While the price tag on this infrastructure bill may seem high, the cost of doing nothing would be even higher.
In announcing his massive infrastructure plan this week, President Joe Biden called it a “once in a generation investment in America” that will improve our country’s aging infrastructure while strengthening our economy. All Chicagoans should be thrilled at this announcement, not only for the reasons laid out in a Sun-Times editorial, but because of the commitment to replace 100% of the nation’s lead pipes and service lines. Chicago, embarrassingly, has the most lead pipes of any city in the country. We’ve been far too slow to address this issue, which contaminates our drinking water and results in disastrous effects, particularly in the development of children. Tests have found lead-contaminated water in each of Chicago’s neighborhoods, though we know that low income residents suffer an outsize amount due to other environmental and healthcare factors.
