Biden’s $1T Bill Faces Voter Pushback
TL/DR –
President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which allocates about $1 trillion toward tax credits, grants, and loans for clean energy, has not been well-received among voters, despite the administration highlighting its benefits such as job creation, reduced costs for families, and tax code simplification. More than 40% of the public reportedly knows nothing about the legislation, and less than half believe it will help them or the country, with economic issues and inflation being of greater concern, particularly among young voters. Despite this, private groups, political philanthropists, and super PACs are spending hundreds of millions on climate initiatives and progressive campaigns, with Michael Bloomberg also committing $200 million to help 25 cities access emissions-based federal funding opportunities under the Act.
Joe Biden’s Clean Energy Bill: A Trillion Dollar Investment with Low Public Awareness
President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, allocating $1 trillion to clean energy initiatives through tax credits, grants, and loans. Despite public support for the 2022 law, many question its benefits, skeptical of Biden’s green spending.
As economic polls slump, the administration emphasizes the law’s job creation, cost-saving, and tax simplification benefits. Yet, less than half the public feel it will benefit them or the country. Over 40% haven’t heard of the legislation and only 12% say they’re well-informed.
“The community doesn’t know about them, so it seems like nothing is being done,” says Rebekah Pike, a Michigan-based undecided voter interviewed by the Wall Street Journal. Despite climate change being a key issue for her, Pike was unaware of Biden’s policies.
Biden’s climate initiatives target young voters, however, a Wall Street Journal poll revealed only 3% of voters aged 18-34 in seven swing states view climate change as a priority, compared to 2% of all voters. Young voters prioritize the economy, inflation, and immigration.
Youth voters also criticize Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. College campuses are centers of anti-Israel sentiment, and despite Biden’s “unwavering” support for Israel, his stance has recently fluctuated.
In the election cycle, private groups, political philanthropists, and super PACs are heavily funding climate initiatives and progressive campaigns. Climate Power will spend $80 million, Invest in Our Future promises $240 million, and the League of Conservation Voters plans to invest $120 million.
Former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg will also invest $200 million to help 25 cities gain emissions-based federal funding, including funds from the Inflation Reduction Act according to Axios.
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