In response to the Senate passing the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, Rosemary Rivera, Co-Executive Director for Citizen Action of New York, issued the following statement:
“The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act is an important step forward in our collective fight for a better future for everyone. This historic legislation addresses several long-standing critical needs in our society, including tackling the climate crisis and reducing the cost of prescription drugs. As we continue to organize towards our long-term vision and goals, we celebrate the passage of this bill.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) contains the single largest investment in climate action in U.S. history–$369 billion over the next 10 years to increase cleaner energy production, reduce carbon emissions, and lower energy costs. These steps are crucial at a time when climate change is threatening our current and future survival. Unfortunately, the bill also invests lots of money in new fossil fuel production, allowing big oil to continue exploiting our communities and devastating our climate. We still have a lot of work ahead and we will continue organizing for aggressive climate action, making sure that we prioritize the well-being of low income communities and communities of color.
The IRA also contains investments to lower the cost of health insurance and prescription drugs. With 30 million people in America still uninsured, and those with healthcare coverage taking on second and third jobs just to afford their prescriptions, this legislation is crucial to address this crisis. Some Republicans have used drug costs as an election issue, while accepting campaign contributions from pharmaceutical companies. Without our Democratic representatives, we would not have meaningful change to address out-of-control drug prices, and policies that put the health and well-being of people and families before the profits of wealthy shareholders and CEOs.
Corporations, super PACs and big money in politics have prevented this kind of progressive change for a long time. Not only are the policies in the Inflation Reduction Act a win for the people, Senate Democrats have also made sure the biggest corporations and ultra-wealthy pay the bill. A new tax on corporations making more than $1 billion in income will bring in the revenue needed to make these critical investments in our collective well-being.
Governing is hard work and this legislation reflects that. We are particularly grateful to our own Senator, Majority Leader Schumer, whose skilled leadership brought together all Democrats, making it possible to pass this important legislation. Now we look to the House Democrats, including our New York delegation, to get it across the finish line and to President Biden’s desk. The Inflation Reduction Act is an important step forward and we celebrate this as we continue to keep organizing and fighting for our communities.”