Vice President Kamala Harris is gearing up to deliver a speech in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Friday to unveil her economic portfolio in what will be her first major policy initiative since President Biden dropped out of the race last month. The speech is expected to focus on tackling inflation as a “Day One” priority, as well as outlining a plan to lower costs for middle-class families, combat corporate price gouging, and overall, aim to reduce costs for Americans. Details shared by Harris-Walz campaign officials suggest that Harris will prioritize addressing the concerns of voters who have been feeling the financial strains of inflation, which has remained a top issue of concern in recent polls.
The most recent CBS News poll indicates that only 9% of registered voters rated the condition of the national economy as ‘very good’, with the economy and inflation consistently ranking as the top concerns in 2024 polls. While inflation has cooled since its peak in June 2022, prices are still 20% higher overall than before the COVID-19 pandemic. This economic backdrop has set the stage for Harris to introduce her economic policy measures aimed at providing relief for American families.
Friday’s economic policy remarks follow Harris’s recent pledges to eliminate taxes on tips and raise the minimum wage during a rally in Las Vegas. These proposals mark the Vice President’s first steps towards addressing economic issues and setting the tone for her campaign. Her commitment to working families and middle-class Americans has been a central theme of her campaign as she continues to campaign across battleground states.
During her rally in Las Vegas, Harris emphasized her dedication to fighting for working families by promising to raise the minimum wage and eliminate taxes on tips for service and hospitality workers. This proposal, requiring legislation, is a significant step towards Harris’s goals of alleviating financial burdens on American workers. The pledge to eliminate taxes on tips is a direct response to the needs of service workers and echoes a similar idea first proposed by former President Donald Trump in June.
Looking ahead to 2025, lawmakers will have a crucial opportunity to address tax legislation, given the expiration of some tax changes made during Trump’s presidency in 2017. The control of Congress will play a pivotal role in shaping tax policies and economic reforms, particularly in light of the economic challenges faced by American families. Harris’s focus on the middle class and working families underscores her commitment to prioritizing their needs and interests as she campaigns for the presidency.
As Harris continues to engage with voters on economic issues, she has highlighted the importance of workforce development, job opportunities, and career advancement for all Americans. Voters across battleground states have consistently expressed concerns about the economy and the need for policies that benefit the middle class. Harris’s campaign is centered on addressing these priorities and ensuring that working families have the support and resources they need to thrive.
Despite trailing Trump in polls on improving people’s finances, Harris remains committed to her economic platform and has embarked on an Economic Opportunity tour to address voters’ concerns and promote the achievements of the Biden-Harris administration. Her dedication to serving the middle class and working families has resonated with voters who prioritize economic issues when making their voting decisions.
In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris’s upcoming economic policy speech in Raleigh, North Carolina, marks a significant moment in her campaign as she unveils her plans to address inflation, lower costs for American families, and combat corporate price gouging. With a focus on working families and the middle class, Harris continues to make strides towards establishing a comprehensive economic platform that resonates with voters across the country. Her commitment to economic reforms and support for American workers sets the stage for a competitive and dynamic campaign as she vies for the presidency in the upcoming election.
