Federal Policy That Works for Us
Economic uncertainty because of the overlapping economic and health crises in our state has us focused inward. Big changes in our leadership on every level have people feeling unsure about the direction and health of our community and economy moving forward. But there is hope.
There are federal policy opportunities you can support that will help build sustainable clean energy jobs and infrastructure and allow all our community members to thrive no matter their race, gender expression, or sexual orientation. What you need to know about the federal policy that can affect you: President Biden’s initial plan to rebuild our economy included big and bold investments to spur clean energy growth, limit pollution from power plants, reduce carbon pollution from the fossil fuel industry, and expand the electric vehicle market, and create millions of family sustaining jobs. It also included a groundbreaking proposal to deliver 40% of the benefits from those investments to those communities traditionally harmed the most by dangerous pollution. Communities of color and low-wealth communities are hit first and worst by pollution and suffer severe health and economic impacts, and economic inequality. These investments can create new good-paying Alaskan jobs from plumbers, to carpenters, electricians, energy workers, engineers, and more. Alaskans need jobs and Alaska needs long-term sustainable investments so we can all thrive here. We can make that happen, we have shown what collective voices can do here and across the country. In the face of a pandemic Alaskans still showed up to demand police accountability, fair treatment for immigrants, health access for women, and so much more. Alaskans masked up and showed up at assembly meetings, school board meetings and online forums. The momentum is here. Right now, you can use this power to ensure our leadership doesn’t compromise on climate with no sustainable plan for the health of our waters, lands, air, and economy. We need to act now at a federal level to push our leadership to agree on policies that will protect our votes, our voices, and our jobs. There is a real possibility for federal policy that can do all of that. The Equality Act, For the People Act, and an infrastructure package that doesn’t compromise on climate, are all possible when we speak out. There is a lot of bad information out there that feeds a division between us. The fact is we all want the same things: fairness, accessibility, a good job, a healthy family, and a way to build a future that protects our climate and our people. If we stay divided and distracted, policy makers and power grabbers can take away our freedoms and deny us the resources our schools, families, climate, and communities actually need. This is a turning point for our nation if we embrace it. In the next few weeks our leaders will be in recess and more available to the people of our state, so let’s make sure they hear us. You can support protecting our communities and building a future for all of us by contacting your members of Congress, and staying tuned to The Alaska Center for updates and ways to take action. |