Economic Mobility and Growth
Economic Mobility and Growth
The Problem
The average American has steadily lost economic ground compared to the those at the top. Indeed, 77% see the economy as benefiting powerful interests at their expense.
The Overall Proposal
Provide low-paid workers with the skills to move up the economic ladder. Incentivize underemployed Americans to more fully take part in the workforce. Promote basic research and entrepreneurship. End obstacles to building new affordable housing.
K-12 Education
K12 Education
The Problem
American educational performance, long among the worst in the developed world, has grown worse since Covid.
The Overall Proposal
Provide teachers with the training and resources to significantly boost their students’ learning. Hold teachers and schools to account for producing results. Incentivize parents to support their children’s education.
Heathcare
Healthcare
The Problem
The US spends 18% of GDP on healthcare. Other developed countries spend 10%. Yet our health is the worst in the developed world. We thereby squander at least $2.3 trillion each year - which boosts the national debt; and shortchanges long-term investments in education, skills training and economic opportunity.
The Overall Proposal
Stop paying doctors and other providers for the volume of tests and procedures they perform and, instead, pay for improving health outcomes at lower cost. Incentivize Americans to eat healthy foods.
Energy Policy
Energy Policy
The Problem
The federal government subsidizes both fossil fuels and renewables, which wastes hundreds of billions of dollars annually. America thereby fritters away valuable resources, while allowing extreme weather to injure millions of families by harming their environment and weakening the economy.
The Overall Proposal
End wasteful subsidies, mandates and regulations. Encourage businesses, families, state governments and other countries to use energy efficiently. Reduce extreme droughts, floods, hurricanes, blizzards and wildfires by placing a market-based fee on carbon emissions. Transmit energy in ways that minimize the costs to consumers.
Taxes
Taxes
The Problem
Politicians from both parties routinely provide their strongest supporters with tax breaks, which boost the national debt and reward wasteful investments.
The Overall Proposal
Simplify the tax code by closing loopholes and broadening the base so we can lower rates and reduce distortions.
Reward businesses for investing in assets that will increase productivity and future income.
To pay for the benefits in health, education and economic opportunity described in earlier sections, raise taxes on those who can most afford it – and make entitlement spending more efficient.
Federal Spending & Debt
Federal Spending & Debt
The Problem
The US government spends $6 per senior for every $1 on a child under 18; favors consumption over investing in the future; and gives tax breaks to favored interests. So, the federal debt is headed toward 120% of GDP by 2035, which would send interest rates soaring and hobble our economy.
The Partial Proposal
Each of the following proposals from earlier sections would yield $200 to $300 billion annually:
The Healthcare reforms. Ending fossil fuel subsidies and putting a price on carbon. Slashing tax deductions for the well-off. The value added tax
Overall, these steps would yield $1 trillion annually, of which $150 billion could pay for improvements in economic mobility, education and healthcare
Congressional reform
Congressional Reform
The Problem
Members of Congress often enact laws to help them stay in office even if America’s problems grow worse on their watch.
The Overall Proposal
Enact rules and laws that reward lawmakers for agreeing on practical solutions to long-term ills.
See and rate our individual proposals
1. Evaluate each reform & the total package
2. Suggest additions or changes
3. Share the App with friends, neighbors & colleagues
4. Write your congressperson and senators to demand
“Make this Grand Bargain a priority now – or we'll unseat you in the next election.”
