Letter: How Biden can build bridge to the future

President Biden promised to be a bridge to the future. So, he chose a woman of color to be the vice president, appointed the most diverse cabinet in American history and fought for his Build Back Better bill, which will not pass Congress.

Biden should consider it a voter mandate to pass through Congress as much related legislation as possible, piecemeal.

Three things need to happen to make that future he promised possible:

• First, he needs to pass transformative, sweeping climate legislation. We need tougher restrictions on our biggest polluters, energy independence from despotic dictators and new climate-friendly technologies. We need to get back to 350 ppm carbon in our atmosphere, and that means drastically reducing carbon output as well as implementing widespread direct air capture. Climate change legislation will ensure a livable future.

• Second is establishing and funding universal preschool for every child in America. Universal early childhood education is not a handout; it's an investment in our collective future. When we enroll at-risk children in high-quality early childhood programs, we get seven dollars back for every one dollar we spend. Those children will lead longer, healthier lives, serve less jail time, and earn higher incomes than their counterparts. Universal early childhood education will ensure a more prosperous future.

• Third, we must codify Roe v Wade; it must become law. A leaked SCOTUS draft opinion indicates its demise is imminent. We cannot let that happen. The Senate needs to forget the filibuster and pass the Women's Health Protection Act in a simple majority. Biden promised us the future. We cannot go back. Reproductive rights are human rights; women deserve bodily autonomy. Reproductive rights will ensure a more just future.

Biden promised a bridge to the future. It's time he built it.

Julie Hill

Glen Ellyn