Senate Democrats Hold Events Across America To Highlight How The Inflation Reduction Act Is A Major Win For American Families
NY Daily News (NY): Sen. Schumer Boasts Big Wins For The Nation, New York In Just-Passed Climate And Spending Package
Star Tribune (MN): Klobuchar Says Negotiated Drug Prices Will Help All Consumers
WBAL TV (MD): Lawmakers, Organizers Discuss How Inflation Reduction Act Will Help Homeowners
Las Vegas Review-Journal (NV): Cortez Masto Touts Clean Energy Boost Thanks To Inflation Bill
WSGW (MI): Inflation Reduction Act Designed To Benefit Farmers, Climate
Senate Democrats passed and President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, historic legislation to help fight inflation, lower costs, create jobs, and take historic action on climate change. The Inflation Reduction Act is already delivering for the American people. In recent weeks, Senate Democrats spread out across the country to spread the word on this major victory for the American people.
ARIZONA
Arizona Republic: Sinema meets with regional water officials to talk about $4B in Colorado River drought aid. “Sen. Kyrsten Sinema introduced a new water advisory council at Hoover Dam on Monday to discuss how to spend $4 billion in water and drought aid included in the Inflation Reduction Act. The $4 billion is meant to stave off the worst effects of drought across the Colorado River system, which is suffering from overuse and two decades of drought exacerbated by climate change. The effects of the drought were clear Monday as Sinema and regional water officials met at Lake Mead, which sits at just over one-quarter capacity, the same as the upstream Lake Powell. Federal water officials are expected to release projections next week that could lead to new restrictions on water use among the seven states that rely on the river. Advisory council members said Monday they hope the new funds, which will be administered over the next four years by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will assist in both a short-term ‘glide path’ to ease the burden of water cuts in the next four to five years, and a long-term sustainable future.” [Arizona Republic, 8/9/22]
CALIFORNIA
Fresno Bee/Vida en el Valle: Alex Padilla says drought help is on the way at almond plant. “Sen. Alex Padilla didn’t bring extra water with him when he toured the Superior Almond Hulling facility on Wednesday, but he did point out that the recently signed Inflation Reduction Act provides $4 billion for drought resiliency. ‘California’s agricultural sector produces over one-third of the country’s vegetables and two-thirds of the country’s fruits and nuts, but the climate crisis – including rising temperatures and historic drought – are compounding the challenges caused by supply chain disruptions and record consumer demand,’ said Padilla following the tour of the facility that operates 24 hours a daily for five months during the almond harvest season.” [Fresno Bee/Vida en el Valle, 8/17/22]
COLORADO
ABC Denver 7: Democrats laud coming impact Inflation Reduction Act will have on Colorado. “President Joe Biden and Democrats, including Colorado Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, are touting a string of wins in Congress that they are hoping will offer a boost in the midterm election. Along with passing a gun reform law, another to increase American semiconductor chip manufacturing, one to support the NATO membership of Finland and Sweden, a bill to offer more help to veterans who were exposed to toxins like Agent Orange or burn pits, on Sunday the U.S. Senate also passed the Inflation Reduction Act on a party-line vote. No Republicans voted in the measure's favor and Vice President Kamala Harris broke the 50-50 tie to move the bill forward to the House. The bill contains $430 billion in investments and addresses everything from prescription medications to climate change to taxes.” [Denver 7 ABC, 8/9/22]
Steamboat Pilot & Today: Sen. Michael Bennet says federal money to address drought should flow into Colorado soon. “U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colorado, says it will be “months, not years” before billions of dollars meant for water infrastructure, forest health and drought mitigation will start to have an impact in places like the Yampa Valley. In a speech at Colorado Water Congress in Steamboat Springs on Tuesday, Aug. 23, Bennet touted money for water in the bipartisan infrastructure bill passed at the end of last year, as well as drought-focused dollars in the Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Joe Biden in August. ‘We’re going to start seeing it soon — months, not years,’ Bennet told the Steamboat Pilot & Today after his remarks. Democrats have heralded the Inflation Reduction Act as the biggest investment ever to address climate change.” [Steamboat Pilot & Today, 8/25/22]
CONNECTICUT
Greenwich Time: Murphy at Greenwich roundtable: Billions from Inflation Reduction Act will make big ‘impact on shorelines’. “Fresh from the triumph of the Senate approval of the Inflation Reduction Act, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy came to Greenwich for a roundtable discussion on how that money could be used to shore up the local coastline. In addition to addressing priorities such as prescription drug costs, the act also includes $2.6 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Those funds can go to state and municipal governments as well as nonprofit organizations for efforts to conserve, restore and protect the shoreline.” [Greenwich Time, 8/9/22]
CT News Junkie: Murphy, Blumenthal Dub Climate, Health Care, And Tax Bill ‘Political Miracle’. “Connecticut’s U.S. senators hailed as a political miracle the weekend passage of a compromise bill of Democratic priorities including provisions to cap the costs of prescription drugs for seniors, combat climate change and pay down the federal deficit. During a Monday morning press conference, Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal characterized the advancement of the Inflation Reduction Act as a win for everyday people, passed by the U.S. Senate on exclusively Democratic votes following a lengthy overnight session that ended Sunday. The House is expected to take up the legislation later this week.” [CT News Junkie, 8/8/22]
CT News Junkie: Blumenthal, Larson Tout Energy Investments at East Windsor Solar Array. “A 29-acre solar panel array and nearly 50 sheep served as the backdrop for two members of Connecticut’s congressional delegation on Thursday to tout clean energy investments included in the recently-passed Inflation Reduction Act. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Rep. John Larson stepped carefully as they navigated around 19,000 solar panels and the scattered sheep droppings that populate the East Windsor Solar One array. The rows of shiny black panels were meant to illustrate the legislation’s more than $60 billion investment in manufacturing incentives meant to accelerate the creation of things like solar panels, batteries and wind turbines — all part of an omnibus bill, which Democrats have hailed as a historic step to address climate change.” [CT News Junkie, 8/18/22]
The Bristol Press: Blumenthal, Hayes, Lamont in New Britain to laud legislation aiming to lower out-of-pocket Medicare costs. “In the wake of President Joe Biden’s signing of the Inflation Reduction Act, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes of Connecticut’s 5th District and Gov. Ned Lamont gathered at the New Britain Senior Center Friday to laud legislation aiming to lower out-of-pocket expenses for those enrolled in Medicare. ‘The bill that we just passed in Congress that was signed into law by the president really addresses for the first time the cost of prescription drugs,’ Hayes said. ‘It is a monumental piece of legislation that caps out–of-pocket expenses that limit insulin at $35 per month and allow, for the first time ever, Medicare to negotiate for the cost of prescription drugs.’” [The Bristol Press, 8/26/22]
DELAWARE
Cape Gazette: Carper, Blunt Rochester celebrate Inflation Reduction Act. “U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) gathered Aug. 15 at the University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean and Environment in Lewes to highlight the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. In addition, Carper was presented with the American Clean Power Champion Award for his longtime support of environmental legislation, including his leadership in the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Blunt Rochester said the act will provide historic investments in American today and in the future. She said key components affecting constituents in Delaware include lower healthcare costs, such as continuation of subsidies for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act, and a provision to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies and also cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors. The act will lower energy costs, saving the average family from $500 to $1,000 a year and will create millions of new clean manufacturing jobs, she said.” [Cape Gazette, 8/22/22]
GEORGIA
WRDW: In Augusta visit, Ossoff celebrates new bill to lower insulin cost. “Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff calls it a victory for seniors across the state. He was in Augusta on Monday to share some big news about the Inflations Reduction Act bill that caps the price of a life-saving drug for those with diabetes. Ossoff told seniors at the Henry Brigham Senior Services Center that President Biden will sign the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Tuesday. The law won’t go into effect until next year and doesn’t cover everyone. ‘I just find this news so exciting. I know it’s a start,’ said Jean Yarsawich, a diabetic.” [WRDW, 8/15/22]
HAWAII
Honolulu Civil Beat: Schatz: New Climate Bill Is ‘An Incredible Economic Opportunity’ For Hawaii. “The Inflation Reduction Act, the Democrats’ landmark tax, health and climate bill, is on its way to the White House for President Joe Biden’s signature. Now the hard work begins, says Hawaii’s senior senator. Sen. Brian Schatz wept on the Senate floor as he and his colleagues hugged and cheered last week after the legislation made it past its first hurdle. The House then passed it on Friday, giving Biden and the Democratic Party a victory after months of negotiations. Hawaii’s other federal legislators, Sen. Mazie Hirono and Reps. Ed Case and Kai Kahele, also voted for the measure, which passed along party lines. The bill seeks to reduce drug prices and force certain corporations to pay more taxes. It also injects a record $369 billion into the fight against climate change, Schatz’s top policy priority.” [Honolulu Civil Beat, 8/15/22]
Hawaii News Now: SBA chief to Hawaii’s small businesses: We’re here to help. “Hawaii business owners moving on from the pandemic are now dealing with new concerns other than the virus. And the Small Business Administration says it can help. SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman is in Hawaii and joined U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono Wednesday for a tour of the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation’s Entrepreneurs Sandbox and to meet with startup founders. They also met with the Native Hawaiian Organizations Association, visited the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership and toured Roy’s Restaurant in Hawaii Kai.” … “The SBA says help is on the way with funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Chips and Science Act. ‘Through affordable capital, or technical assistance to help them develop their supply chains or create good workforce strategies, so that their business can be sustainable and grow into the future,’ Guzman said.” [Hawaii News Now, 8/25/22]
ILLINOIS
State Journal-Register: What does the Inflation Reduction Act do for Illinois? “Illinoisans feeling the effects of higher prices at the pump and the grocery store could see relief from the Inflation Reduction Act, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said during a Tuesday press conference in Springfield. With gas averaging $4.38 per gallon statewide according to AAA and some food prices more than 60% higher than last year, Durbin said the Senate-passed legislation will take on inflation by reducing health care costs through capping prescription prices – good for Illinoisans on Medicare.” [State Journal-Register, 8/10/22]
WQAD 8: Illinois Sen. Duckworth talks Inflation Reduction act, lower prescription costs in Silvis visit. “Americans struggling with high prescription drug costs could see some relief. US Senator Tammy Duckworth visited Silvis to promote the new Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). She spoke at Genesis Medical Center, just outside of the family-owned Illini Clinic Pharmacy. The act is designed to reduce energy costs, create jobs and cut drug prices. Sen. Duckworth said the act will benefit Illinois and Iowa residents, as well as local pharmacies. The IRA will cap insulin costs at $35 per month for those with Medicare. It also allows Medicare to negotiate for better drug prices. Sen. Duckworth added that the act helps Medicare seniors by capping their annual drug costs at $2,000 per year and ensuring access to free vaccines." [WQAD 8, 8/19/22]
Walls 102: U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth tours Marquis Energy, talks Inflation Reduction Act. “U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth toured Marquis Energy yesterday and met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy, David Turk, and CEO Mark Marquis to talk about the Inflation Reduction Act. After the tour, Senator Duckworth said the work that Marquis has done to move us towards a carbon-neutral future is critical not just for the environment but for economic growth in the region. Last year, Marquis began drilling its first 5,000-foot test well to determine the total capacity available for carbon sequestration and announced plans for the Marquis Industrial Complex to be the world’s first carbon-neutral industrial complex with on-site carbon injection.” [Walls 102, 8/19/22]
WPSD Local 6: Sen. Dick Durbin encourages southern Illinois farmers to take advantage of incentives offered in Inflation Reduction Act. “Farmers across the Local 6 area tell us inflation hit them hard this year, costing them thousands of dollars more per acre to grow crops. That's why Sen. Dick Durbin visited southern Illinois Friday to encourage farmers to take advantage of incentives included in the Inflation Reduction Act for agriculture. The bill includes billions for farmers who voluntarily adopt cleaner practices. Washington is calling on every farmer to contribute, take advantage of incentives and realize they can impact climate change. Many farmers say they already are and have ideas of their own.” [WPSD Local 6, 9/2/22]
MARYLAND
WBAL TV: Lawmakers, organizers discuss how Inflation Reduction Act will help homeowners. “Members of the Maryland Coalition of Lawmakers joined with the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act, specifically how the new legislation will help homeowners have safer and greener homes. The act includes provisions for lowering home energy costs, creating jobs and combatting the climate crisis. ‘The climate provisions are dramatic,’ said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland. Van Hollen's 'Hope for Homes' legislation is included in the Inflation Reduction Act. It provides $4.3 billion for home energy performance-based rebates. ‘To help pay for some of that upfront cost and under this bill, homeowners will get rebates of up to 50% of the cost they spend up to $4,000 and for lower and moderate-income households that rebate will go to 80%,’ Van Hollen said. That will allow homeowners to retrofit their homes and ultimately save money on their energy costs. [WBAL TV, 8/15/22]
WBAL 1090: Sen. Chris Van Hollen promotes benefits of Inflation Reduction Act for older individuals. “Now that President Joe Biden has signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, the president, Cabinet secretaries, House and Senate Democrats and other supporters of the measure are holding a series of events to promote what is in the law. The AARP-Maryland joined Senator Chris Van Hollen on Wednesday in a telephone town hall to promote the measure's benefits when it comes to older individuals. Van Hollen said the measure allows the federal government to negotiate the lowest price possible for prescription drugs under Medicare, leading to substantial savings for taxpayers and Medicare recipients. Van Hollen added that he wanted the power expanded to include Medicaid recipients, but could not get enough support in the Senate to pass the expanded measure, noting the bill passed without a single Republican vote. Leaders of AARP Maryland said the Inflation Reduction Act is a ‘game changer’ when it comes to drug discounts.” [WBAL 1090, 8/17/22]
MAINE
News Center Maine: Sen. Angus King sits with 207 to talk inflation and the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago. “Amid considerable fanfare, President Joe Biden this week signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act. With inflation running at its highest rate in four decades, Americans are feeling the pinch everywhere they turn, from the gas station to the drugstore to the supermarket. So will this legislation really help bring inflation down, and will it live up to its name? ‘I think it will, both short term and long term,’ Sen. Angus King, an independent who voted for the bill, said. King pointed to its subsidies for electric vehicles as an example of relief he believes the bill will bring fairly quickly. ‘An electric vehicle costs about 6 cents a mile to operate. A gas vehicle 15 to 20 cents a miles. So if people take advantage of those subsidies to buy an electric vehicle, they’re going see their annual costs of fueling their vehicle go down $500 to $1,000. That can happen very soon,’ he said. King believes another provision will have an impact in the long term. ‘The cap on prescription drug prices for seniors—anything over $2,000 will be capped—that’s going to be a big help for seniors.’” [News Center Maine, 8/17/22]
MASSACHUSETTS
The Gardner News: Sen. Elizabeth Warren discusses labor shortage and child care issue in Gardner. “The labor shortage, child care and the lingering effects of the pandemic shutdown were among the topics discussed during a roundtable meeting Monday between local officials and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren. The Massachusetts Democrat was joined by Mayor Michael Nicholson, and State Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik, along with several local business owners at the GFA Federal Credit Union for a discussion about the American Rescue Plan, the importance of federal funding to support communities across the state, and the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. ‘In my view, it’s all upside,’ Warren said of the law, which is aimed at lowering inflation by reducing the deficit and promoting green energy. ‘It doesn’t have everything we wanted, but the point is, the thing’s it’s got are really good.’” [The Gardner News, 8/22/22]
SouthCoast Today/The Standard-Times: 'The renewable energy century:' Officials tout green side of Inflation Reduction Act. “City, state, and federal officials converged on the solar farm at Sullivan's Ledge Wednesday to talk about the opportunities for green energy presented by the newly signed Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. ‘New Bedford can take advantage of every wind and solar tax break inside that bill to continue its national leadership,’ Senator Ed Markey said, ‘in showing the 21st century is the renewable energy century.’” [SouthCoast Today/The Standard-Times, 8/25/22]
MICHIGAN
Fox 17 West Michigan: Debbie Stabenow visits Grandville to outline drug reforms under Inflation Reduction Act. “U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow stopped by Grandville Thursday morning to outline significant provisions that will be enacted to lower prescription drug costs under the Inflation Reduction Act. The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law on Tuesday. ‘Americans pay the highest prices in the world for their prescription drugs and it’s outrageous!” says Senator Stabenow. “I am very proud that my Democratic colleagues joined me in standing up to Big Pharma to get Michiganders and all Americans the help they need so they can afford their medicine.’ Stabenow says the new law will allow Medicare to negotiate prices on prescription drugs.” [Fox 17, 8/18/22]
WSGW: Inflation Reduction Act Designed to Benefit Farmers, Climate. “Farmers could see some relief with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Tuesday, US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visited the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center in Frankenmuth to discuss the benefits of the new Inflation Reduction Act has for farmers. Joined by Congressman Dan Kildee and Senator Debbie Stabenow, Vilsack announced new investments into the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service with a focus on nutrient management. The new act includes $40 billion of investment for existing USDA programs which incentivise climate-safe farming practices. Stabenow says that with this funding, the programs will have a significant impact on the environment very quickly. Vilsack says that incentivising changes to farming practices in the short-term will help increase productivity and profits for farmers in the long-term. Along with the investment in nutrient management, the Inflation Reduction Act provides incentives for the production of biofuel and certain tax credits aimed at conservation efforts.” [WSGW, 8/16/22]
The Detroit News: Stabenow pushes for lower drug prices, more mental health centers. “U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow toured Wayne County health centers with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on Tuesday as they touted legislation that would purportedly reduce prescription costs and expand community mental health clinics. Stabenow, D-Lansing, started at Henry Ford Hospital's main campus in Detroit saying millions of Americans would see lower health care costs thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act the Senate passed over the weekend. The bill would allow Medicare to negotiate for prescription drug prices and extend the expanded Affordable Care Act program for three years through 2025.” [The Detroit News, 8/9/22]
WSGW: Sen. Gary Peters Stops at Hemlock Semiconductor as Part of Annual Michigan Motorcycle Tour. “U.S. Senator Gary Peters is on his annual motorcycle tour of Michigan, with a stop Wednesday, August 31 at Hemlock Semiconductor. Peters toured the facility, where hyper pure polysilicon is manufactured for things like cell phones, computers, vehicles and solar panels. Peters highlighted both the CHIPS and Sciences Act, which aims to make the U.S. a leading global producer of polysilicon, and the Inflation Reduction Act, which has provisions to increase renewable energy production. Peters says both pieces of legislation will open the way for an increase in demand for things like solar panels. They will also increase economic and national security, making the U.S. less dependent on foreign countries or companies for products the U.S. needs in manufacturing.” [WSGW, 8/31/22]
MINNESOTA
The Star Tribune: Klobuchar says negotiated drug prices will help all consumers. “U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Monday praised a massive bill that for the first time will allow the government to negotiate drug prices for Medicare recipients, a measure that passed over fierce objections from drug manufacturers who say it will hurt consumers. Klobuchar said she first introduced a bill to allow the government to negotiate Medicare drug prices a decade ago. Instead, as prices climbed, the government's been barred from leveraging the collective negotiating power of 64 million Medicare recipients with drug makers. Not for much longer.” [Star Tribune, 8/8/22]
KBJR 6: Klobuchar visits Duluth, touts Inflation Reduction Act. “Over the weekend, Vice President Kamala Harris cast the tie-breaking vote in the Senate to pass the Inflation Reduction Act. It’ll face its final test later this week in the House, before possibly moving on to President Biden’s desk. Senate Democrats said the act will address health care, climate change, and taxes. One of the leaders of that bill was Minnesota’s Senior Senator Amy Klobuchar. On Wednesday, Klobuchar held a news conference outside the DECC in Duluth to tout the bill. Klobuchar was joined by Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and several Northland senior citizens, discussing how the bill could help people in the Arrowhead, by lowering prescription drug costs. The bill makes major changes to health care policy by giving Medicare, the federal health insurance for people 65 or older, the power to negotiate prices for certain drugs and subsidies.” [KBJR 6, 8/10/22]
MPR News: Climate law could shrink price of Sherco solar project. “Xcel Energy’s plans to build a massive solar project next to its retiring Sherco coal-fired power plant in central Minnesota could get a boost from the climate and energy law recently passed by Congress. Minnesota U.S. Senator Tina Smith toured the coal plant on Monday, along with state and labor union officials and Xcel leaders.” … “Smith, a Democrat, said the Inflation and Reduction Act helps support the transition to clean energy by providing local jobs in communities such as Becker, where workers have helped power Minnesota for decades. ‘We designed this bill so that it would create opportunities not just any place, but in the places where there have been good union jobs,’ she said. ‘We don't want those jobs to go away. We want them to be a part of the transition.’” [MPR News, 8/22/22]
MONTANA
KULR 8: Senator Tester speaks on reduced healthcare costs at RiverStone Health. “Montana Senator Jon Tester spoke at RiverStone Health about the recently signed Inflation Reduction Act. This piece of legislation is designed to lower the cost of prescription drugs, as well as the monthly payments for insulin. ‘The debt is high,’ said Senator Tester. ‘Medical debt nationwide is getting into hundreds of billions of dollars, so we're always looking for ways to pay down the debt.’ This bill will allow a maximum of $2,000 per year for prescription drugs, and $35 a month for insulin. ‘We need to figure out a way to reduce the debt as we pay for things that we spend money on,’ said Senator Tester. Senator Tester also remarked that this act will give funding for renewable energy production, and conservation programs geared towards aiding farmers.” [KULR 8, 9/1/22]
NEVADA
Las Vegas Review-Journal: Cortez Masto touts clean energy boost thanks to inflation bill. “Labor and environmental organizations gathered with Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto on Friday to tout the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act and how it will benefit the state’s clean energy sector. ‘All of the focus that we have done to lean into this clean energy economy, that is a long-term investment for Nevada. It’s not just one year, two years, this is 10 years. This is long term,’ Cortez Masto said. Officials from the Nevada Conservation League, Environmental Defense Fund and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers were also at the Matt Firmenich IBEW Training Facility in east Las Vegas to discuss how the act will improve Nevada’s economy. Broadly, the bill earmarks $369 billion for climate change and clean energy programs, which includes tax incentives for electric vehicles, solar panels and technology that helps reduce carbon emissions. It will also raise $737 billion in government revenue through changes to the tax system including a minimum 15 percent corporate tax, a 1 percent stock buyback tax and drug pricing reform. The White House released estimates showing Nevada will receive $2.7 billion for renewable energy projects by 2030, which could boost the industry’s labor force that currently has more than 32,000 workers.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 8/20/22]
Asian Journal: Senator Cortez Masto, AAPI Community Leaders Discuss Impact Of Inflation Reduction Act On Nevadans. “U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) hosted a roundtable on Wednesday, August 31 with Asian American and Pacific Islander community leaders in Las Vegas to discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act will lower health care costs, create good-paying clean energy jobs, and combat climate change. Senator Cortez Masto and participants discussed the cost-cutting provisions in the legislation, including the extended tax credits for families who receive health insurance through the Affordable Care Act and the robust investments in Nevada’s clean energy economy.” [Asian Journal, 9/5/22]
NEW HAMPSHIRE
InkLink: Hassan joins local advocates in touting Inflation Reduction Act’s passage. “On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) held a press conference at Amoskeag Health with local healthcare advocates, medical professionals and area residents impacted by pharmaceutical costs to celebrate the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act last weekend by the U.S. Senate. The bill, which includes many portions of what was the Build Back Better Act, the legislative embodiment of President Biden’s agenda, addresses healthcare costs in the United States by allowing Congress to negotiate with providers on pharmaceutical prices for Medicare recipients as well as expand the Affordable Care Act and allow an extension of temporarily expanded insurance subsidy credits.” [InkLink, 8/9/22]
InkLink: Shaheen touts Inflation Reduction Act to Manchester audience. “On Thursday, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig joined with local senior citizens and AARP members at the William B.Cashin Senior Center to touch upon the healthcare impacts of the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act. Shaheen told the assembled crowd she was thrilled that the federal government will now be able to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to lower the price of medications to Medicaid and Medicare recipients as well as extending additional subsidies for coverage under the Affordable Care Act for another three years. Manchester resident Patrick McDermott was one of the people at the event who was grateful the bill was passed, citing several situations with people he knew who needed to keep working to pay for healthcare costs despite debilitating illness or advanced age. ‘We know this is just a beginning, but because of this (legislation), our country is a healthier place than it was before,’ he said.” [InkLink, 9/1/22]
NEW JERSEY
NJ Spotlight News: Menendez, Booker tout Inflation Reduction Act to NJ seniors. “Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (D-NJ) told an audience at an Elizabeth senior center Tuesday the Inflation Reduction Act just passed by the U.S. Senate will improve their lives, arguing the downsized version of President Biden’s Build Back Better bill will help fight climate change, encourage clean energy, and make medicine for New Jersey’s 1.6 million elderly residents more affordable. The act lets Medicare negotiate lower drug costs and caps out-of-pocket payments. ‘I’ve talked to seniors who’ve had thousands and thousands of dollars in prescription drug costs. That will be capped now, totally, at $2,000 per year, out-of-pocket medical expenses,’ said Sen. Bob Menendez to applause. The House will vote on the measure on Friday, when another party-line vote on it is expected, with even reluctant Democrats apparently ready to vote yes.” [NJ Spotlight News, 8/9/22]
NEW MEXICO
Las Cruces Sun-News: 'It changes the landscape.' Democrats tout Inflation Reduction Act, prescription drug changes. “Cheaper drugs are on the way for hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans. It just might take a few years to notice. During a news conference Wednesday, a cadre of state and federal officials touted the Inflation Reduction Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law on Aug. 16. U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Lujan (D) and Martin Heinrich (D) stood alongside New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra during the conference. ‘Healthcare is not affordable and, therefore, it's not accessible," Lujan Grisham said. "That's been the story in America.’ The news conference comes after federal lawmakers passed the Inflation Reduction Act last week. The Act, which had no Republican support in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the Senate, contained a litany of provisions touching on tax changes, climate change and prescription drug costs.” [Las Cruces Sun-News, 8/17/22]
NEW YORK
NY Daily News: Sen. Schumer boasts big wins for the nation, New York in just-passed climate and spending package. “A sleep-deprived Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) headed straight for New York City to take a victory lap on Monday after shepherding a historically large climate change bill through a gauntlet in the evenly split Senate. Fresh off his hard-fought Capitol Hill win, the Democratic leader from Brooklyn boasted of achievements forged in a rare weekend Senate all-nighter, including the massive investment in clean energy and provisions to lower prescription drug costs. ‘For years, people have wanted this done,’ Schumer crowed at a news conference in Midtown Manhattan. He promised that the bill would force Big Pharma to lower costs for American families.” [NY Daily News, 8/8/22]
NBC 5: Schumer visits Lake Placid to talk Inflation Reduction Act. “The Inflation Reduction Act aims to curb rising costs. It ties mitigating climate change with creating more jobs and boosting the economy. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer visited the Adirondacks on Monday. It was his first time in the area as an official. He enjoys hiking in the Adirondacks for leisure and celebrated his 25th anniversary in the area. The $370 billion bill is the largest investment aiming to fight climate change in the U.S. The Adirondack Park will see $2 million go toward resuming air monitoring units, which shut down earlier this summer because of federal budgeting limits.” [NBC 5, 8/30/22]
The Ithaca Voice: Gillibrand visit to Ithaca marks optimism for new federal farming funding. “Sen. Kristen Gillibrand made a brief visit to Cornell University Monday afternoon, celebrating the passage of the Democrat-supported Inflation Reduction Act through Congress and the resulting agriculture funding that should help New York farmers. According to an announcement of the visit, the bill will bring $3.1 billion to the agriculture industry as a whole, aimed at easing farmers’ implementation of more sustainable practices in their businesses. Gillibrand joined with Tompkins County Legislators Shawna Black, Dan Klein, Amanda Champion and Veronica Pillar, as well as Cornell University officials Joel Malina and Ben Houlton and Professors Neil Mattson, Matt Ryan and Virginia Moore.” [The Ithaca Voice, 8/30/22]
The Saratogian: Schumer: Inflation Reduction Act protects natural beauty of Adirondacks for our health. “U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer recently broke down the impact the Inflation Reduction Act would have on families and the environment in Adirondack Park and across the North Country. Schumer said the bill will accelerate the domestic production of clean energy and transition to a greener economy, all of which is vital to places like the Adirondacks, which have historically been on the frontlines of fossil fuel pollution like acid rain. He said that this also presents a major opportunity for places like the North Country which are set to benefit not only from major boosts to conservation funding, but also by helping families lower energy costs by upgrading their homes, creating good-paying clean energy jobs, and strengthening rural development, all while fighting climate change!” [The Saratogian, 9/6/22]
OREGON
KEZI 9 ABC: Local lawmakers focus in on wave energy following Inflation Reduction Act. “Local lawmakers gathered in Corvallis on Tuesday to discuss their future plans for clean energy, in connection to the U.S. Senate’s newly passed Inflation Reduction Act. The event occurred at Oregon State University’s Hinsdale Wave Research Lab. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley were joined by Governor Kate Brown in the discussions. Wave energy is just one of the ways the plan to use the money allocated from the bill. Merkley said he is confident in the approach, and said the state will take a calculated approach over the next few years.” [KEZI 9 ABC, 8/9/22]
OBP: Oregon Democrats say landmark bill would help communities adapt to climate change. “Top Oregon officials say the proposed federal Inflation Reduction Act would invest billions of dollars to create clean energy and green infrastructure projects that would help low-income residents and communities of color adapt to climate change. On Wednesday, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan along with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, discussed how funding from proposed legislation would significantly address the many inequities Black, Indigenous and communities of color face because of climate change.” [Oregon Public Broadcasting, 8/11/22]
The Chronicle Online: Victory Lap: Oregon scores with Inflation Reduction Act. “Days after the U.S. Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act, approving hundreds of billions in spending on major Democrat priorities, Sen. Ron Wyden took a victory lap during a call with Oregon media. Wyden, who authored several of the key elements, in the package that passed the Senate when Vice Pres. Kamala Harris broke a 50-50 tie, said he was proud of the money to combat climate change, lower drug prices and take on tax cheats. ‘I'm proud the legislation is going to pack a 1-2 punch on climate change,’ Wyden said. ‘The bill includes my Clean Energy for America legislation and the money for wildfire impact across the state. What the Clean Energy for America bill does is it takes the tax code and throws it in the trash can. It says the more you reduce carbon, the bigger savings you get. The law I wrote is the biggest investment in climate change ever. I've been working on it for a decade, and I'm proud of it.’ Wyden said the bill provides $20 billion for farmers who use environmentally-friendly technology, $5 billion to help combat wildfires and $4 billion for drought mitigation.” [The Chronicle Online, 8/13/22]
KOBI 5 Medford: Sen. Ron Wyden visits Medford to talk prescription drug prices. “U.S. Senator Ron Wyden was in Medford today talking about how the ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ will help lower prescription drug prices. It was signed into law by President Biden today and according to Wyden, it addresses the issue of high drug prices set by large pharmaceutical companies. His office said the bill focuses on Medicare, which will be allowed to negotiate drug prices and sets a $2,000 per year out-of-pocket cap for seniors. To stop price gouging, the bill includes a penalty for companies that raise their drug prices above inflation, which starts in the fall. Wyden said this bill gets Oregon closer to lowering inflation on prescription drugs for everyone. ‘This is a seismic shift between seniors, taxpayers and big pharma,’ Senator Ron Wyden said. ‘The reason I say this is this is a historic step to ending big pharma’s high priced monopoly.’” [KOBI 5 Medford, 8/16/22]
PENNSYLVANIA
PennLive: What Sen. Casey says the Inflation Reduction Act will do for Pennsylvanians. “Pennsylvanians will benefit from legislation making its way through Congress that would lower prescription costs, address climate change and reduce the federal deficit, according to U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa. ‘This is … a bill that lowers prescription drug costs for seniors who receive Medicare,” Casey said at a news conference on the steps of the Pennsylvania Capitol Thursday. “So many people told us, for years, we couldn’t do that.’ [PennLive, 8/11/22]
Go Erie: US Sen. Bob Casey, during Erie visit, applauds Senate passage of Inflation Reduction Act. “U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, during a visit to Erie on Tuesday, called the Inflation Reduction Act — passed by the Senate after a marathon weekend debate by legislators — one of the most substantial investments in U.S. history when it comes to health care, climate change and deficit-reduction strategies. ‘We had a moment where we could actually get something passed, and we had to get something done,’ said Casey, a Democrat from Scranton, before touring the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority’s headquarters at 127 E.14th St. Casey, who voted for the legislation on Sunday, was at EMTA to celebrate more than $6 million in new federal funding awarded to the region’s largest transit agency.” [Go Erie, 8/9/22]
StateCollege.com: Lawmakers Talk Challenges, Opportunities for Agricultural Industry at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days. “The Inflation Reduction Act, which passed in Congress last weekend, includes $20 billion in new funding for U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs that will support farmers’ work in dealing with climate change. ‘No state, no group of farmers in the nation does a better job of conservation than Pennsylvania farmers. But you need help,’ Casey said. ‘We need to help farmers in their efforts to combat climate change and the good work they do, and this bill will do just that.’ He also emphasized aspects of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law in November, that will directly aid farms and rural communities.” [StateCollege.com, 8/10/22]
VIRGINIA
WFXR: Sen. Kaine tours Lexington solar canopy, Troutville green energy manufacturer. “U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm visited both Lexington and Troutville on Wednesday in order to discuss clean energy with Roanoke Valley officials. This tour comes less than two weeks after President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, which reportedly has clean energy provisions to lower costs for families.” … “‘This is western Virginia and we will be producing components here that will help us have electric charging all over the country,’ said Kaine.” [WFXR, 8/25/22]
Bristol Herald Courier: Putting points on the board, Warner touts string of legislative victories. “U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D – Va.) came to Richlands Monday on the heels of a string on legislative victories that has transformed a stalled Democratic agenda to a series of accomplishments the senator could tout to constituents.” …“He said the major infrastructure bill has money that should allow 98% of Southwest Virginia homes to have high speed internet at a rate of less than $35 per month by 2024-2025. Warner said miners and their families now have Black Lung benefits guaranteed thanks to legislation introduced by him and Joe Manchin. He said the U.S. is going to do what Canada and other countries do and use the power of negotiation to bring down the cost of medicine. Warner said the hope is to get the cost of insulin below $35 for senior citizens right away and eventually for everyone.” [Bristol Herald Courier, 8/22/22]
WASHINGTON
King 5: Alaska Airlines taking a lead in using sustainable aviation fuel. “The Inflation Reduction Act recently passed the Senate and the House could vote on the issue this week. Part of that act will include hundreds of millions of dollars to fund sustainable aviation fuel and practices. It’s one of the many pieces of legislation Washington Senator Maria Cantwell is working on to increase sustainability. The biggest takeaway is the Pacific Northwest is a pioneer in sustainability. Alaska Airlines is taking the lead when it comes to sustainable aviation fuel; they use about 3%. Alaska Airlines said the inventory of sustainable aviation fuel is low. It's a problem Senator Cantwell and Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said they're trying to change. ‘We don’t know what’s going to be the best yet and we really need to prioritize volume,’ said Granholm. The Biden Administration is hoping to create 3 billion gallons of sustainable fuel by 2030.” [King 5, 8/10/22]
The Seattle Times: Federal climate and inflation bill to bolster wave of new laws in WA. “The landmark climate change and health care bill signed by the president Tuesday will unlock a wave of federal funding just as Washington prepares to launch a number of pivotal state programs. The new law will begin to funnel billions of dollars into green technology and infrastructure, making 2023 a potentially monumental year in the state’s fight against climate change. Washington is preparing to roll out a spate of programs that will put a price on greenhouse gas emissions, require electric utilities to phase out coal and reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels. An influx of money could streamline and expedite state efforts to decarbonize. But the legislation’s success or failure will depend largely on how effectively federal funding complements state programs on the way. During a news conference Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray hailed the Inflation Reduction Act as ‘the largest-ever investment in climate action in our country’s history.’ ‘It is going to help supercharge a clean energy economy right here in Washington state, while lowering everyday energy costs and promoting real energy independence,’ she said.” [The Seattle Times, 8/17/22]
The Columbian: Sen. Patty Murray reports progress on drug prices in Vancouver visit. “U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., joined Medicare beneficiaries and the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington on Wednesday to touch on Medicare reform within the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act. ‘It has been a long, drawn-out battle, and this time we made progress,’ Murray said during the roundtable discussion. Among its many provisions, the legislation approved Tuesday establishes more mobility for Medicare, the senior-oriented health care program, to advocate for its receivers. Mike Reardon, executive director of the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington, said more than 100,000 people in Southwest Washington will benefit from the reform.” [The Columbian, 8/18/22]
WISCONSIN
Juneau County Star-Times: U.S. Sen. Baldwin visits Marquis Energy in Necedah. “Marquis Energy in Necedah is a large producer of ethanol for the area, and Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin toured the facility recently to highlight legislation that facilitates ethanol production. Baldwin arrived at the plant on the morning of Aug. 16 to discuss the Defend the Blend and the Inflation Reduction acts. Both pieces of legislation combine to give ethanol producers market certainty and tax incentives for providing corn-based energy.” [Juneau County Star-Times, 8/17/22]
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