President Joe Biden revealed his $1.75 trillion spending bill on Oct. 28. In his announcement, Biden underlined that this spending bill is historic and will help improve national issues such as education funding, physical infrastructure and public works. The bill also addresses international issues such as climate change.
“It’s a framework that will create millions of jobs, grow the economy, invest in our nation and our people, turn the climate crisis around and put us on a path not only to compete but to win the economic competition,” Biden said.
Dr. Jacob Lanphere, professor of environmental science, described the portion of Biden’s spending plan regarding climate change and the environment in deeper detail.
“He has allocated a lot of funds for the economy to go to promote green energy, electric vehicles, transportation and also to provide education for research at universities so that they can hopefully raise the next generation of students who are going to solve these big-ticket items,” Lanphere said.
Lanphere also examined what the portion of the spending plan for research for universities means, especially from the perspective of California Baptist University.
“From a CBU student perspective, I think it’s important to know what is happening locally, but also in our country as a whole,” Lanphere said. “There are a lot of opportunities for internships, grants and research positions that a lot of times come about due to policy changes that our government makes. So, universities may receive some type of government grants for research in areas like sustainability or environmental science. It’s important to know where this money is going and how students can benefit.”
Lizzy Sharpe, sophomore environmental science major, called for her fellow CBU students to pay attention to environmental issues in politics.
“Since the government affects nearly every aspect of our lives, we need to pay attention to what they’re doing specifically regarding the environment, conservation, sustainability, climate change, etc.,” Sharpe said. “When we remain informed about current events we become more knowledgeable voters, which allows for us students to promote change and input our ideas.”
Sharpe also encourages students to give current events proper consideration and thought.
“Although not everyone cares about politics– which in my opinion, everyone should – if you care even the slightest bit about the Earth you live on, you must pay attention to the world around you and what the people in power are saying about it,” Sharpe said.
The bill is set to be approved by the House later this week, as both chambers want to reach a decision around Thanksgiving.
