The US Presidential Election of 2024 has been one of the closest and one of the most fiercely contested in recent history.
Democrat Kamala Harris entered the race late after current president Joe Biden decided to stand down earlier this year.
Concerns had been raised about the 81-year-old’s age and mental acuity. However, Biden said it was due to an intraparty battle over his candidacy he called a “real distraction.”
The Republic candidate is the former President Donald Trump. More can be found out about his policies here.
If Harris wins the 2024 presidential election, her policies would likely align closely with those of the Biden administration. There will be a focus on economic inclusivity, job growth through green energy investments, worker protections, and expanding social infrastructure.
Here’s an exploration of how a Kamala Harris administration might impact the US job market:
Green Energy and Clean Technology Jobs
- Expansion in Renewable Energy: Harris would likely prioritize investments in green energy infrastructure, including wind, solar, and electric vehicles. This approach could drive significant job creation in renewable energy sectors, as well as in related fields such as construction and technology.
- Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Investment in climate-resilient infrastructure could also open opportunities for jobs in civil engineering, urban planning, and construction, targeting the modernization of transportation and energy systems.
Manufacturing and Tech Innovation
- Support for Domestic Manufacturing: Harris has indicated an interest in promoting domestic manufacturing, particularly for green technology and high-tech industries, which could create a mix of skilled and semi-skilled jobs.
- Research and Development (R&D): Likely continuation of support for research into AI, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing could stimulate job growth in high-tech fields, with a focus on U.S.-based innovation hubs.
Labor Rights and Minimum Wage Increases
- Strengthened Worker Protections: A Harris administration might enhance labor protections, including expanding unionization rights and workplace safety regulations. These policies could improve job quality, though potentially raising labor costs for some businesses.
- Raising the Federal Minimum Wage: Harris has supported raising the federal minimum wage, which could boost earnings for low-income workers but also impact hiring practices in small businesses or industries dependent on minimum-wage labor.
Healthcare Expansion and Jobs in Social Services
- Healthcare Workforce Growth: Harris would likely seek to expand healthcare access and affordability. This expansion could support job creation in healthcare services, especially in roles like nursing, mental health services, and social work to meet growing demand.
- Social Programs and Care Economy Jobs: Investment in social infrastructure, including eldercare, childcare, and other social services, would align with her focus on the “care economy,” which could open up job opportunities, especially for women and minorities.
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Education, Training, and Workforce Development
- Upskilling and Retraining Programs: A Harris administration would likely emphasize job retraining programs to prepare workers for high-demand fields, like green technology, healthcare, and tech. Investments in community college and vocational training could help workers transition to these growing sectors.
- STEM Education Initiatives: There could also be expanded funding for STEM education, aiming to strengthen the U.S. labor pool in critical tech and engineering fields. This approach could bolster long-term job growth in technology and innovation sectors.
Support for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship
- Incentives for Small Businesses: Policies supporting small business growth, especially in underserved areas, could open new job opportunities in diverse communities. Initiatives might include small-business grants, loans, and training programs.
- Focus on Minority-Owned Businesses: Harris may continue to expand support for minority-owned businesses through initiatives that prioritize economic equity, potentially boosting job creation in these communities.
Immigration Reform and Labor Market Impact
- Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Harris has been a proponent of immigration reform, which could expand the labor market, especially in sectors that rely on immigrant labor, such as technology, healthcare, and agriculture.
- DACA and High-Skilled Immigration: Policies supporting DACA recipients and high-skilled visa programs could strengthen the workforce, particularly in STEM fields, benefiting sectors with high demand for skilled labor.
Tax Policy and Corporate Incentives
- Corporate Tax Adjustments: Harris might pursue adjustments in corporate tax rates, especially targeted at large corporations, to fund public programs. While these policies could bring new funding for jobs, they may also impact corporate hiring and expansion strategies.
- Incentives for Green Investment: Tax incentives for companies that adopt sustainable practices and reduce carbon emissions could further job growth in sectors focused on environmental sustainability.
Final Thoughts
A Kamala Harris administration would likely focus on job creation that aligns with progressive values, including green energy, social infrastructure, and worker protections. These policies could foster job growth in high-tech and healthcare fields while aiming to improve job quality and economic equity across industries.
