Nearly forty IBEW business managers from Pennsylvania and government affairs staff attended a high-level Pennsylvania-focused meeting at the White House on March 21. The topic of how to serve the citizens of this critical battleground state year took center stage.
The five-hour meeting with cabinet staff and administration officials included roundtables with many federal agencies, including the Department of Labor. It followed similar talks between the White House and IBEW leadership from Wisconsin and Michigan.
“They wanted our input, and this has been a great opportunity to share it,” said IBEW Third District international representative Kris Anderson.
The event included discussions about critical projects with prominent officials including long-time IBEW advocate, Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. She discussed how IBEW members are building several projects with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the state, particularly airports. A new terminal is underway in Pittsburgh, and members recently wrapped up a project in Allentown.
IBEW members in Pennsylvania anticipate even more new work from investments from the Biden-Harris administration, including the development of hydrogen hubs. Anderson said they also look forward to funding to support the state’s broadband network and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Anderson said the day was a huge success for Pennsylvania members.
“We went to the White House to deliver a message and the administration took it into account,” he said, adding the delegation was proud to have made the most of the opportunity.
