As a candidate, Donald Trump deserved credit for identifying a policy that damages jobs, competitiveness, and economic growth: underinvestment in infrastructure.
Americans overwhelmingly agree. A poll this summer found that 89 percent of Americans believe infrastructure investment strengthens the economy, with 81 percent saying it would benefit them personally. More than half (56 percent) think U.S. infrastructure is in bad condition, compared to just 30 percent who say it is in good condition. Americans everyday confront the problems created by bad roads, broken public transit, ancient airports, and crumbling bridges, that are generations behind what is enjoyed in other parts of the world.
Unfortunately, Trump’s plans as president could make the situation worse. Yes, he still promises a $1 trillion federal infrastructure package, but his proposed budget cuts to infrastructure are $55 billion more than the new federal dollars he included. Moreover, his tax plans and congressional politics suggest his overall impact on infrastructure likely will be substantially more negative.
The Brookings Institute
by Blair Levin and Adie Tomer
Friday, October 27, 2017