Vice President Kamala Harris announced the first rule to establish minimum staffing levels at federally funded nursing homes, ensuring a certain portion of taxpayer dollars goes toward wages for caregivers. The rule aims to enhance patient care, increase staff availability, and support caregivers. This announcement aligns with President Biden’s plan from his 2022 State of the Union address to address staffing shortages and improve nursing home quality standards.
The federal government hasallocated millions to Shannon Park, a former military site in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, for housing development. The move, which includes plans for 3,000 dwelling units, commercial space, and public parkland, has raised questions among provincial and municipal officials regarding community engagement, placement, and the provision of housing for people experiencing homelessness.
Brightline West, a 218-mile electric high-speed rail line, has commenced construction in Nevada after receiving $3 billion from the Biden administration. The project, expected to be completed by 2028, will connect Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga, California, near Los Angeles, with stops in Apple Valley and Hesperia. Trains will operate at speeds over 186 mph, reducing travel time between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga to 2 hours and 10 minutes. The project is expected to create 35,000 union jobs and remove 3 million cars from I-15 annually, reducing carbon emissions by over 400,000 tons.
Alaska’s energy infrastructure requires modernization to improve reliability, integrate clean energy sources, and support economic development. A $206.5 million federal grant has been awarded for Phase I of a project to strengthen the electric grid between the Kenai Peninsula and the Interior. Matching funds are needed from the State of Alaska to secure the full benefits of the grant. Governor Dunleavy has proposed budget amendments to fund the initial work, and the Legislature is considering including funding in the fiscal year 2025 capital budget.
