A List Covering the People They Miss and the Options They Miss
Here’s a list of items Democrats could promise to do if they regain enough power. Ones that really make it clear that ordinary working people are the focus. Even when Democrats promote good ideas it’s like they aren’t looking all the way down to minimum-wage workers. Or it’s about some social program to just spend money on the problem. Some things need that but there are ways to help that aren’t just government money, that are more about empowering people.
I will refer back to this list in a number of future pieces. Obviously, other topics need support too, like re-emphasizing equality for all, but this list is about policies that would apply to all. Also some policies are already prominently promoted, like some help with daycare and boosting trade schools. This list is what needs to be added or emphasized.
* Expand collective bargaining and union contracts in every area possible. There is no other tool better at improving conditions, and doing so by empowering rather than charity.
* Integrate AI with existing jobs in positive ways. AI should come into the workplace in a coordinated way that helps both employers and employees, rather than a chaotic wiping out of jobs. Union contracts with provisions for how AI integrates would help, and by empowering working people to have some control of it. So, see the item above.
* Legalize immigrants who contribute. Deport only undocumented immigrants who are committing crimes. For those who have been here for years, abiding by laws, working and paying taxes, for Pete’s sake keep that up.
* Break up employment monopolies. Not just for how they dominate products, but so they don’t hold monopolies on jobs and drive down wages and benefits and treatment.
* A serious attack on wage theft. It’s much bigger than most realize ($15 BILLION last year) and by no means limited to low-wage or undocumented workers. (And so what if it was? Work should always pay what was agreed.) One step: Anytime one employee wins a court case, do a full investigation of what other workers that employer shorts.
* Tighten working hours regulation. The old model of a job: You were hired for fixed hours and a given shift (day, night). If the employer had misjudged and there really isn’t enough for you to do, they would still have you on the job and pay you. The new model: Your schedule might randomly be day or night, meaning you can’t plan consistent day care, or side job, or night classes. You might randomly get fewer hours, but you still have to remain available. Enforce the old model.
* Tax wealthier paychecks to strengthen Social Security. Only about the first $180,000 of paycheck income is taxed for SS. If you make a million the other $820,000 are SS tax free. It has been known for decades that the limit needed to be raised to fund SS.
* Expand very small business administration help. Many ordinary workers are small business owners or have a side business. Anything to help that will help the economy.
* WPA-like art projects. Make working people feel like they are who is important. Sponsor lots of public art that celebrates working people, as was done by the WPA during the Great Depression.
* Monthly press conference on worker progress. Just as we carefully respond to the inflation rate, have a high-level report each month on economic indicators of how ordinary working people are fairing. Importantly, presented by the president or top administration or Congressional officials. If the economy is improving, are workers getting their full share of that? Is anything slipping which needs attention and improvement? Make real that worker status is the focus.
* Encourage Fed to prioritize employment. The Fed can’t be dictated to but it can be made clear that the emphasis should be on best conditions for workers. Fighting inflation, versus what is best for the pay of working people, are typically a trade-off. But tolerating a little more inflation while creating conditions that raise worker pay might, on balance in the long run, be what’s best. The Fed can constantly monitor for that best balance and push it as close to optimal as possible.
* Get dangerous chemicals out of common products. The list of things government should do to create a system more focused on what helps everyday people is long. Pick one or two like this to make prominent, to indicate an overall focus on people.
This list is incomplete, but specific and symbolic. A firm commitment to such a list would give voters a solid understanding, and inspire them.
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