In Pittsburgh Speech, Harris Offers New Manufacturing Incentive

Vice President Kamala Harris, during a speech in Pennsylvania, presented a new initiative focused on bolstering U.S. manufacturing. Speaking at the Economic Club of Pittsburgh, Harris reaffirmed her belief in capitalism and fair markets, while emphasizing her support for workers and labor unions. Her plan involves investments in key industries, offering tax incentives to manufacturers, and doubling registered apprenticeships by the end of her term. She described her vision of an "opportunity economy," which aims to help the U.S. stay competitive in emerging fields like biomanufacturing, aerospace, AI, and clean energy.

On the campaign trail, the economy remains a significant issue. Recent polls show that former President Donald Trump leads Harris on voter confidence regarding economic improvement. Trump has also laid out his own economic agenda, including incentives to bring jobs back to the U.S. and tariffs for companies that fail to relocate. Both candidates are attempting to distinguish their approaches to revitalizing the economy, with immigration and the economy ranking as top concerns for voters.

Harris’s economic plan includes tax breaks for low- and middle-income families, banning corporate price gouging, and addressing housing affordability with a proposed $40 billion fund for affordable home construction. She has also pledged to keep taxes unchanged for those earning under $400,000, while proposing tax increases for wealthier individuals and corporations to fund her programs.

Meanwhile, Trump has proposed his "National Economic Renaissance," promising to reduce inflation, increase domestic energy production, and reduce government spending to lower costs for Americans. With polls showing that a significant portion of voters prioritize the economy, both candidates are focusing on their respective plans to improve the country’s financial outlook heading into the 2024 election.