ECONOMIC POLICY
Progressive Taxation:
Progressive taxation, from a progressive perspective, is a vital mechanism for enacting justice and equity within our economic structures. The persistent evasion of taxes by the wealthiest among us not only deprives our communities of resources needed to mend systemic injustices but also stands in stark contrast to the emphasis on caring for the poor and marginalized. A robustly progressive tax system, thoughtfully designed with escalating rates, reflects a commitment to ensuring that those blessed with the most abundance contribute proportionally to the common good and the flourishing of all. The resulting public funds can be seen as communal resources, entrusted to lawmakers for investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social safety nets – all essential components of a society that reflects love and compassion. This strategic investment fosters social mobility, narrows the chasm of wealth inequality, and cultivates a society where dignity and opportunity are extended to all, embodying the vision of shalom (Implying that nothing is missing or broken). Further, diligently addressing loopholes and fostering transparency in tax collection aligns with the principle of honesty and accountability. Implementing effective progressive taxation is therefore not merely a matter of fiscal policy but a profound act of stewardship, a tangible expression of a kinder faith in action, and a step towards building a society that more closely mirrors the reign of justice and love.
Middle-income families are the vital core of our shared prosperity and deserve a just path toward lasting financial well-being. Our current tax structures should be reimagined, moving away from any sense of unjust burden that impedes their advancement. Rather, taxation should be understood as a collective offering that sustains essential public services while still enabling these families to cultivate savings, make meaningful investments, and enhance their economic security. By empowering this significant segment of our society with greater stability, we not only uplift individual households but also fortify the economic resilience and progress of our entire nation, reflecting a commitment to the flourishing of all.
Exempting low-income earners below mandated poverty lines from all forms of taxation is a crucial and morally imperative measure to empower these individuals and families to achieve genuine financial stability, reflecting a commitment to social justice and the inherent dignity of all people. Those who fall under this threshold should automatically be exempt without needing to apply, recognizing their fundamental need for resources to meet basic human needs. The burden of taxation can disproportionately impact those with the least disposable income, hindering their ability to secure life's necessities, save for the future, and break the cycles of poverty that undermine human potential. By eliminating this financial strain, low-income individuals can allocate more resources towards essential expenses such as housing, food, healthcare, and education, thereby improving their overall well-being and fostering opportunities for upward mobility, mirroring a just and compassionate society. This tax exemption serves as a vital safety net, providing a foundation of economic security upon which individuals can build more flourishing lives, embodying the divine call to care for the least among us. Further, it acknowledges the inherent injustice of further burdening those already struggling to meet basic living costs, allowing them to retain more of their limited earnings to invest in their future and the future of their families, reflecting a healthy theological/ideological understanding of stewardship and the common good.
Social Safety Net:
Strengthening our shared economic life through robust social safety nets is not merely a policy choice, but a profound moral calling rooted in the inherent dignity of every person. The devastating realities of poverty fracture our communities, stifle human potential, and erode the very fabric of our interconnectedness. Programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and unemployment insurance serve as vital counterweights to systemic injustices, offering a foundation of security, access to healing, and crucial income support during times of hardship. Our commitment to overcoming poverty demands that we not only safeguard these essential systems but also courageously reimagine them, addressing the gaps in coverage, increasing the levels of support offered, and ensuring they are readily accessible to all who need them. To truly recognize the sacred worth of each individual means acknowledging that no one should be consigned to the margins of poverty. Investing in strong social safety nets is, therefore, a fundamental act of faith in humanity, a commitment to societal well-being, and a pathway toward a more just and equitable world where the possibility of flourishing is extended to all.
Increased Minimum Wage:
It is a moral imperative that all individuals, regardless of employment status, earn a wage sufficient to meet their basic needs and live with dignity. Our economic structures must be continually examined and adjusted to ensure a living wage for every worker. It is unconscionable that parents and individuals should be forced to choose between necessities. Wages should reflect the true cost of living, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of each person. Corporations have a responsibility that extends beyond profit; they must prioritize the well-being and security of their employees, fostering opportunities for them to thrive, even above maximizing shareholder gains.
Investment in Public Services:
Progressive economic policy concerning education is rooted in the conviction that equitable access to high-quality education is not merely a benefit, but a fundamental human right and a vital engine for economic empowerment and the uplifting of communities. Such policies champion amplified public investment in learning across all stages, from the earliest years through advanced studies, often resourced through a fair and graduated system of taxation that seeks to mend the divides between affluence and poverty. At its heart lies a commitment to dismantling systemic injustices by channeling greater support to marginalized communities and students facing the greatest obstacles, with the aim of bridging gaps in opportunity and ensuring every individual possesses the skills and understanding to engage fully in the life of the community. This vision encompasses robust support for educators, the strengthening of learning environments, and endeavors to make higher learning accessible to all, recognizing education as a shared good that enriches society by cultivating a more capable and just population.
Significant public investment in infrastructure is a core economic policy, reflecting a deep commitment to the common good and the flourishing of all. This investment, understood as a sacred stewardship of shared resources, is vital for fostering economic growth that uplifts the entire community, creates dignified work, and advances social equity. Policies should prioritize government-led projects that not only modernize essential infrastructure like roads, bridges, transit, water systems, and the power grid but also courageously invest in the infrastructure of the future, such as renewable energy sources that honor our responsibility to care for the earth. Funding, rightly derived from public sources, should intentionally prioritize the creation of good-paying union jobs and the implementation of sustainable, climate-resilient designs that reflect our interconnectedness with the earth. At its heart, robust public infrastructure serves as a foundation for a more just and compassionate society, underpinning commerce, enhancing the quality of life for every person, and actively addressing historical injustices by connecting underserved communities to opportunities, thereby embodying a vision of collective prosperity and shared well-being.
The precarious nature of America's healthcare finance system undermines the well-being of those striving for a more abundant life. While a single-payer model embodies a vision of communal care, the immediate elimination of predatory deductibles and co-pays is a moral imperative. Reforming the current dynamic where healthcare corporations heavily subsidize medical systems is crucial to lifting the unjust financial burden of medical expenses from individuals, even within the existing insurance structure. Foundational public programs like Medicare and Medicaid must not only be preserved but strengthened as expressions of our commitment to the vulnerable. Prioritizing the eradication of co-pays and deductibles is a tangible act of compassion and a necessary step towards a healthcare system that reflects a just ethic of focus on healing for all.
Labor Rights:
Progressive labor policies are not merely economic adjustments; they are fundamental moral imperatives reflecting our deepest commitment to human dignity and flourishing. Every worker, possessing inherent worth, deserves fair treatment and a living wage that allows them and their families to not just survive, but thrive. Mandating paid leave acknowledges the vital interconnectedness of work and personal well-being, fostering a more holistic and humane society. Moreover, protecting workers from exploitation and empowering collective bargaining embodies the powerful principle of solidarity, recognizing the strength and justice found in community and shared advocacy. By championing these policies, we move beyond simple economic considerations and actively work towards a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, building a society that truly values the lives and contributions of all its members.
Economic Equality:
Significant disparities in wealth and income undermine the fabric of our shared life, hindering the flourishing of all by restricting opportunities for growth, eroding the foundations of our common governance, and impeding collective economic well-being. Guided by a vision of a more just and compassionate world, we advocate for policies that actively diminish these inequalities. These include a tax system rooted in principles of fairness and the common good, robust communal support networks ensuring basic dignity for all, investments in the holistic development of every individual through education and healing, and the empowerment of workers through the upholding of their rights to fair compensation and safe working conditions. We believe that a more equitable distribution of resources is not only economically sound but also reflects a deeper spiritual truth: that when all have access to what they need to thrive, poverty and suffering are diminished, and a more inclusive and harmonious society emerges, where each person has the opportunity to contribute their unique gifts to the building of a better earth. This pursuit of economic equality is a tangible expression of our commitment to justice, love, and the inherent worth of every member of our human family.
Regulation of Corporations:
Robust corporate regulation, underpinned by strong government oversight and clear rules, is an ethical necessity for a just and prosperous society, acting as a vital defense against the harms of unfettered corporate power, such as environmental damage, labor exploitation, stifled competition, and unsafe products. These regulations protect our environment, workers, and markets, ensuring corporate accountability and conveying that profit cannot supersede the collective good; this approach fosters a responsible marketplace where ethical conduct is the norm, allowing businesses to thrive while contributing to the common wealth and upholding justice, fairness, and our shared responsibility to each other and the Earth, ultimately establishing the foundation for a truly prosperous and just society.
Climate Change and Energy:
Eco-justice connects environmental protection and social justice, demanding systemic change to address the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on marginalized communities. This requires strong policies to reduce pollution, move towards a sustainable economy, and prioritize the well-being of frontline communities that disproportionately face environmental hazards. Centering equity, progressive eco-justice seeks solutions through community involvement, addressing past injustices, and ensuring a just transition by creating green jobs and economic opportunities in historically harmed areas, ultimately linking a healthy environment and social equality for everyone.
