Written by: JR Robinson

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris has outlined her vision for an 'opportunity economy' that aims to address key concerns of American voters. With the economy consistently ranking as the top issue for voters, Harris has proposed a comprehensive set of policies designed to tackle inflation, reduce costs for families, and promote economic growth.

Tax Cuts and Credits

Harris plans to implement several tax cuts and credits aimed at benefiting middle and lower-income families:

• Expanding the Child Tax Credit, providing a $6,000 tax break for new parents in the first year of their child's life
• Increasing the per-child tax benefit from $2,000 to up to $3,600
• Tripling the Earned Income Tax Credit for workers without children at home
• Maintaining no taxes on long-term capital gains for those earning below $100,000

Housing and Affordability

To address housing affordability, Harris proposes:

• Increasing housing supply by cutting red tape and offering assistance to builders
• Implementing the Neighborhood Homes Tax Credit to promote construction in lower-income communities
• Providing $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time home buyers
• Expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LITHC) to incentivize affordable rental housing

Cost Reduction and Consumer Protection

Harris aims to reduce costs for families through several measures:

• Creating a broad-based supply chain to prevent disruptions
• Calling for a federal ban on price gouging for groceries and prescription drugs
• Cutting costs of childcare and eldercare
• Expanding prescription drug savings and accelerating Medicare drug negotiations

Small Business and Employment

To support small businesses and workers, Harris proposes:

• Increasing the tax deduction for startup costs to $50,000
• Offering more low and no-interest loans to small businesses
• Allocating one-third of federal contracts to small businesses
• Raising the minimum wage and eliminating taxes on tips
• Offering tax credits to companies employing union workers

Expert Endorsement

Harris's economic plan has received significant support from economists. Twenty-three Nobel Prize-winning economists have endorsed her plan, calling it "vastly superior" to Trump's. They argue that Harris's agenda will enhance overall welfare, investment, sustainability, resilience, job opportunities, and fairness.

Potential Impact

Economists predict that Harris's policies could boost economic growth by 0.2 to 0.4 percent over the next few years. They also suggest that her approach to housing and inflation could address pressing economic issues facing many Americans.

As the election approaches, Harris's economic plan presents a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing the concerns of middle-class families while promoting sustainable economic growth. Voters will need to weigh these proposals against those of her opponents as they make their decision at the ballot box.