Vice President Kamala Harris is set to introduce a new set of economic policies aimed at assisting Americans in building wealth and encouraging businesses to support this objective. The announcement, expected to take place in Pittsburgh on September 27, 2024, comes as undecided voters seek more information about how Harris would address their economic concerns if elected president in November.
Harris, who became the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American vice president in 2021, has emphasized that her plan focuses on investing in the aspirations and ambitions of the American people while addressing the challenges they face. This approach aligns with her previous efforts as California Attorney General, where she created the Bureau of Children's Justice in 2015, demonstrating her commitment to addressing societal issues.
The timing of this policy rollout has sparked debate within Democratic circles, with some questioning the strategy of releasing new economic proposals so close to the November 5 election. However, supporters argue that the campaign must continue both persuading and mobilizing voters until the very end, given Harris's recent elevation to the top of the ticket.
In contrast, Donald Trump's economic proposals for working-class Americans include eliminating taxes on tips and Social Security benefits, opening federal lands for housing construction, and deporting immigrants who Republicans claim are driving up costs. Trump has also proposed new across-the-board tariffs on non-US goods, a move that could potentially increase costs for American consumers and impact inflation.
While specific details of Harris's new policies remain undisclosed, her previous presidential campaign in 2020 included plans to significantly increase pay for public school teachers, require companies to disclose gender pay gaps, and penalize those not working to narrow such disparities. These initiatives reflect her longstanding commitment to addressing economic inequalities, as evidenced by her introduction of legislation to reform cash bail systems in 2017 during her tenure as a U.S. Senator.
The economic policy debate unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing government funding discussions. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has proposed a three-month stopgap funding bill, aiming to avert a partial government shutdown at the end of September. This proposal excludes a Trump-backed measure related to voter registration requirements, aligning more closely with Democratic preferences for a basic funding extension.
Recent polling data suggests a shift in voter trust regarding economic stewardship. A Financial Times-Michigan Ross poll this month showed 44% of registered voters trusting Harris's economic approach, compared to 42% for Trump. This narrow lead indicates a potential change in the traditional Republican advantage on economic issues.
As the campaign intensifies, Harris is pushing for additional debates, proposing an October 23 event on CNN as a follow-up to their September 10 debate on ABC. Meanwhile, her fundraising efforts continue to gain momentum, with a recent New York event raising $27 million, the largest single-event haul since she joined the top of the Democratic ticket.
"It's not just about affordability, it's also about showing (voters) they have a path to building wealth."
With less than 50 days until the election, the Harris campaign faces the challenge of both persuading undecided voters and mobilizing supporters. As the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, Harris brings a unique perspective to the economic challenges facing diverse American communities. Her experience as a former prosecutor and her work on criminal justice reform, including co-authoring "Smart on Crime" in 2009, informs her approach to creating economic opportunities for all Americans.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, voters will be closely watching how Harris's new economic policies address their concerns and offer a path to financial stability and growth in an increasingly complex economic landscape.