Leader Sykes statement as President Biden signs infrastructure bill that will invest $11 billion in Ohio jobs and projects

Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued the following statement as President Biden signed into law historic investments in the nation’s infrastructure, from repairing roads and bridges and replacing lead pipes to expanding broadband internet access and supporting public transit. The bill is the largest investment in national infrastructure in decades and will deliver $11 billion to Ohio. 

“President Biden and Democrats’ Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal is a win for all Ohioans, with $11 billion dollars going to repair Ohio ‘s roads and bridges, replace outdated water lines in our communities and continue to invest in modern, accessible public transit systems that allow people to get to work, go to school and earn a living.

“This bill will create thousands of good-paying union jobs that can’t be outsourced, and build on the wins Democrats delivered in the state budget to invest in transit, broadband access and our state’s infrastructure. Today is a momentous day for all Ohioans.” 

Earlier this year, House Democrats opposed the governor’s proposed cuts to public transit funding and fought to secure $193.7 million over the next two years, doubling the total investment over the governor’s initial proposal.

The recently passed state operating budget included Democratic infrastructure priorities, providing $250 million to expand broadband networks in underserved areas of Ohio, and $350 million to clean up brownfield sites across the state.