package, as well as budget proposals, Heinrich said.
He added that the White House's "skinny" budget doesn't make sense for rural America, citing proposals to eliminate USDA loans and grants for rural water projects, community development block grants and other programs.
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