DETROIT — Vice President Kamala Harris is set to unveil a more than $100 million financial boost aimed at supporting American autoworkers and small auto suppliers during a visit to Detroit today. This new funding is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation's auto industry and workforce, as detailed in a White House statement.
Accompanied by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and key cabinet members, the Vice President plans to quickly put into action more than $50 million in grants to help automotive suppliers make the shift towards electric vehicle (EV) part manufacturing. Additionally, another $50 million will be allocated to support manufacturers in diversifying and updating their facilities. This move looks to keep good-paying jobs within the communities that are currently transitioning to EV manufacturing. The investment supports jobs that, following historic UAW contracts with the Big Three in Detroit and other organizing victories, are due to offer competitive salaries, retirement security, and respect at work.
The White House underlines the administration's dedication to job creation and quality, with the American auto industry reporting a 250,000 job increase under President Biden and Vice President Harris. In contrast, the industry experienced a loss of 90,000 jobs under the preceding administration. The current administration prides itself on making the U.S. a leader in EV manufacturing investments.
Also on the Vice President's agenda is the announcement of new workforce training initiatives and assistance programs to support American auto communities. She aims to ensure American workers lead the charge into the future of clean vehicles. The White House promises these include place-based initiatives for job training and partnership developments within local populations. Energy Department’s new Community Workforce Readiness Accelerator for Major Projects (RAMP) Fellowship is another arm of the initiative, designed to expand workforce development to serve underrepresented communities that have received significant energy and manufacturing investments.
These announcements are in line with the Administration's commitment to empowering both American workers and small business growth, which includes a special focus on minority and veteran-owned businesses. The White House highlights that the actions build upon the Administration's promise to maintain the auto industry as a cornerstone in American communities, further benefiting Michigan families with lower costs in various sectors, from health care to utilities.
The Administration has faced criticism from Congressional Republicans, who purportedly lack a comprehensive plan to reduce costs and are accused by Democrats of taking actions that could increase expenses for Michigan residents. Nonetheless, Vice President Harris' announcement emphasizes the Administration's proactive strategies to bolster small businesses and support the American workforce in an evolving auto industry landscape.
