VP Kamala Harris makes visit to southeast Wisconsin, touts broadband and job expansion
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Vice President Kamala Harris touted broadband and job expansion at a technology manufacturing company in southeastern Wisconsin during a trip to the battleground state Thursday, Aug.3.
During her short speech, Harris touted the administration's investments in high-speed internet at Sanmina Corporation, a manufacturing company in Pleasant Prairie that's working to expand broadband.
Last month, the Biden-Harris administration announced the state will receive $1 billion in federal funds to expand internet access.
"In America in the 21st century, high-speed Internet is not a luxury. It is a basic necessity," Harris said.
The trip coincides with Nokia partnering with Sanmina to build electronic products which will create 200 jobs at the Kenosha County company starting in 2024.
Harris did not make any mention of former President Donald Trump's four-count indictment that has ties to Wisconsin Republicans for their involvement in Trump's plot to overturn the 2020 election.
Instead, she highlighted infrastructure, clean jobs, and manufacturing which have been a central theme of the Biden-Harris agenda heading into the 2024 election.
"Wisconsin, together, we are rebuilding America," said Harris. "Through Bidenomics, we are showing that when we invest in workers and families, when we create jobs and opportunity, when we roll up our sleeves and get to work, there is no limit to what we can achieve for Kenosha, for Wisconsin, and for our nation."
The last time the VP visited Wisconsin was before the 2022 midterms. Her presence shows how the administration is making point to visit the battleground state that is once again likely to play a pivotal role in President Joe Biden's reelection bid.
Republicans criticized the themes Harris spoke about during her speech.
"The sales pitch won't land for Wisconsin families who are worried about decreasing real wages, the humanitarian crisis at the border, rampant crime, and disarray overseas," said Brian Schimming, chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.