An Economy That Works for Everyone

Affordability & Economic Security

Jan Schneider does not believe that “affordability” should be our economic goal. Rather, this wealthy country should aim for lasting economic security.

Affordability

A transitory concept focused on the relationship between the cost of goods or services and the income available to pay for them. It fluctuates with inflation, energy prices, housing, healthcare, childcare and other expenses.

Economic Security

Lasting well-being and stability—built on dependable income, quality education, healthcare, fair taxation and strong safeguards during times of hardship.

Building Lasting Economic Security

Economic security requires quality public education, jobs with living wages, fair taxes, retraining and transition funding, affordable healthcare and insurance, and high-quality social programs.

Raise the federal minimum wage, which has remained a paltry $7.25 since 2009.
Revive Affordable Care Act premium tax credits.
Repeal egregious tax and other boons for the ultra-rich and wealthy corporations from the One Big Beautiful [Bad] Bill.
Increase assistance for first-time homebuyers.
Avoid illegal, vacillating and unpredictable tariffs that harm consumers, families and small businesses.
Protect vital healthcare and social-support programs.

“The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped.”
— Former Vice President Hubert Humphrey

Compassion Across Every Generation

A nation should be judged by its compassion, not only by its wealth and military power. Economic security means protecting people at every stage of life.

Seniors

Preserve Medicare without cuts and consider additional coverage; raise the Social Security taxable maximum and otherwise protect the system’s financial viability; and restore major cuts to Medicaid, the Veterans Health Administration and other programs.

Children & Families

Reverse cuts to SNAP; permanently expand the Child Tax Credit; preserve Head Start and Early Head Start; and stop threats and funding freezes affecting the Child Care and Development Fund.

Americans With Disabilities

Protect essential benefits and support special-education programs, remote-work and telework accommodations, and other reasonable adjustments.

In my view, transitory “affordability”—the present ability to cover basic living costs—is too limited a goal. The objective should be economic security, with stable expectations now and in the future. Americans deserve steady incomes, healthcare as a right and safety nets during times of great need.

VoteJan: For Economic Security!