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Infrastructure Could Bridge Political Divide

Is it a secret that American politics are contentious, divided and rocky? Yet, one topic has the potential to bring both sides to the table: Infrastructure.

The Republicans and Democrats may not agree on the details; after all, infrastructure spending necessitates funding. Conservatives worry about additional taxes or increasing government debt, while liberals oppose legislation that could provide tax breaks to equity investors who would promote investment in infrastructure.

Yet, our collective need is top-of-mind: Democrats have recently lamented the lack of infrastructure spending, with left-leaning publications like ThinkProgress calling out specific areas of improvement. And they may get their wish, with the help of an unlikely ally — President Donald Trump intends to lead the charge on national infrastructure spending, specifically with his “America’s Infrastructure First” policy. His plan supports investments in roads, bridges, tunnels, airports, railroads, ports and waterways, pipelines, clean water, a modern and reliable electricity grid, telecommunications and security infrastructure. 

We, along with the rest of the nation, must sit back and wait to see what will happen. Will funding reflect a Democrat-centric view, with an increased spending plan? Will it instead reflect Republican planning, finding a way to create infrastructure revenues through crediting strategies? Either way, we’re here to help you; let us review your financial strategy and see if you are positioned to take advantage of whatever opportunities rise from the political ash.

Despite the means of infrastructure spending, few disagree that it could improve American lives in ways ranging from roads and bridges to education and health care. Likely, it would generate new jobs in construction, steel manufacturing and other sectors, which in turn could generate new tax revenues to offset increases in government debt. It is also possible that higher public spending could allow for increased revenues and share price performance among America’s corporations. This, in turn, would bode well for investors.

Some in Congress have put forth a recommendation for infrastructure spending to be supplemented by public-private partnerships, advocating for tax credits for private investors who would select which projects they want to fund. Critics have voiced concern that  this could lead to the development of high-return investment-based projects rather than allowing adequate attention for those with greater need. Despite this drawback, incoming Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has indicated support for private investment from equity firms, pension funds and endowments.

Others suggest that engineers might be the best-qualified people to determine where government infrastructure dollars should spent rather than politicians or private investors. This is based on the premise that a focus on repair and maintenance of bridges, dams, levees, airports and roads would produce the highest economic returns for Americans than new infrastructure projects.

Regardless of the hows, whats and whens of infrastructure spending, here’s hoping that our elected officials will be able to find some middle ground on which to build.

 

We are an independent firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance and investment products to custom suit their needs and objectives.  The information contained in this material is provided by third parties and has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed; it is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions.

Contact us at info@securedretirements.com or call us at (952) 460­-3260 to schedule a time to discuss your financial situation and the potential role of investments in your financial strategy.

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Ryan Keapproth

Ryan Keapproth

Retirement Planner

Ryan is dedicated to serving clients to achieve their retirement goals. Ryan’s holistic approach centers on wealth management strategies with a focus on income planning throughout retirement. As a Financial Advisor, Ryan is an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR), life and health insurance licensed and a Certified Tax Preparer. Ryan is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, with an Accounting and Finance major.

Ryan is a lifelong Minnesotan originally from Woodbury and currently residing in Bloomington with his wife, Riamae, and their rescue Terrier Beagle mix, Douglas. He and his family are avid travelers in their free time. Ryan enjoys playing golf and poker, and describes himself as a major foodie enjoying new restaurants around the cities whenever possible. He is a sports fan especially when the Vikings and Timberwolves are playing.