NEW YORK (CNNMoney)
But income inequality is at the forefront of many Congressional and governors' races. Debates and ads are focusing on issues like the minimum wage, taxes and Obamacare, says Richard Reeves, economic studies fellow at the Brookings Institution.
"Both the anxiety and language about inequality are based more on anxiety about the middle than anger at the rich," Reeves said.
Even though the nation's economy has improved by many measures, the economy still dominates the polls as Americans' biggest concern.
Related: Why people still feel the economy stinks
Income inequality is at the heart of three contentious issues in the midterms:
Minimum wage: Stagnant wages and poor pay at many low-level jobs are hot-button topics this election. Minimum wage hikes are on the ballot in four Republican-leaning states -- Alaska, Arkansas, Nebraska and South Dakota. And in six competitive races for Senate or governor, there is strong support to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, said Reeves, citing Public Policy Polling.
Related: Voters to decide on raising minimum wage
Taxes: There's less anti-rich campaigning this cycle, but Democrats are pointing to the fallout of cutting taxes on the wealthy. In Kansas, for instance, Democrats are hammering Governor Sam Brownback for pushing through deep tax cuts that have led to a serious budget crisis and forced big cuts in education funding. Republicans, meanwhile, say that lowering taxes will spur the economy and create jobs for everyone.
Obamacare: Although the outright calls for repealing Obamacare have mellowed, candidates are still arguing about health care reform. Republican hopefuls are using it to tie their opponents to President Obama, whose approval ratings remain a low 41%, according to Gallup. Democrats are pointing to how Obamacare has helped many previously uninsured Americans gain coverage, which helps blunt the consequences of inequality.
Related: Legal pot on the ballot in Alaska, Oregon and D.C.
Related: Illinois to vote on millionaire tax
First Published: November 4, 2014: 9:12 AM ET
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Income inequality is stealth issue in midterm elections
Dengan url
http://sepakgajah.blogspot.com/2014/11/income-inequality-is-stealth-issue-in.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Income inequality is stealth issue in midterm elections
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Income inequality is stealth issue in midterm elections
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar