Readout of Meeting with Senior Advisor Cedric Richmond and Key Business Groups on Historic Infrastructure Investments

Today, Senior Advisor and Director of the Office of Public Engagement Cedric Richmond hosted a virtual roundtable with key business groups, including those representing Black, LGBTQ+, Hispanic, AAPI, women and small business leaders. Director Richmond discussed the historic investments proposed in President Biden’s American Jobs Plan and updated business leaders on the status of the negotiations with the bipartisan group of Senators. He also reiterated the President’s commitment to not raise taxes on people making less than $400,000 a year and thanked the business leaders for their leadership and support.
 
The business leaders spoke of the urgent need for investments in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, ports, seaports and broadband. They also emphasized their support for programs to help businesses recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic and expanding federal contracting opportunities for small businesses. The group discussed how access to paid leave and child care resources will support their employees and allow small businesses to better compete. The leaders reiterated the need for additional capital investment in order to create jobs and compete in the 21st century economy.
 
Richmond also thanked participants for joining and said that he looks forward to continued dialogue about how the Biden – Harris Administration can continue its support for small businesses. This meeting is part of Director Richmond’s outreach to small businesses. To date, Richmond has organized nearly 150 meetings with the private sector that were attended by over 95,000 people.

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