The recent election has brought a new group of Democrats into power, many of whom are pushing for expanded support for children, parents, and universal health care. Their agenda includes restoring Medicaid and food stamp benefits that were cut by the previous administration, as well as reinstating subsidies for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The article discusses how these proposals could reshape the U.S. social contract and the fiscal challenges that may arise. It examines whether this shift could lead to a new era of equitable prosperity.
‘The post-election wish list is about to run into harsh fiscal reality: there is no money’Is this an opportunity for a new America? As the Reagan revolution four decades ago launched US society down the path to low taxes and meager solidarity, perhaps the Republican bloodbath last week could turn US politics toward building a new social contract anchored on an aspiration to equitable prosperity.One can sense the ambition of the bumper new crop of Democrats ushered to power last week, calling for support for programs for children and their parents; emphatically endorsing the long-held dream of Medicare for All. The project includes rolling back Donald Trump’s cuts to Medicaid and food stamps, and restoring subsidies for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act that Republicans allowed to expire. And that’s just the start. Continue reading...
