On August 16th, Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a three-step plan aimed at reducing expenses for Americans. During her first major speech as the Democratic Party’s nominee, she discussed this plan, which focuses on creating an “opportunity economy” to support the middle class. The announcement took place at Wake Tech Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Harris emphasized the significance of assisting the middle class by drawing from her own experiences growing up in a middle-class family. She firmly believes that a strong middle class leads to a strong America.
The three-step plan consists of various components designed to alleviate financial burdens for Americans. The first part centers around making child care and early education more affordable. Recognizing that quality child care enables parents to work effectively, Harris intends to reduce the high costs associated with child care through tax cuts and subsidies. Her goal is to ensure that everyone has access to affordable child care.
The second part of Harris’ plan focuses on helping individuals become homeowners and find affordable housing options. Acknowledging the challenges posed by soaring housing prices, especially for low-income families, she aims to implement programs that provide assistance with down payments and loans. By addressing these housing issues, Harris hopes to create an inclusive economy where everyone can thrive.
Lastly, Harris aims to tackle the issue of expensive higher education. She recognizes that college can be financially burdensome and intends to increase Pell Grants while also making two-year community college programs free of charge. This initiative will enable individuals to acquire the necessary education for a prosperous future.
Reactions towards Harris’ plan have been mixed among experts and citizens alike. Chris Kromm from the Institute for Southern Studies commended her focus on reducing costs and supporting working families directly: “It’s encouraging to hear a national leader address the urgent needs of working families head-on.” However, Marc Goldwein from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget expressed concerns about its potential impact on national debt while emphasizing responsible fiscal management: “We still have to do this in a responsible way.”
Vice President Kamala Harris’ three-step plan seeks to alleviate financial burdens faced by Americans through measures targeting child care affordability, accessible housing options, and reduced higher education costs.