- Covid pandemic. The first choice is obvious.
- Economy. I am not referring to GDP growth or the stock market. The #1 economic issue is the labor market. Headline unemployment greater than 6% but that understates the issue. Labor force participation rate is also down. Second concern is small business bankruptcies. And, a new term "scarring" caused by the pandemic.
- Democracy. Without dealing with the threats to democracy none of the items below can be addressed. Threats are legal voter suppression, illegal voter intimidation, gerrymandering, peaceful transfer of power, disenfranchisement of citizens in DC and the territories,
- Domestic terrorist, white supremacism, racism and police violence.
- Poverty. This may be the biggest issue and the hardest to solve. Need for access for affordable health care, housing, child care and post-high school education. Note affordable does not mean free. Other needs are increase to minimum wage, food security and free pre-K schooling.
- Immigration reform. Path to citizenship for Dreamers and path to legal status short of citizenship for immigrants who have settled in the US.
- Investments in infrastructure and basic research. Short term objectives are to create jobs. Long term objectives are to increase labor productivity which will create jobs and increase wages.
- Climate change. This is a global issue not a US issue. Also this is a long-term issue.
- Restoring US diplomatic role in the world. Also a long-term issue.
I will from time-to-time update a score card for the Biden administration.
