Sen. Durbin calls Republican infrastructure proposal “not very ambitious”

Posted on May 18, 2021
Sen. Dick Durbin. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – U.S. Republicans could unveil a massive infrastructure proposal in the coming days as optimism grows about a possible bipartisan deal.

However, the proposal is “not very ambitious,” according to Illinois Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill).

“It is over a five-year period of time $800 billion, certainly big numbers by any standards, but not by federal standards in terms of what we should be spending on the American economy.”

The proposal, which would be a fraction of President Biden’s $2.3 Trillion infrastructure plan, would include funding for roads, public transportation, and airports.

“So Joe Biden’s saying, and I’m backing him up on this. Part of infrastructure is our electric infrastructure across this country. We need to be thinking of that in terms of future demands that we foresee,” Durbin told WJBC’s, Scott Miller. “So when he says that, it’s not the traditional infrastructure, but believe me, it’s as much as part of economic growth as any interstate highway.”

Those charging stations would benefit Rivian Manufacturing, hoping to begin producing their R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck later this summer in Normal.

LISTEN: Sen. Durbin spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller. 

This week Gov. Pritzker announced a goal of putting 750,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030. Additionally, drivers on Illinois roadways will begin seeing charging station signs as part of a national effort to promote alternative fuels.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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