National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard issued a statement on the March Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Report highlighting the significant decrease in inflation by over 60%. Despite this progress, Brainard emphasized the need for continued efforts to reduce costs further. She stated that President Biden is actively working to lower major family expenses through various legislative actions to reduce healthcare, prescription drugs, and insulin costs. Additionally, The President is advocating for constructing one million new homes to decrease housing expenses and has pushed for eliminating hidden fees. He is also urging profitable corporations to share their savings with consumers. In contrast, Brainard criticized Congressional Republicans for supporting policies that could increase healthcare, housing, and utility costs while proposing tax cuts for the wealthiest individuals and large corporations.
President Biden issued two proclamations. The first, Workers Memorial Day 2024, honors those injured or killed on the job and emphasizes ongoing efforts to ensure workplace safety. Key initiatives include significant funding for pandemic-related worker safety, strong support for union-led protections, and enhanced health and safety regulations enforcement. Noteworthy are new standards for extreme heat protection, silica dust exposure, and improved safety measures for first responders. The proclamation declares April 28, 2024, as Workers Memorial Day, calling for national observance through service and educational programs.
The second proclaims April 28th through May 4th as National Small Business Week, 2024, which recognizes the essential role of small businesses in the U.S. economy and community life. It details the administration's efforts to support these businesses through financial relief, policy reforms, and infrastructure investments, especially highlighting the growth of minority-owned businesses. The document reaffirms the commitment to enhancing access to capital and federal contracting opportunities, celebrating a significant small business boom.
The Biden-Harris Administration is hosting the inaugural White House Summit for Sustainable and Healthy Schools as part of President Biden's Investing in America Agenda, which allocates unprecedented resources to enhance the sustainability and health of K-12 school facilities. This summit brings together over 90 participants, including students, teachers, school administrators, and experts, to discuss utilizing federal funding for infrastructural improvements to reduce pollution and promote sustainability. This initiative's significant aspects include removing lead pipes, integrating solar energy systems, and transitioning to electric school buses. Alongside the summit, the administration has released the 2024 White House Toolkit to assist schools in accessing funding and technical support for projects that improve energy efficiency, resilience to extreme weather, and overall environmental quality. Moreover, the initiative highlights the creation of quality, unionized jobs that do not require a college degree, emphasizing the administration's commitment to economic inclusivity. The efforts are also part of the broader Justice40 Initiative, which ensures that 40% of the benefits from federal investments in climate and energy go to disadvantaged communities. This comprehensive approach addresses environmental issues and aims to enhance educational environments and community health.
What Did Joe Biden Do Today?