There is a strong argument to be made for improving the economic status of the lowest paid workers in the U.S. Research shows that reducing income inequality is linked to higher overall economic growth, benefiting all members of society, including shareholders. Companies with excellent employee practices also tend to create long-term value for their shareholders. However, the private sector cannot achieve a more inclusive form of capitalism alone; it requires support from the government. Some potential policy ideas that could make a difference include expanding employee ownership programs, raising the income threshold for federal tax, and establishing a living wage as the minimum wage.
President Donald Trump, now starting his second term in office, owes part of his success to the support of blue-collar voters, many of whom have shifted alliances from the Democratic Party. Recent data shows that over half of low-income Americans without a college degree voted for Trump.
