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DEAR EDITOR:
A year ago last month, the economy was crash-landing. People were still isolated from their jobs. We nervously awaited stimulus checks. When could we get a vaccination? We winced at the daily onslaught from the former president's outcries against the media. He had failed to concede the recent election and incited a riot at our nation's Capitol, attempting to overturn our election. Republican legislators characterized the rioters as rowdy visitors and began carving out voting rights for people in their districts.
President Biden, from day one, began reversing harmful policy changes of Trump's. He signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan into law, giving us all relief from the economic strain of the pandemic. The vaccine quickly became more easily available, and our closed schools reopened cautiously. Money went to households with children. Unemployment benefits finally provided, at last, more realistic payments.
Within the year, Biden signed the $1 trillion infrastructure bill that will repair or replace our roads and unsafe bridges. This provides lead pipe replacement in water systems, climate protection and broadband expansion. We've had the fastest ever decline in unemployment to 3.9 percent. Economic growth is surging faster than any other time in four decades.
Wages are rising, and there are 6 million new jobs. Yes, we are fighting inflation, but that should decline as the pandemic recedes, so get your shot. We have new manufacturing in Ohio. Intel will open a chips plant right here in Ohio, and union machinists will be making GE aviation engines in Ohio.
Unfortunately, the Build Back Better legislation was stalled, but the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, vaccine distribution and schools opening safely have improved our daily lives.
Biden has appointed more judges in his first year than did Trump. It turned out judges delayed their retirement until Trump's successor occupied the Oval Office and a Democratic Senate would confirm their appointment.
President Biden has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and described their conversations to the public. There was no obsequious coddling of this dictator. We all breathe a little easier with a calmer presidential administration.
So, yes, we're better off today! Keep telling your representatives to support Build Back Better and voting rights. Under Biden's leadership, we'll continue to prosper.
LINDA COCUZZI RICHTER
Niles