A new report from the conservative group Advancing American Freedom (AAF) outlines 10 proposals aimed at reducing living costs by cutting government regulations and increasing economic production. The group, founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, argues that government policies are the primary cause of the current affordability crisis.
The report, titled "10 Ways to Improve Affordability Now Across 10 Levels of the Economy," identifies housing, energy, and business costs as key areas of concern. Richard Stern, vice president of the Plymouth Institute for Free Enterprise at AAF, stated that "Yes, there's an unaffordability crisis, and it's the government's fault."
Among the report's recommendations are easing zoning restrictions, expanding access to oil and gas, and reforming Social Security and SNAP eligibility. These proposals echo some of former President Donald Trump's past policy ideas.
However, the AAF report diverges from Trump on two significant issues: tariffs and credit card interest rates. The report contends that Trump's tariffs have negatively impacted American consumers and the broader economy by raising prices, straining international alliances, and potentially costing nearly 900,000 jobs. AAF advocates for shifting more tariff authority back to Congress, noting that tariffs generated $30.4 billion in January alone, a significant increase from the previous year.
On housing, the report blames restrictive zoning laws for increasing commutes and making homeownership more difficult. The National Association of Home Builders estimates that regulations account for approximately 26% of the cost of a new single-family home. AAF suggests limiting local zoning regulations, streamlining project approvals for developments that comply with existing rules, and linking federal housing aid to zoning reform.
Regarding energy, the report calls for increased oil and gas leasing and opposes state-level fracking bans. Stern emphasized that greater domestic energy production could lower costs across the economy, as energy is a factor in the price of nearly all goods and services.
AAF asserts that economic frustration can lead to societal division, and Stern cautioned against viewing fellow citizens as adversaries, stating, "It's not businesses that are the problem. It's not entrepreneurs. It's not other Americans. It's government."