Hundreds of organizations, businesses and individuals have signed on to this prescription to fix America’s economy.  This is the second version of a collaborative, multi-organizational effort to agree on a path to prosperity.  This document can be used by any person or organization to lobby your Senators or Representatives.  If you are interested in adding your support, please sign the petition here.

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FIXING AMERICA’S ECONOMY II:
REBUILDING AMERICAN JOBS, WEALTH AND POWER

America’s economy faces an ongoing structural crisis that contributed directly to the 2008-9 financial meltdown and limits the scope for a sustained recovery.   The old means of economic growth – over-consumption, off-shoring, and borrowing – have seriously undermined the national interest.  To resume sustainable growth, generate jobs and pay down our spiraling debt, we need to make fundamental changes in the American economy.  We also face a profound political crisis.  Our governmental system currently lacks the ability to articulate and pursue ambitious national goals.

A bold national vision is needed to equip America to compete successfully in a global economy.  America must reorganize its creative, financial and governmental resources to meet a few fundamental challenges coherently, effectively and urgently.   A successful strategy will improve the standard of living for current and future American families, restore value to our currency, realign corporate with national interests, and reinforce the U.S. position as the paramount world leader.

To that end, we challenge all holders and seekers of public office to commit to the solutions presented here.

ESTABLISH a comprehensive national economic strategy centered on investment and production – of agricultural and manufactured goods and services – in the United States.

REBALANCE our international trade by achieving genuine reciprocity, especially with systems of state capitalism whose practices are beyond the reach of existing international rules and domestic law.  This must include a review of all existing international agreements, as well as establishment by law of higher standards for future international agreements.

NULLIFY the subsidy effects of currency misalignments by the application of effective trade measures.

MODERNIZE the U.S. tax system to provide competitive incentives to invest in this country, ensure that imports pay their fair share of taxes, and remove government-imposed cost impediments to American exports.

DEVELOP and IMPLEMENT a national infrastructure plan to convert our communications, transportation and energy distribution systems into a national competitive asset.  A principal objective must be to maximize the use of domestically produced goods on all projects funded with taxpayer revenues.

ACHIEVE energy independence by expanding domestic production and efficiency through investment and the development and application of new technologies.

REGULATE financial and goods markets effectively to deter excessive risk-taking and abuse of market power, while ensuring the safety of all goods sold in the U.S, whether produced domestically or abroad.

REVAMP the federal government’s economic decision-making to facilitate the development, implementation, and continuous adaptation of a strategy to ensure that innovative technologies are applied in this country.

The challenge is great, and time is short.  We need action.  We need it now.