November 12, 2020

US House of Representatives Washington DC 20515

RE: HR6422

 

Dear Congressional Representatives:

On behalf of the hard-working women and men of the Western Reserve Building and Construction Trades Council, we call upon the members of the Ohio delegation to Congress to support House Resolution 6422, "The National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2020".

We are in an economic and healthcare crisis unlike anything in our lifetimes. Not only is our infrastructure crumbling, but we have thousands of Americans who have lost their jobs. Congress is searching for ways to finance a recovery, and we believe that a new National Infrastructure Bank is one crucial tool in that tool box. That is why we are urging Congress to pass BR 6422. This Bill would help jump-start the economy and job creation, which is much needed especially now due to the impact of the coronavirus.

This Infrastructure Bank would be capitalized without any additional federal debt or new taxes, and would be

authorized to invest at least $4 trillion in infrastructure projects only. It would repair and upgrade roads, bridges, schools, and dams, and construct rail and high-speed rail lines. It would tackle everything from water projects to broadband.

It is estimated that the Bank would create twenty-five million new jobs. The Resolution requires payment of Davis-Bacon wages, Project Labor Agreements, and includes "Buy American" provisions. The economy would grow at an estimated 4-5% per year.

Many organizations have endorsed this policy including the National Association of Counties, the Virginia State AFL-CIO, the Virginia Building and Construction Trades Council, United Association of Plumbers and 

Pipefitters Local 50 in Ohio, CWA Local 4319 in Ohio, the Hudson Valley NY Building Trades Council, the Westchester-Putnam Counties, NY AFL CIO, the National Federation of Federal Employees, and the Akron City Council. In addition, the Ohio House of Representatives has introduced HR348 in support of this Congressional Resolution.

The Western Reserve Building and Construction Trades Council also endorses House Resolution 6422, and we urge our members of Congress to support this bill. Thank you.

In Solidarity,

Martin E. Loney, President

Antonio DiTommaso, Jr., Financial Secretary