Watch Now: How the Economy is Shaping the 2020 Campaigns

The current state of the economy is a hot topic of discussion as the election draws near. Yesterday, Mike Knetter, Lisa Pugh, and I delved into a conversation about the economy and how it ties in with the upcoming election. Here are some key points we covered:

STATE OF THE ECONOMY

1. Your grade on the WI economy currently:
   • Assessing the current economic situation and how it impacts the local community.
   • Understanding the nuances of the economy beyond just numbers and statistics.
2. Voter disconnect on the status of the economy:
   • Exploring the disparity between how voters perceive the economy and the actual state of affairs.
   • Addressing the challenges of effectively communicating economic realities to the public.

JOBS NUMBERS

1. Friday’s jobs numbers – what does it mean/what’s next:
   • Analyzing the recent job reports and their implications for the future.
   • Speculating on how these numbers might influence the presidential race and candidates’ platforms.

CANDIDATE PROPOSALS

1. How a president or his or her administration impacts the economy:
   • Examining the role of government policies in shaping economic outcomes.
   • Considering the potential impact of different candidates’ proposals on the economy.

HIGH PRICES

1. Harris proposal on price gouging:
   • Evaluating the proposed measures to address price gouging and its potential effectiveness.
   • Discussing the broader implications of tackling high prices in various sectors.
2. Trump Proposal – Tariffs:
   • Analyzing the proposed tariffs and their impact on trade and consumer prices.
   • Debating the feasibility and consequences of implementing such populist promises.

TAXES

1. Former President Trump:
   • Discussing the proposal to make the 2017 tax cuts permanent and reduce corporate tax rates.
   • Identifying the winners and losers of these tax policies.
2. Vice President Harris:
   • Exploring the plan to restore the Child Tax Credit, introduce a new $6,000 credit for families with a newborn, cut taxes for low-income individuals, and increase the corporate tax rate.
   • Examining the potential winners and losers under these proposed tax reforms.

HOUSING

1. Concerns in the housing market:
   • Highlighting the challenges and issues facing the housing market.
   • Exploring possible solutions and policy interventions to improve the situation.
2. What can any policy maker do to make things better?:
   • Considering the role of policymakers in addressing housing market concerns.
   • Discussing strategies to create a more sustainable and inclusive housing market.

As we navigate through these complex economic and policy discussions, it is crucial to critically analyze the various proposals and their potential impact on the economy. The upcoming election provides an opportunity to shape the future direction of our economy, and informed decision-making is key. By understanding the nuances of these economic issues and actively engaging in the discussion, we can contribute to a more prosperous and equitable society.