Congressman Casten Welcomes President Biden to Illinois to Discuss Economic Agenda, Privately Urging Biden to do what is Scientifically Necessary to Protect American Families and Economy Against Climate Crisis, No Matter How Politically Difficult
Casten spoke to President Biden about the importance of tackling the climate crisis.
"When I met with the President today, we discussed the climate crisis and Iurged him to do what the science tells us is necessary to protect communities and prevent economic catastrophe. We're lucky to have a President so deeply committed to tackling the climate crisis and I look forward to continuing to work alongside him to create a better planet for our children." said Casten.
As President Biden presses for a bipartisan agreement on infrastructure, he is also working closely with Congress to ensure the full breadth and scope of American Families Plan and critical climate priorities. From making education more affordable and expanding key provisions like the Child Tax Credit to providing economic security through programs like paid leave to families, the President will continue working with Congress to advance an economic agenda that creates jobs, spurs growth, and cuts taxes for hardworking Illinois families.
Following the meeting, Casten said, "President Biden's visit to Crystal Lake shows he understands just how important Illinois is when it comes to rebuilding our country's economy. As we emerge from a pandemic that's devastated families across the country, I'm thrilled President Biden shares my commitment to fight for families by expanding the Child Tax Credit, rebuilding our care economy, and leaving a better planet behind for our children."
According to the Crystal Lake Historical Society, Biden will be the first sitting U.S. President to travel to Crystal Lake in McHenry County, Illinois. The President's choice to visit MCC for his first visit to Illinois since taking office highlights his commitment to community colleges and the students they serve, amid reports in Illinois and across the country about first generation and low income students forced to drop out due to economic hardship from the pandemic. In May, Casten and Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) held a press conferencealongside students and faculty from local colleges and universities who will receive emergency funding under the American Rescue Plan to help them cope with the severe financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Biden's partnership with Congress in making permanent the expanded Child Tax Credit by passing the American Families Plan was a central focus of today. In June, Rep. Casten (IL-06) hosted a press conference with Rep. Foster and Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) on how the expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) will help hardworking families, ensure women are able to return to the workforce, and reduce child poverty by a projected 50%. The Child Tax Credit will benefit over 2.5 million Illinois children, lifting $153,000 children out of poverty across the state.