The Biden administration is creating new factory jobs in Wisconsin as part of its initiative to expand high-speed internet access across the country. These job opportunities align with President Joe Biden’s messaging for the 2024 elections, aiming to connect job gains with specific actions taken by his administration.
Vice President Kamala Harris recently announced that up to 200 new manufacturing jobs will be established in the swing state of Wisconsin. These jobs will be located at the Sanmina factory in Kenosha County, where workers will produce parts for Nokia to facilitate broadband internet connectivity.
Nokia’s decision to move production to the United States followed extensive engagement with the Commerce Department to comply with the Buy America rules associated with the government’s $42.5 billion investment in universal internet services.
According to Harris, President Biden and herself made it a requirement that materials and products used in such projects, including steel, electronics, and fiber optic cable, must be made in America, by American workers. By bolstering domestic production, the administration aims to strengthen the economy and create job opportunities for American citizens.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo explained that the government had to carefully navigate the intricacies of various supply chains to determine which products could be manufactured domestically and which required foreign production. This strategic approach ensured that projects could be completed on time and in accordance with the Buy America provisions established by the 2021 infrastructure law.
While critics argue that the preference for American-made supplies may increase costs and cause delays, Nokia executives maintain that the expenses associated with moving production to the U.S. are relatively small compared to other aspects of internet infrastructure, such as construction labor and fiber-optic cables.
The choice of establishing the factory in Wisconsin’s Kenosha County is coincidental, as Nokia has had a longstanding relationship with Sanmina. However, this decision also carries political implications since Kenosha County was narrowly won by then-President Donald Trump in 2020, amid racial tensions sparked by a police shooting and subsequent civil rights protests.
Wisconsin has become a significant focus for the Biden administration’s efforts to promote job growth and expand broadband access. The state currently has 800,000 residents lacking high-speed internet access. Under President Biden, manufacturing jobs in the Kenosha area have reached a two-decade high, surpassing the peak in 2019 during the Trump presidency. Biden aims to continue reviving factory work as part of his reelection strategy.
Although the manufacturing industry may not fully rebound to previous levels, the administration remains optimistic about future job prospects. The latest jobs report reveals that U.S. employers have added 125,000 manufacturing jobs over the past year, indicating positive trends for the sector’s growth.
Commerce Secretary Raimondo believes that American manufacturing companies are reconsidering their supply chains and recognizing the need to produce more goods domestically. This shift toward diversifying supply chains may lead to further job opportunities and economic growth, particularly in states like Wisconsin.
The Biden administration’s focus on job creation and the benefits of increased broadband access aligns with its vision for revitalizing the middle class through manufacturing. While striving to deliver on campaign promises, the administration seeks to address public concerns about the economy amidst ongoing inflation concerns.
