**US President Joe Biden unveiled his first budget on Friday, May 28th, 2021, outlining his priorities for the next fiscal year and proposing a significant increase in federal spending.**
The proposed budget, which covers the fiscal year 2022 that begins on October 1st, 2021, includes a total of $6 trillion in spending, an increase of about 10% compared to the current year. The increase is primarily driven by Biden’s proposed investments in infrastructure, education, and climate change..
**Infrastructure**.
Biden’s budget proposes a $2 trillion investment in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, broadband internet, and clean energy projects. The goal of this investment is to create jobs and improve the nation’s infrastructure, which has been neglected for decades..
The budget includes funding for a number of specific infrastructure projects, such as:.
>$621 billion for transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transit.
>$311 billion for water infrastructure, including water treatment plants and pipes.
>$111 billion for broadband internet access.
>$100 billion for clean energy projects, including investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
**Education**.
Biden’s budget also includes a significant investment in education, with a total of $1.8 trillion proposed over the next decade. This investment includes funding for early childhood education, K-12 education, and higher education..
The budget includes funding for a number of specific education initiatives, such as:.
>$109 billion for universal pre-K for all three- and four-year-olds.
>$96 billion for K-12 education, including funding for teachers, schools, and programs.
>$160 billion for higher education, including funding for Pell Grants and other financial aid programs.
**Climate Change**.
Biden’s budget also includes a number of investments aimed at addressing climate change. The budget includes $555 billion for clean energy and climate change initiatives, including investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and research and development..
The budget includes funding for a number of specific climate change initiatives, such as:.
>$213 billion for clean energy research and development.
>$165 billion for investments in clean energy infrastructure.
>$90 billion for programs to promote energy efficiency.
**Other Priorities**.
In addition to infrastructure, education, and climate change, Biden’s budget also includes funding for a number of other priorities, such as:.
>$769 billion for defense.
>$150 billion for public health.
>$100 billion for affordable housing.
**Reaction to the Budget**.
Biden’s budget has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised the budget for its ambitious investments in infrastructure, education, and climate change. Others have criticized the budget for its large increase in spending and its reliance on deficit spending..
The budget is likely to face significant scrutiny in Congress, where it will need to be approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate before it can be enacted into law..
