By WMBD-TV
NORMAL – Mike Matejka is headed to the White House. He accepted an invitation to attend the “Communities in Action: Building a better Illinois and Indiana Summit. On Thursday, Matejka will be with other community leaders and local elected officials sharing the impact the Biden-Harris Administration’s investments have had on their communities.
“I’ve been to DC many times for congressional trips and visits. But, never have I had a White House invitation. So, this will be an interesting first.”
After realizing the invitation wasn’t a scam, Matejka worked with officials in McLean County to compile a list of economic opportunity projects that have been boosted by the current administration. There’s the growth of the electric vehicle industry, the Uptown Station Underpass Project, a significant increase in union apprenticeships, and several infrastructure projects.
“We are aware, in this area, that the administration’s investments are going to pay off for our economy locally,” said Matejka. “And also just a chance to not only say ‘thank you,’ but say ‘Look, here’s Central Illinois. Here’s how we’re benefiting from these investments in our infrastructure.’ That hopefully will be with us for decades to come and make a big difference.”
Matejka hopes revitalizing the infrastructure will have a lasting impact like President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s investments during the Great Depression.
“We’re still using bridges and parks and dams that were built in the 1930s,” said Matejka. “So, hopefully revitalizing our infrastructure now is a long-term investment that generations of Americans will enjoy.”
State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth will also be in attendance at Thursday’s meeting.
