FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. President Joe Biden visits Prince George’s Community College; addresses the state of the economy and Bidenomics
LARGO, Md. (September 14, 2023) President Joe Biden delivered a speech on his Bidenomics platform at Prince George’s Community College on Thursday, September 14. His address signals an emphasis on the state of the economy as the country prepares to head into the 2024 election cycle. He stressed that the American economy is doing well despite Republican “MAGAnomics” rhetoric and that a country is only as competitive as its educational system.
“Our faculty and staff work diligently at being a strong support system and economic bridge for this community. We believe in the power of collective effort and boldly embrace challenges on the road to extraordinary achievement. President Biden’s visit to the PGCC campus confirms that the College is a vital part of Maryland’s thriving economy,” PGCC President Falecia D. Williams said.
Prince George’s Community College student trustee Sade N. Davis introduced President Biden. The president spoke significantly about fair taxation for the wealthy and large corporations; protecting and strengthening Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid; and lowering costs for hardworking families. He cited that the Republican budget gives $5.1 trillion in additional tax cuts skewed to wealthy people and big corporations while cutting $700 billion from Social Security and $1 trillion from Medicare.
"As many of you know, my wife is a professor at a community college. As a matter of fact, she’s teaching today. She has an expression ‘Any country that out-educates us will out-compete us.’ The work you’re doing here in preparing students to compete in the economy of the future is real, it matters,” President Biden said.
President Biden’s speech marks an important conversation about building the economy from the middle out and bottom up as opposed to trickling down. Government leaders attended the event and shared remarks including State of Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
“Our President has been very clear on his vision to empower and educate workers and to grow the middle class. And it’s a vision that I stand by because it’s not only good for Maryland, it’s good for all of us,” Governor Wes Moore said.
Governor Moore announced that the State of Maryland will direct $17 million towards adult education, which includes funding for all 16 community colleges in the state.
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin praised the president’s ability to make significant strides within a divided government.
"Congress has passed major bills to help implement Bidenomics, including the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. President Biden’s transformational investments in American families are growing our economy, creating jobs, closing the income gap, and delivering for Maryland. What the president has been able to accomplish in a divided government is incredible. America is working again," Senator Cardin said.
U.S. Senator Christopher Van Hollen, Jr. explained how Bidenomics is making the American Dream come true for every American.
“Together with the Biden Administration, we’ve already made enormous progress on this front – from passing the infrastructure modernization bill to the CHIPS and Science Act, to the Inflation Reduction Act. And we’re seeing the results: over 13 million new jobs, low unemployment, reduced health care costs, and more. It was great to join President Biden at Prince George’s County Community College today, to highlight the results we’re delivering to Marylanders and Americans,” Senator Van Hollen said.
U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer also attended and gave remarks.
“I am so proud to represent Prince George’s Community College and I can think of no better place to talk about the power of President Biden’s economic agenda than this wonderful campus. As the Chair of the Regional Leadership Council, I am working closely with the Biden-Harris administration to ensure that the investments made by House Democrats last Congress continue to give communities, like Maryland’s Fifth-District, the tools they need to Make it in America. I was grateful to look out at the students of PGCC who were in attendance today and know that they have federal and state leaders who are committed to creating jobs, lowering costs, and strengthening the middle class,” Congressman Hoyer said.
PGCC provides the region with a pipeline of highly capable and career-ready candidates. Founded in 1958, the College services over 23,000 students each year. PGCC offers more than 200 academic and career-training programs including a robust Workforce Development learning track that includes over 500 courses. Students are equipped with the technical skills to pursue vibrant careers in a variety of fields including information technology, construction, childcare, dental assistance, and human resources.
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About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2022-2027), Prince George's Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George's County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skill sets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 25,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George's County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree, and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the College website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education.