Look at TANF.

Give any control to states of federal funding and it's the most vulnerable who suffer.

And that creates a whole load of angry people suffering who tend to fall for rhetoric blaming others for their problems.

Republicans gain votes by making people angry, poor, and powerless.

If the Democrats want to flip a swing state the best way to do it is making people better off.

The fact Republicans then try to get credit is irrelevant. If Republicans need to say how much "they" improved things it's them saying how positive things are and evidence the damaging messages the party usually spews are failing. This representative is panicking because of the infrastructure bills effect.