In Florida, $14 billion in funding has been announced, with nearly 400 specific infrastructure projects identified for funding. Over $10 billion will go to transit upgrades, and another $800 million for clean water and water infrastructure.
This round of debt relief will eliminate the debt of 125,000 borrowers nationwide: 22,000 with disabilities, 51,000 through an income-driven repayment plan, and 53,000 through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The provision, signed into law by President Biden, will significantly lower out-of-pocket drug costs for many of the nearly 4 million Florida seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D coverage.
While certain federal benefits won’t be impacted, a government shutdown would affect a number of other benefits that rural communities rely on, such as food and housing assistance.
Those who enroll in the American Climate Corps will learn how to install solar panels, restore coastal wetlands, fight wildfires, and more. The program aims to create a pipeline for these young people to get hired into the clean energy sector.
A new report outlines rural policy recommendations focused on four major tenets: protecting people’s freedom to live and work safely; investing in infrastructure; reining in corporate greed and protecting workers, small businesses, and family farmers; and creating opportunities for a better future.