Donald Trump says America’s affordability crisis is a…

Well we, the American people, disagree. 

What can be done? Well, Democrats should run on making America affordable again, by pledging to do these 10 things.

1. Get rid of Trump’s tariffs. 

His blanket tariffs have increased prices on just about everything. Get rid of them. Tariffs can be a tool to create American jobs, but only if they’re used responsibly.

2. Bust up monopolies. 

Break up big corporations that dominate their industries and therefore have the power to price-gouge. Bring competition back to our economy.

3. Fight for stronger unions. 

Workers need more bargaining power to get higher wages. Unions do that. Make it easier for us to start or join them.

4. Raise the national minimum wage

It’s been a measly $7.25 since 2009. Raise the damn wage. And raise it even higher for employees of big corporations that pay their top executives hundreds of times more than their workers.

5. Pass Medicare For All 

This will bring health care costs down for all of us because it’s cheaper and more efficient than for-profit health insurance.

6. Make housing more affordable. 

Ban Wall Street firms from buying up homes that families need. Crack down on corporate landlords that collude to jack up rent prices. Get rid of zoning laws that make it harder to build homes. And increase funding to boost the construction of housing in cities that need it most. 

7. Make child care and elder care more affordable. 

Both are essential for working families. Pass a universal childcare program for parents. Boost funding for caregivers of aging parents.

8. Give Americans paid leave. 

Every other advanced country provides paid leave; the richest country in the world should too.

9. Provide a universal basic income 

AI is already replacing many jobs. If adequate-paying jobs are hard to find, the government should step in to make sure no one is left impoverished. 

How will we pay for all of this? 

10. Raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans and corporations

Since Reagan, the super rich have paid far lower taxes while accumulating record levels of wealth. Corporate taxes have also been cut, even as profits have skyrocketed. 

It’s time we end the trickle-down hoax once and for all. 

It’s only fair that the super rich pay more so that the rest of America can afford what Americans need. And by the way — they’ll still be rich. And corporations will still be profitable. 

These 10 steps are crucial for making America affordable again. Democrats should pledge to back every one of them.

Please share this with any Democrat interested in running for office. And ask them to make the pledge.