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July 6 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden used a trip to South Carolina on Thursday to tout the real world benefits of "Bidenomics," massive investments across the country that he said are creating jobs at a rapid pace. "Over 13 million new jobs since I've been elected to office. More jobs than any president's ever created in the first two years," Biden said as he announced a $60 million solar energy firm's investment in South Carolina.
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He said every job in America should be a good job.
"Including a free and fair choice to join a union. I mean it. Every venture will be made stronger through collective bargaining relationships," he said at the appearance in West Columbia.
Biden said the combination of major legislation -- the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure law -- has stimulated hundreds of billions in investment in America.
"Bidenomics is just another way of saying restoring the American dream," he said. "Forty years of trickle-down limited the dream to those at the top. But I believe every American willing to work hard should be able to get a good job, no matter where they live. In the heartland, in the small towns and every part of the country. To raise their kids on a good paycheck. To keep the roots where they grew up. That's the American dream. That's Bidenomics."
He said these investments in "America's agenda" are aimed not just at creating jobs but in revitalizing manufacturing and to "bring supply chains home."
"Our plan is working. And one of the things I'm proud of is it's working everywhere...not just on the coasts and in big cities like previous recovery," Biden said.
During his term in office, unemployment has been below 4% for the longest time in 50 years and inflation is less than half what it was a year ago, "and we're continuing to work on it," he said.
Biden said he has cut the deficit by $1.7 trillion and "nobody's ever done that."
He said 35,000 infrastructure projects have been announced across the nation through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
"I'm not here to declare victory on the economy. I'm here to say that we have a plan that's turning things around quickly. And we have a lot more work to do," Biden said.
The president touted the capital investment being made by Enphase Energy of California, which plans to create two manufacturing routes in South Carolina with its global supply partner Flex. The move could bring as many as 600 new jobs to the state, the White House said.
Since Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act, companies have announced $11 billion in manufacturing and clean energy investments in South Carolina alone.
The broader Enphase deal aims to establish six new shipping lanes across the country in partnership with several manufacturers, which could add as many as 1,800 jobs nationwide, while helping to increase solar power to millions of homes, the White House said.
Thursday's trip is part of a three-week "investing in America" push by the administration, in which officials plan numerous public appearances to tout the impact of Biden's legislative agenda that has sought to boost infrastructure, manufacturing and clean energy.
Last week, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg traveled to South Carolina to announce $23 million to build a pedestrian bridge and a hub to improve transit between neighborhoods and college campuses in downtown Orangeburg.
BMW was investing $1 billion to produce electric vehicles in Spartanburg, and another $700 million to build a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff.
Redwood Materials is spending $3.5 billion to build a battery materials facility near Charleston, which was expected to create 1,500 jobs while supporting the state's supply chains.
A growing list of U.S. manufacturers were also looking to convert to clean-energy outfits, which has potential to add even more jobs, the White House said.
Previously, South Carolina received nearly $1 billion in federal funds to deliver high-speed Internet to every corner of the state, while millions in federal dollars have gone to help the state address carbon emissions, protracted travel times and watershed and flood-prevention issues.
South Carolina is also among eight states receiving $300 million in federal dollars to rebuild more than a dozen aging bridges across the country.
South Carolina will host the first race of the 2024 Democratic primary on Feb. 3.
Sen. Tim Scott and former Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina are vying for the Republican nomination to run against Biden for president.
