This is a guest post by Milk Your Money — a daily blog dedicated to helping it’s readers reach their financial goals by making smart everyday money decisions.
Historic Economic Policy Beliefs
Historically, Republicans have believed in policies that favor a free market. Policies that would in any way burden businesses from growing, innovating, or conducting business would be met with strong opposition. Republicans generally believe that the lower taxes are on corporations and wage earners, the more our economy as a whole will prosper. There has been a strong and as we see it, final push from the Republicans on strong economic policies changes dealing with regulation. Political leaders like the Secretary of the Treasury and leading academics have called for an overhaul of the way our markets are policed, requesting less regulation.
Democrats obviously are on the opposite side of the room on many of the issues described above. However, the creation of the Blue Dog Democrats, a group of democrats that are fiscally conservative, has been trying to help build a bridge that both parties can meet in the middle of on economic issues of importance. Democrats believe more in the intervention of the government to help those in economic need and believe taxes should increase as profits and earnings do. In general, most Democrats appose making changes that would de-regulate our financial markets stressing the importance of effective regulation in the wake of WorldCom and Enron.
What to Expect if Democrats Win the White House
The Democrats appear to have an edge when it comes to winning the White House come November, of course anything can happen. Assuming the Democrats can keep control of their majority in both the House and the Senate and perhaps increase their leads in both chambers; drastic changes in economic policies could stand a likely chance of becoming law.
One area likely to see action immediate action is the issue of taxes. Both Democratic Presidential hopefuls have called for the repeal of President George W. Bush’s tax cuts (which have been generalized to be only for the wealthy) and to provide some type of economic relief to the middle class. Any overhaul of the federal income tax system could obviously mean a change in your yearly tax bill, an issue where everyone should be concerned.
Another area that is sure to be addressed, and is currently being debated, is the home foreclosure crisis. If the Democrats take control in November, you will likely see a more proactive government to help these struggling homeowners. Legislation would likely pass aiding money to those facing foreclosures; increasing regulations of mortgage lending; stronger look at the role credit rating agencies play; stronger enforcement actions; and efforts to increase transparency in the overall mortgage business. Regardless of your personal political views, the more we can keep foreclosure rates down, everyone will benefit in the end. The current crisis affects even those who pay their mortgages on time, a foreclosure down the street will decrease the value of your home and weaken the economy as well as your investments, because of these reasons, you will see strong changes in the mortgage lending in early 2008.
Other issues that are sure to be debated include aiding families stressed by high oil prices, costly student loans and soaring health-care premiums. All of these issues are sure to take a back seat to the struggling economy, and the Iraq War.
What about a Republican Victory?
It’s safe to say, if the Republicans win the White House, you will see a lot of the same with John McCain. Although the Democrats will likely control Congress, any major reforms dealing with the structure of our financial markets and our tax system will most likely be me with a veto.
Author: Jeremy Vohwinkle
My name is Jeremy Vohwinkle, and I’ve spent a number of years working in the finance industry providing financial advice to regular investors and those participating in employer-sponsored retirement plans.
