Letters: Thanks goodness Biden and Democrats never gave up

Letters to the editor
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Time to celebrate

Ever since Joe Biden became president, he and Democrats in Congress have tried to pass legislation that would be good for ordinary Americans and for the earth.

They always met stiff opposition from Republicans, so their accomplishments weren’t as numerous or expansive as was needed.

More:Biden signs climate and health care bill. Now, Democrats race to explain its benefits

Thankfully, they never gave up. Because they didn’t, we can celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which will:

  • Authorize Medicare, for the first time, to negotiate the prices of some medicines.

  • Compel multinational corporations to pay at least a 15% tax rate.

  • Cap out-of-pocket costs for many people who need insulin.

  • Require big business to pay a 1% tax when companies buy back their own stock.

  • Extend health care subsidies for millions of Americans.

  • Support massive investments in renewable energy; the most far-reaching measures America has ever taken to address catastrophic climate change.

Each of these items, individually, would be a major legislative accomplishment. Together, they will do tremendous good for ordinary Americans, for our economy, and for our planet.

More:Prescription drugs, taxes, climate change: What the Inflation Reduction Act will mean for you

So, when you vote in the midterms, please remember what Joe Biden and Democrats have tried and been able to do for you.

Catherine Hunt, Akron

Support a 'serious' energy policy

President Joe Biden signs the Democrats' landmark climate change and health care bill in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington on Tuesday, as from left, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., and Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., watch.

With signs of a recession flashing red, Ohio families and small businesses need President Joe Biden’s firm commitment he will do everything he can to bring gasoline and diesel prices down and help lower the highest inflation in over 40 years.

More:Gas prices in Columbus and Ohio fall ... and may continue to drop

The White House missed a clear opportunity to lower inflation while supplying current global energy demand when it released a proposed five-year leasing plan for offshore oil and gas drilling that could block all new Gulf of Mexico oil and gas activity.

The plan won’t even be adopted until 2023, and its “no action” option would shrink the 15% of U.S. oil production that comes from the Gulf, one of the least carbon-intensive sources in the world.

More:These metros had the highest inflation in the US – and you'll be surprised by No. 1

From offshore oil, natural gas and wind, to onshore solar, an increase in American energy of all forms is a win for American national security, our lower emission future, and an affordable, reliable energy supply for all of us.

It’s time Ohioans, who are spending 40% more than a year ago to fill up their gas tanks urge our elected leaders in Washington to support a serious energy policy that recognizes the national security, economic security, reliability and affordability that offshore leasing provides.

Chris Ventura, Columbus

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Time to celebrate Biden's victory. Chance missed to address inflation