Article Summary –
Microsoft plans to construct a $3.3 billion data center in Racine, Wisconsin, which is predicted to create 2,300 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs. The site was previously intended for a $10 billion Foxconn facility, announced by former President Trump, which never materialized, contributing to an overall decline in manufacturing during his administration. President Biden’s policies, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, have reportedly resulted in over $860 billion in private commitments for manufacturing projects, with $2 billion directed towards Wisconsin.
President Biden Announces Microsoft’s $3.3 Billion Investment in Wisconsin
President Joe Biden announced on May 9, Microsoft’s plan to build a $3.3 billion data center in Racine, Wisconsin. The project, expected by the White House to generate 2,300 unionized construction jobs and 2,000 permanent positions, is a significant boost for the local economy.
Microsoft’s Investment Contrasts with Foxconn’s Failed Plans
The site allocated for Microsoft’s data center was previously intended for a $10 billion Foxconn manufacturing facility. However, by 2021, Foxconn abandoned most of its investment and failed to deliver the promised 13,000 new jobs. Biden sharply criticized his predecessor, Donald Trump, for the failed initiative.
Manufacturing Decline under Trump’s Administration
Despite claims from former President Trump of a “manufacturing miracle,” data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the US lost nearly 200,000 jobs during his tenure. In contrast, more than 700,000 manufacturing jobs have been added since Biden’s inauguration in 2021.
Trade Policies and Manufacturing under Trump
An Economic Policy Institute report from August 2020 revealed that Trump’s trade policies did not reverse the offshoring of US jobs. Instead, his mismanaged COVID-19 response weakened the manufacturing sector.
Biden’s Focus on Domestic Manufacturing
The Biden administration has prioritized domestic manufacturing. Legislation signed into law under his leadership, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the CHIPS and Science Act, encourages the production of domestically made goods and offers tax incentives for building US-based facilities.
Private commitments for manufacturing projects have exceeded $860 billion since Biden took office, with $2 billion earmarked for Wisconsin, according to the White House.
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