| Top Issues for Prosperity 2010 |
Investing in America’s Competitiveness
Rebuilding the American Framework
Providing for the Productivity & Innovation of a Workforce
TAXES
Sound tax policies provide stability for both individuals and commerce. While required to sustain the essential functions of government, tax policies shape economic decisions and have profound, often unintended, consequences on doing business in a global market. To enhance economic growth, tax regulations should:
•Encourage savings and investment by both business and individuals, and eliminate the double taxation on investments and inheritance
•Promote capital formation
•Spur private sector innovation and development to enhance global competitiveness
•Support measures that ensure a level playing field for American commerce and avoid punitive or discriminatory provisions
TRADE
Free enterprise is the engine of American prosperity and competitiveness is the fuel of success in a globalized economy. National prosperity is no longer possible without effective participation in the global marketplace. Prudent and timely policies promoting fair and open trade are fundamental building blocks for investment, expansion and job creation. These policies include:
•Creation and implementation of trade agreements with key partners
•Continuation of presidential trade negotiating authority
•Enforcement of existing trade and compliance rules
REASONABLE REGULATION
Regulatory activities are required for implementation of public policy, the protection of the public from the unscrupulous, and the establishment of a parameter which enables the conduct of responsible commerce. Public regulatory activities should:
•Be based on thorough research where appropriate
•Avoid punitive or discriminatory action
•Reflect a cost benefit perspective wherever possible
•Foster investment, innovation and economic expansion
CAPITAL FORMATION
Capital is the seed corn of free enterprise and the foundation of economic growth. Capital, or profit, is created from the revenues of commerce beyond the cost of doing business. A credit crisis arises when demand for capital exceeds its availability or access. To increase capital formation, policies should:
•Reflect the connection between capital, credit and economic growth
•Provide for the maintenance of stable currency
•Restrain unnecessary federal spending which may exacerbate capital shortages
•Recognize that the occasional government economic intervention deemed necessary to protect or promote some “greater public good” should not replace sound economic activity
ENERGY
The supply, availability, sustainability and cost of energy are all critical components of economic viability and national security. America is home to the most innovative and capable energy providers in the world. Public policies, however, often ignore or impede these components. Too often they discourage long-term domestic energy expansion and independence. Instead, public policies should:
•Allow access and utilization of our abundant domestic energy supplies in environmentally sensitive ways
•Respect the role market forces play in determining effective solutions
•Strengthen energy transmission and infrastructure
•Advance economically viable energy efficiency
•Encourage private development of renewable fuel sources and industries
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
Adequate infrastructure is essential to economic growth, competitiveness and national security. Public policies should:
•Embrace a multimodal and intermodal vision o that increases capacity, reduces congestion and decreases vulnerability to terrorism. Simultaneously this vision must include the efficient, safe, sustainable movement of goods and people throughout the country and the world
•Recognize telecommunications as an increasingly o vital part of our nation’s infrastructure. As such, public policy should:
oPromote private investment in next generation networks
oEnsure broadband deployment to all American
oLeverage broadband networks to solve big problems
HEALTHCARE
America’s greatest resource is the strength and resolve of the American worker. As good health is the foundation of individual achievement, providing access to quality, affordable health care is essential to employee productivity. One-size-fits-all government mandated health programs, however, cannot reflect the diversity of American needs. Therefore, health care policies should:
•Support market-oriented health care reform
•Increase universal access and affordability
EDUCATION & TRAINING
The global competition for skilled workers requires improvements in the U.S. educational system and increased training and retraining opportunities for American workers. Although education is the primary responsibility of state and local government, federal policies should:
•Help establish standards and measurements of achievement to ensure American youth have the skills they need for the jobs of the 21st century
•Foster programs to recruit, recognize and reward highly qualified teachers
•Provide assistance to aid schools striving to meet higher standards
•Provide a renewed emphasis on economic education
AMERICA AT WORK
People and talent are rapidly becoming one of the strongest competitive advantages within any business. For America to thrive in the global economy, it needs policies that:
•Ensure workplace regulations are fair, flexible and balanced
•Protect the right of employees to private ballots
•Preserve freedom of speech protections in the workplace
•Protect the right of employees to develop and approve a contract through collective bargaining
RETIREMENT SECURITY
An essential part of the American dream for all hardworking individuals is a secure retirement. In addition to being economically sound, federal policies should:
•Ensure the strength of the private retirement system
•Transform government-sponsored programs to guarantee their continued solvency
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