President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Wisconsin, a pivotal battleground state, on Wednesday to unveil Microsoft Corp's proposal to construct a $3.3 billion cutting-edge data center, which will create numerous job opportunities, as per the White House.
The facility, to be situated in Racine County, southeastern Wisconsin, will be erected on the same grounds where Foxconn, a Taiwan-based electronics manufacturer, had initially intended to build a $10 billion factory, once lauded by former President Donald Trump as "the eighth wonder of the world." However, Foxconn significantly downsized its plans.
Microsoft's endeavor is anticipated to generate 2,300 union construction jobs and approximately 2,000 permanent positions over time, the White House confirmed. Since Biden's inauguration, nearly 4,000 jobs have been added in Racine, while roughly 1,000 manufacturing jobs were lost during the Trump administration.
In collaboration with Gateway Technical College, Microsoft aims to train 1,000 individuals for data center and other roles by 2030. Additionally, the company will collaborate to train 1,000 business leaders in adopting AI in their operations.
"These investments will position the industrial heartland to lead the way in industries of the future," the White House stated.
Biden, a Democrat, will also utilize this visit - his fourth to Wisconsin this year - to engage with volunteers in Racine's Black community, as part of his campaign's endeavors. Biden seeks to bolster support among Black voters ahead of the November presidential election, with national polls indicating a tight race with Republican Trump.
The president will meet with volunteers who are being trained by campaign officials to use a new mobile phone app designed to help voters engage with people they know to encourage voting.
The Biden campaign also announced a $14 million ad campaign, with a substantial portion targeting Black, Latino, and Asian voters. The campaign will release an ad called “Terminate” on Thursday, focusing on Trump’s attacks on Americans’ health care.
Expanding its operations, the campaign aims to have 200 offices and 500 staff members by the end of May. It also plans to enhance outreach to small businesses this month as part of its broader strategy to expand in key communities.