President Trump will deliver his third State of the Union address on Tuesday night. With its pomp and circumstance, the annual speech is a great American tradition that both the president’s supporters and critics can appreciate. Yet this year, with impeachment dominating the headlines, it’s likely the fanfare will be mired by controversy.
It’s a pity because the state of the union is strong, really strong. The Trump administration’s policies have reinforced the fact that our country is the best place to live, work, and raise a family. We should celebrate this, and that’s why, before the address, I want to take a moment to thank Trump and his administration for all they’ve done for the American worker.
The economy is stronger under this administration than it was under former President Barack Obama. In fact, it’s stronger than it has been in generations.
We have millions of job openings and not enough workers to fill them. There is record-low unemployment, which makes a huge impact on historically underrepresented communities, such as individuals with disabilities, minorities, and women. And the president has ushered in an era of booming wage growth for blue-collar workers.
Additionally, it’s worth remembering that the best healthcare plan is the one that comes with a good-paying job. As a result, the president’s economic record has led to more and better healthcare for some workers, thanks to a dramatic increase in employer coverage from all the new jobs.
Trump has also led on promoting price transparency in healthcare, making it easier for patients to know the cost of nonemergency procedures ahead of time. Eliminating uncertainty in healthcare costs and giving patients the chance to shop around for the best price has been a game changer for many, especially those living paycheck to paycheck.
Also worthy of applause are this administration’s efforts to chisel away at the current costly, one-size-fits-all approach to higher education. By expanding and improving our nation’s industry-led apprenticeship programs, thousands have the opportunity to gain paid, hands-on experience and enter the workforce.
And thanks to a historic finalized rule on welfare work requirements, millions of able-bodied adults without dependents, who for too long have been languishing on the sidelines trapped in dependency, now have a path forward to joining this booming economy.
But more can be done. Heading into the final year of the president’s first term, there are three key areas where the administration can continue to help American workers, protect the truly needy, and promote the dignity of work.
First, by closing food stamp loopholes such as “broad-based categorical eligibility,” Trump can ensure only those who actually meet eligibility standards can enroll in the food assistance program. Our nation’s welfare programs were never intended for individuals with significant cash assets — including millionaires — but that’s exactly who has exploited them, as a result of these loose rules and gimmicks. Closing this loophole would ensure resources are instead preserved for the truly needy.
Second, the Trump administration can tackle the federal student loan crisis at its root, which is before a prospective student even applies to college.
With millions of students struggling under crippling debt, many of whom end up in jobs that don’t require a college degree, we’re at a breaking point. Students should have the facts about the real cost of a college degree, average graduation rates, what alternatives exist, and information about the most in-demand jobs. Providing students with more and better information could help fill millions of job openings.
Finally, there is a desperate need for disability reform.
Rather than serving its purpose as a safety net for people with permanent and severe disabilities, disability programs have become a permanent trap for too many adults with manageable work limitations or whose conditions have significantly improved. In an era with flexibility in the workforce and options to accommodate these work limits, far too many are missing out on opportunities in this booming workforce and the endless advantages of having a job. By making significant changes to federal disability programs, the Trump administration can preserve resources for those with permanent and severe disabilities, protect the entire Social Security system, and help millions of adults get back to work.
The state of the union is strong. And with more reforms on the horizon, it’s only going to get stronger.
Tarren Bragdon (@TarrenBragdon) is the chief executive officer at the Foundation for Government Accountability.
