Democrats Need a Better Answer on Affordability. Here’s One.

Affordability

The affordability crisis is a pressing issue that Democrats are struggling to address effectively. Ezra Klein highlights the anger surrounding economic conditions, noting that many Americans feel the Biden administration hasn't adequately tackled rising costs 1. Brian Schatz acknowledges the need for a shift in mindset, emphasizing that Democrats often focus on subsidies rather than addressing supply shortages 2.

There are shortages for various reasons. Sometimes the government creates a shortage. Sometimes a corporation is creating the shortage.

--- Brian Schatz

He argues for a more balanced approach that considers both supply and demand to alleviate the affordability crisis.

   

Legislative Hurdles

Legislative hurdles significantly impede the implementation of effective economic reforms. Ezra Klein points out the delays in rural broadband projects, attributing them to complex requirements and bureaucratic inefficiencies 3. Brian Schatz shares an example from Hawaii, where outdated preservation laws hinder development, illustrating the broader issue of regulatory obstacles 4.

We just have old houses. And so now they're all potentially for state historic preservation division review.

--- Brian Schatz

These challenges highlight the need for streamlined processes to ensure timely and effective policy implementation.