Albany, NY – In response to today’s passage of the Build Back Better Act, Jessica Wisneski, co-executive director of Citizen Action of New York, released the following statement:
“The Build Back Better Act makes long-overdue investments in our communities at a time where millions of people are still feeling the impacts of the Covid pandemic and the economic inequality it exacerbated. The bill also acknowledges that for a long time our tax system has only helped the rich get richer. Corporations have been able to exploit and extract wealth from our communities while poisoning our air and water and contributing to the climate crisis.
“As we tackle many crises at once, from homelessness to police violence to threats to our democracy, the Build Back Better Act will help fund the things our communities need to thrive, including health care for millions of people, paid leave, affordable housing and child care, and a clean climate. New Yorkers have always needed these investments. There cannot be just pandemic recovery without real investments in the public good. We applaud House Democrats for coming to an agreement that puts everyday people first, and we urge the Senate to pass it without delay.”