Feb. 8 --President Biden, Dr. Biden, we are so honored that you chose Madison to highlight the astounding progress you have made after some of the toughest years this nation has ever faced.


The strength of the Biden economy is clear in Wisconsin. Here in the Madison area our unemployment rate is just 1.6 percent – the lowest in the nation! That means workers have better wages, more choices and more power in our economy.


President Biden’s policies and legislative accomplishments, including ARPA, BIL and IRA, have been transformational.

After a 30-year struggle to create rapid transit in Madison, it is finally happening! With direct support from the Federal Transit Administration, we broke ground on the East-West Bus Rapid Transit line, which will provide more frequent and reliable service for riders and connect them to jobs. We just placed an order for 46 electric buses that will reduce emissions and improve air quality and public health for all residents.


These infrastructure improvements are accompanied by good paying union jobs. From the LIUNA workers who will be building the BRT to the Teamsters who will operate it, it’s all happening due to the President’s leadership and partnership – thank you, Mr. President! We are investing in human capital too! ARPA funds allowed us to invest in the City’s future Black Business Hub to help address disparities in Black business ownership by providing a space to incubate, accelerate and network.


They allowed us to support 900 young people with youth employment and programming opportunities over the last two summers. Mr. President, I welcome your calls for Congress to build on this progress by passing legislation that will continue to invest in American families, helping to grow the economy from the bottom up and middle out, ensuring that no one gets left behind.


Washington must take action to help cities by addressing homelessness expanding services for mental health and protecting our civil rights, reproductive rights and especially our voting rights!

---From the City of Madison, Mayor's Office