As Kamala Harris gears up for a potential presidential bid in 2024, she faces the task of outlining her economic policies and addressing the concerns of American voters regarding rising prices. While Harris has been a steadfast advocate for President Joe Biden's agenda, she has also championed more progressive stances on healthcare, taxes, and other issues in the past.
During her 2020 presidential campaign, Harris proposed a government-backed health insurance system that would transition to a Medicare-for-All-type model over a decade while still allowing private insurance options. Her plan, which aimed to expand coverage without raising taxes on the middle class, differed from Senator Bernie Sanders' more comprehensive Medicare-for-All proposal.
In terms of reproductive rights, Harris has been vocal in her support, leading efforts to protect abortion access following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Her advocacy for abortion justice and reproductive freedoms has set her apart from Biden, signaling a potential shift in priorities under a Harris administration.
On the economic front, Harris has put forth initiatives such as the LIFT the Middle Class Act, which sought to provide middle-class families with a refundable tax credit to alleviate financial burdens. Additionally, she has proposed raising the corporate income tax rate to 35%, aiming to reverse the cuts implemented under the Trump administration.
Harris has also focused on addressing the high costs of prescription drugs, advocating for measures to penalize drugmakers engaging in price gouging and exploring ways to lower drug prices by referencing international pricing models.
Furthermore, Harris has introduced legislation like the Rent Relief Act to assist renters burdened by high housing costs, emphasizing the importance of housing as a fundamental human right.
As Harris navigates her potential presidential campaign, her past policy proposals offer insights into the direction she may take in 2024, with a focus on healthcare reform, reproductive rights, tax policies, and housing affordability.
