Wins for healthcare, the economy, and our planet.
It was just about a month ago that a large suite of healthcare, economic, and climate justice policies known as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was passed, and today President Biden officially celebrated its passage at the White House.
Some climate wins we secured through the IRA include:
- Creation of 9 million jobs in clean energy
- Reduction of carbon emissions by 40% by 2030
- Reduce utility costs by $1,025 a year on average
- $60 billion for environmental justice investments in communities disproportionately harmed by climate change
And we can’t forget the gains this bill secured for healthcare:
- Saves the average ACA enrollee $800/year
- Medicare will be able to directly negotiate some prescription drug prices
- $35/month insulin
- Limits out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs to $2,000 a year
- Extended health care insurance subsidies for three years to reduce monthly health insurance costs
Not to mention, taking steps in making the wealthy pay their fair share!
- Funding for the IRS to go after wealthy tax evaders
- 15% minimum tax rate on the wealthiest corporations
- 1% tax on stock buybacks used to enrich wealthy shareholders
- No new taxes on small businesses or families making $400,000 or less
While this bill is the biggest step towards addressing climate change passed to date, we need to continue on this path to push for legislation that adequately addresses the scale of the problem. We need a Green New Deal, and our collective work continues to get us there.
We know that these advances come from sustained organizing efforts by climate and healthcare activists. We take these wins, and continue to fight for a society that creates a better world for all!
In solidarity,
Team AOC
