BAG Blog
What Will Help Make Life More Affordable?
By Vanessa Davis-Frederick, Host and Director of the Impact Radio Show - Live on Thursdays at 8:30pm on VictoryWCGL 1360AM 94.7 FM | November 2, 2024
In the ever-changing landscape of American politics, the issue of affordability remains at the forefront for most citizens. With Kamala Harris as Vice President, the Biden-Harris administration has emphasized making life more affordable for working families. Additionally, Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota, was a champion for affordability in his state. Harris and Walz strongly advocate for key policies like middle-class tax cuts, student loan forgiveness, taxing the wealthy, and expanding affordable housing. These policies could significantly reduce the financial strain on us, everyday Americans
Tax Cuts for the Middle Class
Kamala Harris has been a vocal proponent of cutting taxes for middle-class families. In 2020, she supported Biden’s proposal to provide tax cuts aimed at low- and middle-income earners while ensuring that wealthy Americans pay their fair share. By reducing the tax burden on the middle class, Harris is addressing the growing income inequality that has plagued America. These tax cuts give working families the breathing room they need, allowing them to save more and spend on essentials, which can stimulate economic growth.
Tim Walz shares similar sentiments. During his tenure as governor, Walz pushed for tax reforms that benefit Minnesota’s middle-class and working families. His administration’s focus on progressive taxation ensures that those earning less pay a smaller percentage of their income in taxes than the wealthiest individuals. This approach fosters economic equality and makes everyday life more affordable for more people.
Student Loan Forgiveness
Student debt is a massive burden for millions of Americans, making it harder for young people to buy homes, start businesses, and save for the future. Kamala Harris has supported student loan forgiveness, a key talking point during her 2020 campaign. By reducing or eliminating student debt, Harris aims to free up significant financial resources for millions of young adults, allowing them to better participate in the economy. This could stimulate growth, improve well-being, and reduce the stress and anxiety associated with debt.
Tim Walz, who has championed education and student loan reform in Minnesota, also supports measures that alleviate the financial burden of student debt. As a former teacher, Walz understands education’s critical role in upward mobility. His push for more affordable education and student loan forgiveness mirrors Harris’ goals of ensuring that individuals are not financially crippled for pursuing higher education.
Taxing the Wealthy
Both Harris and Walz advocate for increasing taxes on the wealthiest Americans. This is part of a broader strategy to redistribute wealth more equitably and ensure that those who have benefited the most from America’s economic system contribute a fairer share to the nation’s welfare. By raising taxes on corporations and the wealthy, the government can fund vital programs like affordable housing, healthcare, and infrastructure without burdening middle- and low-income families. Harris has often called for closing tax loopholes that allow the wealthiest Americans and large corporations to avoid paying their fair share.
Walz, too, has pushed for higher taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans to fund essential public services. His administration’s tax policies are designed to ensure that the state’s wealthiest contribute to the greater good, which ultimately benefits the entire population by providing better-funded services and infrastructure.
Proponents of Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is a critical issue for millions of Americans, and both Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are committed to addressing this crisis. Harris has championed policies to expand affordable housing and increase federal funding to help local governments build more housing units. By advocating for stronger protections for renters and incentivizing homeownership among low- and middle-income families, Harris is working to ensure everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.
Similarly, Walz has been a strong advocate for affordable housing in Minnesota. His administration has implemented initiatives to increase housing availability, particularly for working families and low-income residents. These policies provide shelter and stimulate local economies by creating jobs in construction and related sectors.
Lets Vote!
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz offer policy frameworks that could make life more affordable for millions of Americans. They are working to ease financial pressures on working families through middle-class tax cuts, student loan forgiveness, progressive taxation, and affordable housing initiatives. Their leadership and commitment to these issues can lead to a more equitable and financially stable future for all Americans.
References:
- Kelleher, L. (2024, August 10). Irish roots of Kamala Harris’s running-mate Tim Walz. The Times. Archived from the original on August 23, 2024. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
- McCarthy, G. (2023, August 16). The Inflation Reduction Act Took U.S. Climate Action Global. Here’s What Needs To Happen Next. Time. Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
- Federal Election Commission. Harris for President – committee overview. Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://www.fec.gov.
- Nichols, H. (2024, August 2). Harris remodels campaign with Obama alums. Axios. Retrieved October 12, 2024, from https://www.axios.com.
- Kim, S. M. (2024, August 5). Kamala Harris is now Democratic presidential nominee, will face off against Donald Trump this fall. Associated Press. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
- Wallace, A. (2024, August 19). Harris and Trump both hate inflation. Their economic proposals could cause prices to go higher. CNN. Archived from the original on August 21, 2024. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
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