A conservative group's new report outlines a 10-point plan to address the nation's affordability crisis, proposing solutions for housing, energy, and other economic sectors. The report, "10 Ways to Improve Affordability Now Across 10 Levels of the Economy," also diverges from former President Donald Trump on key issues, including tariffs and credit card interest rates.
Advancing American Freedom (AAF), founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, argues that government policies are the primary driver of unaffordability. Richard Stern, vice president of the Plymouth Institute for Free Enterprise at AAF, stated that "there's an unaffordability crisis and it's the government's fault."
The report identifies affordability as the "No. 1 issue facing the American people" and targets costs in areas such as housing, energy, and business. Proposals include easing zoning restrictions, expanding oil and gas production, and reforming Social Security and SNAP eligibility.
Housing and Energy Proposals
The AAF report suggests that government regulations contribute significantly to the high cost of housing. According to the National Association of Home Builders, regulations account for approximately 26% of the price of a new single-family home. The report recommends limiting local zoning restrictions, expediting approvals for projects that comply with existing rules, and conditioning about $50 billion in annual federal housing aid on zoning reform.
In the energy sector, the report calls for increased oil and gas leasing and opposes state-level fracking bans. Stern argued that boosting domestic production could lower costs across the economy, as energy is a component of virtually all goods and services.
Divergence on Trade and Credit
The AAF report also presents a stance that contrasts with Trump's policies on trade and credit. It argues that Trump's tariffs have negatively impacted American consumers and the broader economy, leading to higher prices, strained international alliances, and an estimated loss of nearly 900,000 jobs. The report advocates for returning more tariff authority to Congress.
During Trump's presidency, tariffs generated substantial revenue for the U.S. Treasury. In January alone, duties totaled $30.4 billion, a significant increase from the previous year. The report, however, suggests that these tariffs have come at a cost to consumers and job growth.
Furthermore, the report opposes Trump's proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates. AAF warns that such a cap could render lending unprofitable for approximately 60% of American consumers. Stern framed the affordability debate as a critical issue affecting the ability of Americans to achieve upward mobility and secure their future.
Stern cautioned against internal division, stating that economic frustration could lead Americans to view each other as adversaries, a sentiment he associates with socialism. He emphasized that the report aims to clarify that businesses, entrepreneurs, and fellow citizens are not the source of economic problems, but rather government policy.
A woman shops at the grocery store.
