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Press Room
VI Comments on 2019 State of the Union Address
Feb. 8, 2019
On Tuesday, February 5, 2019, President Trump delivered his State of the Union Address with a call for bipartisanship. One of the most important opportunities for finding common ground, the President said, was with renewed investments in America’s infrastructure. Both parties have spent the past several years discussing the need for renewed investments in infrastructure and there has been some progress but plans for a larger infrastructure package stalled in Congress last year.
“Both parties should be able to unite for a great rebuilding of America’s crumbling infrastructure,” Trump said. “I know that Congress is eager to pass an infrastructure bill — and I am eager to work with you on legislation to deliver new and important infrastructure investment, including investments in the cutting-edge industries of the future. This is not an option. This is a necessity.”
VI has been a strong advocate for reinvesting in our nation’s infrastructure, particularly water infrastructure which experts note has been severely neglected for decades. Ultimately, this lack of investment poses risks to our drinking water as the system decays. It also negatively affects the affordability for ratepayers and compounds the costs for municipalities already facing budget shortfalls.
“The President’s request for bipartisan cooperation in rebuilding our nation’s failing infrastructure was welcome news to the Vinyl Institute,” said Chairman Dick Heinle. “The replacement of failing pipes in America’s water and wastewater systems is one of the most timely investments our nation can pursue. VI is committed to working with Congress and the White House to ensure that water infrastructure funding is a major component of any Infrastructure Investment Package.”