Senate Labor and Human Resources ranking member Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., Thursday outlined a comprehensive legislative and campaign agenda for Democrats that includes specific proposals for tax reform, healthcare standards, tobacco legislation, and the minimum wage.
Kennedy's comments come as several congressional Democrats have complained that the party lacks a legislative agenda and is merely reacting to Republicans--and that House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt has criticized the politics of so-called New Democrats without offering concrete alternatives himself.
But in a speech at the National Press Club today, Kennedy outlined several legislative proposals--some of which Republicans support. Kennedy praised President Clinton for his work so far. But, without directly referring to Clinton, Kennedy warned that "we need to resist the temptation to complacency or self-congratulation. The deficit has ended, but injustice has not. . . . Let's refuse to coast or drift or merely comfort the comfortable. Let's direct the tide, not just ride it."
Kennedy said Democrats need to seize the initiative on tax reform, which could include "a postcard IRS form." But, parting company with flat tax advocates, Kennedy said the "tax rate on the post card cannot and must not be the same flat rate for all Americans."
Instead, Kennedy proposed progressive tax rates of 10, 20 and 30 percent, with the exact rates set so that reform pays for itself "by closing existing tax loopholes for individuals and businesses." Kennedy added that most tax credits--mostly for education, families, the disabled and elderly--should remain. He also advocated cutting the payroll tax.
Kennedy said Democrats should get behind efforts by Rep. Charles Norwood, R-Ga., to give patients and doctors more leverage against health insurers and health maintenance organizations. "Insurance company accountants should not be allowed to practice medicine," he said.
In a more liberal proposal, Kennedy said he will propose legislation - no longer than 10 pages in length--to require every employer "to contribute to the cost" of health insurance for workers and their families. "It will not require large bureaucracy," he said.
Kennedy also reiterated previous proposals for increasing cigarette taxes by $1.50 per pack and spending the money on medical research and child development; raising the minimum wage; and expanding Head Start and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
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