No Labels National Strategic Agenda: For America in 2017 and the futureThe National Strategic Agenda is comprised of four goals -- developed internally and through a nationally-conducted poll of voters -- that we believe are vital to a thriving and vibrant AmericaNo Labels Policy Playbook - For America's Next President -- Over the last year, No Labels has been working to seek input from the American people as well as the nation's top policy minds from both sides of the aisle to develop a problem solving playbook for our next president. 60 Policy Ideas -- These ideas prioritize the importance of goal setting in problem-solving and revolve around four specific goals for AmericaNo LabelsNL_c8e37d78-0bf2-11e0-83f0-ce5d7a64ea2aCitizensNo Labels' work to forge a new center begins with organizing citizens.CongressBut it must culminate in a new kind of Congress that is finally capable of doing the people's business.Problem Solvers CaucusTo that end, No Labels has inspired the creation of a new Problem Solvers Caucus -- featuring dozens of House Democrats and Republicans -- committed to working constructively across the aisle to advance the goals of No Labels' National Strategic Agenda.... a thriving and vibrant America._c89ee8fc-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03To develop a problem solving playbook for our president._c89eea96-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03Problem SolvingJobsCreate 25 million new jobs over the next ten years_c89eeb86-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea031Despite gradual improvement in the economy since the onset of the Great Recession in 2008, and particularly notable employment gains in late 2014, too many Americans are still out of work. It's led some to speculate that jobless recoveries may be the "new normal." But there is nothing normal about millions of Americans being out of work or toiling away in low-pay positions for which they are overqualified. Joblessness isn't just a personal tragedy. It’s also a national crisis, because it robs our economy of legions of people who want to invent, innovate, create and contribute. Solving this crisis will require a more creative and flexible response from the U.S. government. Just decreasing taxes or increasing spending -- which are often the go-to policy options for the right and left -- won't cut it. It's time for policymakers to treat this problem with the urgency it deserves, and to commit to helping create 25 million jobs over the next decade.Capital Gains & DividendsTreating capital gains and dividends as ordinary income_c89eee9c-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 1 - TAXESInvestors55% SUPPORT -- The U.S. tax code is complicated, cumbersome and uncompetitive. Currently, income from capital gains is taxed at anywhere between 15-23.8% depending on the income of the taxpayer. This is significantly lower than the top tax rate on ordinary income of 39.6%.Throughout U.S. history, capital gains have often been taxed at a lower rate than income on the theory that lower taxes on investment income would encourage more savings and investment. But there isn't much empirical evidence that slightly higher rates on investment income would diminish savings.But there is plenty of evidence that significantly lower rates on investment income have contributed to income inequality and spurred the proliferation of complex legal structures aimed at re-characterizing income so it can be taxed at the lowest rate possible.To make the tax code more simple and equitable the government should start treating income as income, no matter where it comes from.Treating capital gains and dividends as ordinary income would create a simpler tax system and it would raise almost $135 billion a year in additional revenue. Those proceeds could be used to reduce rates for everyone across the board.Deductions & RatesLimit Deductions, Lower Rates_c89eef82-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 2 - TAXESTaxpayersCongressional Joint Committee on TaxationMartin FeldsteinOne of the most compelling ideas to limit tax expenditures comes from Harvard professor Martin Feldstein. He suggests capping the reduction in tax liabilities that people can get from these tax expenditures to a certain percentage of income. This approach would significantly simplify tax filing as many taxpayers would shift from itemizing deductions to using a standard deduction.Feldstein also suggests small exceptions to this cap, such as retaining the charitable contribution deduction and exempting the first $8,000 of employer paid health insurance premiums. Feldstein's approach could avoid a politically fraught fight in Congress over which specific tax expenditures to keep, reduce or eliminate.61% SUPPORT -- The U.S. tax code is complicated, cumbersome, and uncompetitive.Tax rates can only be responsibly reduced by eliminating or capping some of the Big Six tax expenditures, which according to the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation, will cost almost $750 billion annually by 2018:* Charitable deductions $50.1 billion* State, local and personal property tax $71.7 billion* Mortgage interest and residential property tax $130.2 billion* Employer-provided health care $159.6 billion* Keogh, defined benefit and defined contribution plans $202.7 billion* Reduced rates on capital gains (including home sales) and dividends $134.8 billionBusiness Tax RatesReduce Business Tax Rates_c89ef068-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 3 - TAXESBusinesses62% SUPPORT -- High corporate taxes diminish investment and job creation in the countries where they occur. But by almost any measure, U.S. corporate taxes are higher than in other countries.Tax RateReduce the corporate tax rate to a level (e.g. 25%) that makes America more competitive with other countries._1a6e3bec-9fa8-11e7-91a6-0c857dd3ea03IDEA 3-1Credits & DeductionsPay for this reduction by eliminating special interest tax credits and deductions._1a6e3f70-9fa8-11e7-91a6-0c857dd3ea03IDEA 3-2Business Tax ModernizationMove toward a "territorial" tax system_c89ef158-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 4 - TAXESAmerican Companies77% SUPPORT -- The U.S. tax code is uncompetitive. Right now, the U.S. tax system incentivizes companies to keep profits overseas by putting a double tax on the foreign earnings of U.S. companies when they are brought back to the United States.In order to allow U.S. companies to better compete with foreign companies, the U.S. should move toward a "territorial" tax system, in which U.S. companies pay tax only on the income they earn at home. Modernizing our current corporate tax system will encourage American companies to bring their earnings home, invest more in the American economy and put more Americans back to work.RepatriationBring the Money Home_c89ef248-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 5 - TAXES76% SUPPORT -- Currently, America’s 500 largest companies hold $2 trillion in assets overseas. Some of that money is there for good reason. After all, for a multinational company selling goods and services in a foreign country, it makes plenty of sense to invest in facilities and hire employees that are close to their customers.But a good portion of this $2 trillion in assets are effectively stranded abroad by peculiarities in the U.S. tax code. The United States has a worldwide tax system, in which US companies pay taxes twice on foreign earnings: once in the country where the income is earned and once when the income is brought back to the U.S. However, these foreign profits aren’t taxed until the U.S. company brings the profits home, which has the effect of encouraging companies to keep that money parked abroad when they might otherwise bring it home.Give companies the opportunity to bring these assets back home at a one-time lower tax rate, with the requirement that the returning funds be used to invest in the United States.A one-time lower tax rate combined with a lower annual corporate tax rate and a modernized territorial tax system has the potential to make a dynamic positive change in the American economy by bringing back jobs, investment, and innovation while supplying our country with a much-needed source of revenue.SimplificationSimplify the tax code_c89ef338-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 6 - TAXESTaxpayers75% SUPPORT -- The U.S. tax code is complicated and cumbersome.The number of words in the U.S. Tax Code has more than tripled since 1975. The average American spends 13 hours doing taxes annually.Simplify the tax code so that tax returns for at least 90% of taxpayers are limited to two pages.CollectionCollect What is Owed_c89ef432-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 7 - TAXESIRSTaxpayers74% SUPPORT -- The tax gap - the difference between taxes owed under the current code and those actually paid - has been growing for decades and is currently estimated to be around $400 billion.Confusion about our large and unwieldy tax code makes the IRS easier to evade -- both honestly and dishonestly. A complicated tax code makes payment and collection more difficult, allowing for a gap between taxes due and collected.The IRS is unable to adequately address the gap. We need a separate body to focus on recovering lost money, so the IRS can focus on its job of collecting taxes from 124 million households and six million companies. This process is necessary because misfiling has become massive: in 2001 (the last time the IRS calculated), about 15% of taxpayers didn't comply with the code.EnforcementIncrease enforcement of current tax laws to close the $400 billion annual gap between legally owed taxes and taxes paid._1a6e415a-9fa8-11e7-91a6-0c857dd3ea03IDEA 7-1Though we will never eliminate all errors in the tax system, any progress in reducing the size of the tax gap will bring in a portion of the $400 billion the IRS fails annually to collect.Special IGAppoint a "collections czar"_1a6e48c6-9fa8-11e7-91a6-0c857dd3ea03IDEA 7-2Appoint a special inspector general — essentially a “collections czar” — who will report to Congress quarterly on the collection of all monies owed to the federal government with the goal of reducing errors in payments, fraud, and securing all lawful tax and other payments.Lower & Middle Income FamiliesNo Net Tax Increase on Lower & Middle Income Families_c89ef522-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 8 - TAXESLower Income FamiliesMiddle Income Families84% SUPPORT -- For both individuals and businesses, the U.S. tax code is complicated, cumbersome, and uncompetitive.However the code is reformed, the overall annual tax burden should not increase for lower or middle income families.Balanced BudgetMove Toward a Balanced Budget_c89ef612-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 9 - TAXES69% SUPPORT -- If the money we spend as a nation consistently outpaces the money we bring in, the burden of our increasing debt -- including the interest we pay on it -- will crush us.At minimum, tax reform should be revenue neutral and ideally it would help reduce the federal deficit over time.Computer Science EducationUniversal Computer Science Education_c89ef70c-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 10 - EDUCATIONComputer Science StudentsMiddle SchoolsHigh Schools86% SUPPORT -- The U.S. isn't sufficiently preparing our students for the job opportunities of the present or the future.Only 35,000 college students majored in computer science in 2012, nearly half as many as in 2003. The computer science industry needs 150,000 new employees each year, creating a large gap between open positions and prepared workers. While our employers suffer, so do our workers. When American students enter the job market unqualified for modern job postings, they are forced to settle for positions that are under-stimulating, lower paying and that offer less mobility.Computer science knowledge goes beyond simply teaching students to code: it teaches them the skills necessary to solve unstructured problems and automate routine cognitive tasks. These are the kind of skills that are in high demand in the jobs of the 21st century. Despite the need for these skills, American students are not being encouraged or given the opportunity to learn these valuable skills.Make computer science courses available to every middle and high school student by 2020. Many local efforts and partnerships are underway to make this possible. But to bring computer education to every school, these bottom-up efforts will need support from the federal government.Technical EducationMore Targeted Investment for Technical Education in K-12_c89ef7fc-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 11 - EDUCATIONK-12 Schools84% SUPPORT -- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education is essential for students entering modern workforce. Over the past 10 years, growth in STEM jobs was three times as fast as growth in non-STEM jobs. Further, 16 of the 20 occupations with the largest projected growth in the next decade are STEM-based and the majority of those jobs do not require an advanced degree.But American STEM education does not meet global standards:* Only 44 percent of U.S. high school graduates are ready for college-level math.* Only 36 percent of U.S. high school graduates are prepared for college science.* 19 developed nations performed better than American students in science, and* 26 developed nations performed better than American students in math in 2012.The United States needs to make more targeted investments in STEM courses in primary and secondary school to interest and prepare students for careers in STEM fields. Improved math and science curricula, combined with newly incorporated computer programming, engineering and data analytics classes will better equip graduates for the workforce. The federal government can help by providing additional funding for STEM teacher training programs and creating STEM Innovation Networks by awarding grants to school districts in partnership with colleges to transform STEM education in K-12 schools.Digital Infrastructure21st Century Digital Infrastructure for Schools_c89ef8f6-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 12 - EDUCATION77% SUPPORT -- Many American classrooms do not have adequate digital infrastructure.Former U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has remarked that "most schools have about as much internet bandwidth as your house," further describing the problem as "educationally unsound and morally unacceptable." By his estimates, each classroom requires internet download speeds of 45 mbps, and each school needs 120 mbps. Unfortunately, the current average for schools is 15 mbps.The lack of quality digital infrastructure in U.S. schools is one of the reasons why our students are falling behind their international peers in all subject areas, including crucial STEM fields. Only 20% of U.S. classrooms include high-speed broadband internet access.The recent explosion of cloud infrastructure has opened up a world of possibilities for file storage and sharing, but utilizing cloud computing effectively requires fast internet speeds. If we want our students to take advantage of the educational opportunities the internet can offer, they need internet speeds that can accommodate it.Allocate more federal funding to ensure that all K-12 schools have the infrastructure to support 21st century learning (e.g. broadband access, technology-savvy teachers and adequate computers).Technical TrainingNew Technical Training Partnerships_c89ef9fa-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 13 - EDUCATION83% SUPPORT -- The U.S. isn't sufficiently preparing our students for the job opportunities of the present or the future.Technical Education & TrainingBring together businesses, high schools and community colleges to create 21st century programs of technical education and training that would allow students to earn both a high school and an associate's degree in computer science and other STEM subjects._1a6e4b1e-9fa8-11e7-91a6-0c857dd3ea03IDEA 13-1BusinessesHigh SchoolsCommunity CollegesTechnical EducationEstablish federal guidelines for technical education in K-12, college and advanced degrees for career and technical education, with a special focus on skills and expertise required for jobs in STEM fields._1a6e4cd6-9fa8-11e7-91a6-0c857dd3ea03IDEA 13-2K-12 SchoolsCollegesTechnical SchoolsAccessibilityProvide incentives such as federal grants and programs in coordination with state funding to ensure programs meeting these guidelines are accessible to students at various levels of education._1a6e500a-9fa8-11e7-91a6-0c857dd3ea03IDEA 13-3StatesCollege CompletionIncentives for College Completion_c89efafe-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 14 - EDUCATIONCollege Students78% SUPPORT -- A college education is incomplete for many students.The percentage of students who began seeking a bachelor’s degree at a 4-year institution in fall 2007 and completed that degree within six years was just 56%.College CompletionProvide new incentives for higher education institutions to focus on college completion as well as admission._1a6e524e-9fa8-11e7-91a6-0c857dd3ea03IDEA 14-1Higher Education InstitutionsStudent SupportRequire public institutions of higher learning, and especially community colleges, to provide comprehensive student support services, including program and course advising, mentoring, and remedial education assistance for degree or certificate programs._1a6e5406-9fa8-11e7-91a6-0c857dd3ea03IDEA 14-2Community CollegesCollege StudentsTuition WaiversProvide federal assistance through a block grant program to waive tuition for students enrolled in community colleges in these programs._1a6e573a-9fa8-11e7-91a6-0c857dd3ea03IDEA 14-3Community CollegesCommunity College StudentsCollege CoursesExpand Access to Online College Courses_c89efbf8-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 15 - EDUCATIONCollegesHigher Education Students79% SUPPORT -- The cost of college is an insurmountable barrier for many young Americans. High cost, lack of physical access and all-or-nothing credit recognition systems can make a college education unattainable.Seven in ten college graduates have student loans, owing an average of $35,000 at graduation. College education has gotten 80% more expensive in the last decade, increasing twice as quickly as the cost of medical care and at four times the rate for the cost of housing.The high cost of a college education, multiplied by the millions of people who take on debt to earn a diploma, contributes to a $1 trillion total outstanding student loan debt in the US -- enough money to buy every single sports team in the NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA and NASCAR.Online CoursesUse online courses to deliver a high-quality, fully accredited college education at far lower cost than traditional brick-and-mortar institutions._1a6e5a0a-9fa8-11e7-91a6-0c857dd3ea03IDEA 15-1Course StandardsPromote degree and certificate program course standards for digital learning to increase accreditation and transferability of credits._1a6e5be0-9fa8-11e7-91a6-0c857dd3ea03IDEA 15-2Rural & Disadvantaged PeopleImprove access and assistance to rural populations and disadvantaged groups._1a6e5fdc-9fa8-11e7-91a6-0c857dd3ea03IDEA 15-3Rural PeopleDisadvantaged PeopleSkills & NeedsMatch Worker Skills With Employer Needs_c89efd06-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 16 - EDUCATIONWorkersEmployersStudentsIndustry84% SUPPORT -- The U.S. isn't sufficiently preparing our students for the job opportunities of the present or the future.Increase incentives for high school and college partnerships with industry in order to better match worker skills with employer needs.Worker AccreditationNew Avenues for Worker Accreditation_c89effae-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 17 - EDUCATIONWorkers76% SUPPORT -- A college education is often unaffordable, inaccessible or incomplete for many students.The higher education system needs more avenues for certification beyond just an associate's or bachelor's degree.Create new types of accreditation beyond high school, college and graduate school degrees, to include accreditation (e.g. digital badges or micro-degrees) that recognizes the acquisition of specific skills such as computer coding or leadership training.Education CreditsMake Higher Education Credits Transferable_c89f00bc-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 18 - EDUCATIONSchools of Higher EducationState Education BoardsDepartment of Education83% SUPPORT -- It is too difficult for college students to transfer credits between schools.Establish standardized measures for course requirements to make it easier for students to transfer course credits between different schools. The Department of Education, in consultation and cooperation with state education boards and accreditation boards, can create standards of instruction for specific courses whose course credits would be fully transferable among schools of higher education.Student LoansLimit Student Loan Payments_c89f01ca-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 19 - EDUCATIONStudent Loan Recipients71% SUPPORT -- The cost of college tuition in the last decade has increased by 80%, a rate of growth that is twice as much as the cost of medical care and four times the cost of housing.The amount of money in outstanding student loan debt in the U.S. is $1 trillion.Limit student loan payments by tying a student’s payment responsibilities to their ability to pay based on their income. This could be achieved by creating a minimum payment for federally guaranteed student loans based upon the borrower's income and offsetting the reduced payments by increasing the interest rate or minimum repayment amount for borrowers who subsequently have high income.Public AssistanceCondition Public Assistance on Active Job Search_c89f02ce-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 20 - WORKFORCEWelfare Recipients82% SUPPORT -- Despite recent declines in the unemployment rate, our labor force participation rate is still too low. Receiving welfare or other forms of public assistance should be conditioned upon recipients actively looking for employment if they are able. Tightening welfare requirements could also help fix the "welfare cliff" that can discourage people from working or accepting better-paying jobs for fear of abruptly losing benefits.UnemploymentHelp the Chronically Unemployed_c89f03d2-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 22 - WORKFORCEChronically Unemployed82% SUPPORT -- America needs more people in the workforce. The longer someone is out of work, the harder it is to find a job. According to a Princeton study, only 11% of workers were able to find jobs after having been unemployed for 15 months or more. Require long-term unemployed persons to participate in a reemployment or vocational training program that provides the advising, skills and credentials necessary to become employed or reemployed.Child CareMake Child Care More Affordable_c89f04ea-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 23 - WORKFORCEParentsU.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesMothersFamiliesChildcare ProvidersStates79% SUPPORT -- America needs more people in the workforce. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that in order for child care to be affordable, it should account for no more than 10% of a family's budget. But in many states, costs are often 30% or more, which has the effect of keeping many women out of the workforce. Make child care more affordable for families by enhancing funding for early education programs such as Early Head Start and increasing funding to states to improve childcare quality.Government DataSpur Innovation by Opening up Government Data for Research_c89f05ee-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 24 - ENTREPRENEURSHIPGovernment AgenciesResearchersStartup Companies67% SUPPORT -- America's job creation engine is sputtering. Startup companies are responsible for nearly all new net job growth in the United States. But for the first time in modern history, more startups are dying than being born. Business startups have been declining steadily in the U.S. over the past 30 years. But the startup rate crossed a critical threshold in 2008, when the birth rate of new businesses dropped below the death rate for the first time since these metrics were first recorded. One of the most powerful drivers of technological innovation has been open source software, in which source code is made available to everyone to study, change and distribute however they please. Sharing more knowledge inevitably leads to more innovation. The federal government produces billions of dollars worth of data and basic research every year, much of which should be made available for private sector research and development purposes.Entrepreneurial Road MapRegulatory Road Map for Entrepreneurs_c89f06fc-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 25 - ENTREPRENEURSHIPEntrepreneursSmall BusinessesFederal RegulatorsState RegulatorsLocal Regulators81% SUPPORT -- America's job creation engine is sputtering. Small businesses are hit particularly hard by regulatory compliance, with regulations costing them over $10,000 per employee; 36% higher than the cost to larger businesses. The federal government should develop a regulatory "road map" website that enables entrepreneurs to view all of the federal, state and local regulations that may affect their business.Community ReinvestmentExpand Entrepreneurship by Enhancing the Community Reinvestment Act_c89f0828-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 26 - ENTREPRENEURSHIPCommunitiesEntrepreneursMinority-Owned BusinessesLow-Income NeighborhoodsModerate-Income NeighborhoodsStartup Businesses72% SUPPORT -- America's job creation engine is sputtering. Minority-owned businesses have a tougher time getting access to credit and often pay higher interest rates. For example, loan denial rates for minority firms are about three times higher compared to those of non-minority-owned firms. Enhance the Community Reinvestment Act -- which provides incentives for banks to meet the credit needs of people in low and moderate-income neighborhoods -- to allow more funding to be funneled to startup businesses.Infrastructure ApprovalsStreamline Infrastructure Approvals_c89f094a-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 27 - INFRASTRUCTURE75% SUPPORT -- America's roads, bridges, and public transportation systems are in increasingly poor condition. On average, highway projects take eight years to get regulatory approval. To accelerate the construction of important infrastructure, the federal government should designate officials to streamline the regulatory process for infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and highways.Infrastructure BankCreate a new institution that relies on public-private partnerships to design, build, finance, operate and maintain public infrastructure._c89f0a6c-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 28 - INFRASTRUCTURE62% SUPPORT -- America's roads, bridges, public transportation systems and electric and broadband infrastructure are in increasingly poor condition. Create a new institution (e.g. an infrastructure bank) that relies on public-private partnerships to design, build, finance, operate and maintain public infrastructure. The idea is to take a comparatively small amount of public funding and leverage it to attract significantly more private sector funding. The infrastructure bank would be federally funded and controlled and led by a bipartisan group of experts who would select locally proposed construction projects. The selection would be based on a broad range of criteria including necessity, costs and benefits and funding would be provided through loans and loan guarantees. The repayment of the loans would take place through the collection of taxes, tolls and other dedicated revenue streams and could be undertaken through an array of partners, public and private, for each eligible project.Highway User FeeHighway User Fee Divided by 3_c89f0bd4-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 29 - INFRASTRUCTUREHighway Users63% SUPPORT -- America's infrastructure is in increasingly poor condition. The Federal Highway Trust Fund -- which is funded by gas and diesel taxes and provides three fourths of all federal spending on highways and mass transit -- has an annual funding deficit of $13 billion in 2016 and $20 billion by 2025. Increase the federal gas tax with all the revenues split in three equal proportions to: 1) reduce personal income taxes, 2) reduce the federal deficit and 3) provide additional funding for the Highway Trust Fund.Personal Income Taxesreduce personal income taxes_c89f0d1e-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 29-1Federal Deficitreduce the federal deficit_c89f0e22-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 29-2Highway Trust Fundprovide additional funding for the Highway Trust Fund_c89f0f6c-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 29-3RegulationNew Regulation In, Old Regulation Out_c89f1098-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 30 - REGULATORYU.S. Federal DepartmentsU.S. Federal Agencies70% SUPPORT -- The U.S. regulatory system is increasingly complex and incomprehensible and the costs are adding up. Whenever departments and agencies propose new regulations, require them to propose eliminating an existing regulation with comparable cost impact.SunsettingSunset All Regulations_c89f11ce-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 31 - REGULATORYCongress68% SUPPORT -- Most Americans agree we need common sense rules and regulations to protect citizens, preserve our environment and protect public safety. But the U.S. regulatory system is increasingly complex and incomprehensible and the costs are adding up. The U.S. regulatory system does not automatically expire regulations. Unnecessary rules complicate an already complex code. To prevent the accumulation of regulations that are unnecessary, counterproductive or too costly, require all regulations to sunset after 15 years, unless Congress explicitly acts to keep a particular regulation on the books.GatekeepingRequire Judges to Act as Gatekeepers_c89f1318-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 32 - REGULATORYJudgesCommon GoodPhil Howard 81% SUPPORT -- Most Americans agree we need common sense rules and regulations to protect citizens, preserve our environment and protect public safety. But the U.S. regulatory system is increasingly complex and incomprehensible and the costs are adding up. Phil Howard, founder of the reform group Common Good reports: Generations of lawmakers and regulators have written so much law, in such detail, that officials are barred from acting sensibly. In order to restore fairness and reliability to the American justice system, give judges more responsibility to dismiss unreasonable lawsuit claims.RepublicanismReview programs that might be more efficiently and effectively handled by state or local government_c89f1458-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 33 - REGULATORYState GovernmentsLocal Governments81% SUPPORT -- Most Americans agree we need common sense rules and regulations to protect citizens, preserve our environment and protect public safety. But the U.S. regulatory system is increasingly complex and incomprehensible and the costs are adding up. The next president should undertake a comprehensive review of all major federal programs that would be more efficiently and effectively handled by state or local government. Review & ReductionReview Existing Regulations and Reduce Them by 25%_c89f158e-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 34 - REGULATORY72% SUPPORT -- Most Americans agree we need common sense rules and regulations to protect citizens, preserve our environment and promote public safety. But increasing complexity of the U.S. regulatory system is an economic burden. Set up a bipartisan commission to review existing federal regulations with the goal of reducing them by 25%. Deliver findings within the first year of the next president's term.Illegal ImmigrantsPermanent Legal Status for Illegal Immigrants_c89f16ec-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 35 - IMMIGRATIONIllegal ImmigrantsUndocumented Immigrants73% SUPPORT -- America's immigration system is broken: There are 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. But legal immigration is essential for the current and future prosperity of the United States. Promote a path to earned legal status for illegal immigrants in the United States who meet strict conditions such as learning English, paying back taxes and passing rigorous background checks.Expired VisasMandatory Tracking of Expired Visas_c89f1836-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 36 - IMMIGRATIONForeign VisitorsUndocumented Immigrants82% SUPPORT -- America's immigration system is broken, but legal immigration is essential for the current and future prosperity of the United States. Forty percent of undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S. have overstayed their legally-issued visas. Establish a mandatory tracking policy that uses technology to monitor expired visas.High-Skilled ImmigrantsExpand H1-B Visas for High-Skilled Workers_c89f1976-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 37 - IMMIGRATIONHigh-Skilled ImmigrantsSTEM WorkersEmployers52% SUPPORT -- America's immigration system is broken, but legal immigration is essential for the current and future prosperity of the United States. According to a recent Manpower survey, 32% of employers report that they are having difficulty filling job vacancies, particularly in STEM occupations. Expand the H1-B visa system for high-skilled foreign workers in the U.S. and allow these workers to move freely from one employer to the next.Guest WorkersExpand Guest Worker Visa Program_c89f1ade-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 38 - IMMIGRATIONGuest WorkersMexican ImmigrantsU.S. Farms63% SUPPORT -- America's immigration system is broken, but legal immigration is essential for the current and future prosperity of the United States. Many U.S. farms have been reporting labor shortages as the number of incoming immigrants decreases. For example, according to Pew Research, the number of Mexican immigrants coming to the U.S. has recently fallen below the number headed back to their own country. Expand seasonal or annual guest worker visa programs for lower-skilled foreign workers in sectors such as agriculture.Secure Social Security & MedicareSecure Social Security & Medicare for the next 75 years_c89f1c32-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea032Social Security and Medicare are true lifelines for tens of millions of Americans across the country. But these lifelines are fraying. Social Security and Medicare are not sustainable on their current trajectories due to the retirement of the enormous Baby Boom generation, falling birth rates, and rising healthcare spending. There are no easy answers to this challenge. We must, on the one hand, provide the benefits that our seniors have earned and depend on for a growing share of their medical and living expenses. On the other hand, there is no realistic way to reduce America’s debt without reforming the way we currently fund and provide benefits through Medicare and Social Security.But securing Social Security and Medicare is not impossible. There are a number of relatively modest and gradual changes to how benefits are paid and how these programs are funded that can keep Social Security and Medicare secure for another 75 years. One way or another, Washington needs to find a solution for the sake of this generation and the nextSocial Security RevenueIncrease Revenues Coming into Social Security_c89f1d7c-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 39 - SOCIAL SECURITY63% SUPPORT -- Social Security and Medicare are true lifelines for tens of millions of Americans across the country. But these lifelines are fraying. Social Security and Medicare are not sustainable on their current trajectories due to the retirement of the enormous Baby Boom generation, falling birth rates and rising health care spending. No Labels offered respondents a choice of four different reform package, each of which met the standard of securing the program for the next 75 years. The following package received broad support from policymakers and the public.Earnings LimitRaise the annual limit on earnings subject to the payroll tax_c89f1eee-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 39-1Raise the annual limit on earnings subject to the payroll tax from $118,500 to $240,000. At this level, the payroll tax would once again cover 90% of the wage base, which was the amount subjected to the payroll tax under the Social Security reform signed by President Reagan in 1983.Payroll TaxIncrease the payroll tax rate_c89f2056-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 39-2EmployersEmployeesIncrease the payroll tax rate, with employers and employees each paying an additional 1% of salariesBenefits GrowthSlow the growth of future benefits_c89f21aa-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 39-3Social Security RecipientsSlow the growth of future benefits for the top 20% of beneficiariesDisability SystemReform the Social Security disability system_c89f2330-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03-4Disabled PeopleSocial Security AdministrationReform the Social Security disability system by tightening eligibility requirements and reducing fraud. A recent study by the Social Security Administration revealed that disability program beneficiaries were overpaid by $17 billion over the last 10 years.Chronic Disease TreatmentMore Funding for Chronic Disease Treatment_c89f2600-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 40 - MEDICARENational Institutes of HealthAmerican Journal of Preventive MedicineDepartment of Health and Human ServicesLife Science Companies78% SUPPORT -- The most common chronic diseases (Alzheimer's, heart disease, etc.) have been estimated to cost the economy more than $1 trillion annually -- with the possibility of reaching $6 trillion by the middle of the century. Unfortunately, chronic disease research is "severely underfunded," according to a recent study of National Institutes of Health data published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Increase the portion of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) research budget focused on chronic disease conditions to a level similar to that of life science companies (16% on average).Drug NegotiationsAllow Medicare to Negotiate with Drug Companies_c89f277c-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 41 - MEDICAREDrug CompaniesMedicare BeneficiariesMedicaidDepartment of Veteran's AffairsCongressPublic Citizen82% SUPPORT -- Prescription drug costs under Medicare Part D are not subject to price negotiations as under Medicaid and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. As a consequence, drug costs are often 20 to 30% higher under Medicare. The Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund will be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2030, limiting heath care access for its 55 million beneficiaries. We must find ways to secure the program. Congress should pass a law allowing Medicare to negotiate the price it pays for medicines (i.e. competitive bidding). According to the advocacy group Public Citizen, the government could save $16 billion per year if Medicare Part D drug prices were negotiated. Pay for PerformancePay for Quality, Not Quantity_c89f290c-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 42 - MEDICAREMedicare ProvidersElderly Patients63% SUPPORT -- Medicare providers charge by quantity of treatments, not quality of treatment. This system does not always supply the highest-quality care or most cost-effective treatments. There are various existing pilot programs for establishing Accountable Care Organization and bundled payments for Medicare and Medicaid in which providers are paid for the quality instead of the quantity of care. Preliminary research from HHS indicates these programs generated approximately $300 per participating beneficiary per year while still maintaining quality care. Another Medicare pilot program -- called Independence at Home -- offered incentives for providers to visit elderly patients at home and saved more than $3,000 per beneficiary. Although these programs are in their initial stages, they can serve as models for widespread expansion in the years ahead.Nurse PractitionersAllow Nurse Practitioners to do More_c89f2a74-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 43 - MEDICARENurse PractitionersAssociation of American Medical CollegesPatients69% SUPPORT -- According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), there will be a shortage of 45,000 primary care doctors in the United States by 2020, which could seriously threaten patients' access to medical care. To both increase access to medical care and reduce costs, the federal government should use payment incentives or suggest best practices to accelerate the trend of nurse practitioners and other mid-level healthcare workers providing a wider scope of medical services, such as writing prescriptions.TrainingMore Training for Mid-Level Health Pros_c89f2bf0-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 44 - MEDICAREMid-Level Health ProfessionalsHealth-Care WorkersNurse PractitionersDiagnostic TechniciansOccupational TherapistsPhysical Therapists70% SUPPORT -- There is a lack of funding and training for mid-level health professionals. Increase funding for scholarships, loans and other education and training incentives for mid-level and other health-care workers, such as nurse practitioners, diagnostic technicians and occupational and physical therapists.TelemedicineMore Telemedicine_c89f2d94-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 45 - MEDICAREHealth Resources and Services AdministrationPrimary Care DoctorsAmericans in Rural Areas65% SUPPORT -- The Health Resources and Services Administration reports that nearly 20% of Americans live in areas with an insufficient number of primary care doctors. The problem is particularly acute for patients in rural areas. One way to fix this problem is to expand the usage of telemedicine, where doctors can diagnose and treat patients remotely using web videos and other telecommunications technology. This can be achieved by creating national standards for service, data transmission and payment of telemedicine services and expanding coverage and payment by Medicare and private payers for telemedicine services.National StandardsCreate national standards for service, data transmission and payment of telemedicine services_c89f2f06-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 45-1Coverage & PaymentExpand coverage and payment by Medicare and private payers for telemedicine services._c89f3082-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 45-2Defensive MedicineReduce Defensive Medicine_c89f3258-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 46 - MEDICARE74% SUPPORT -- According to Gallup, one in four health care dollars can be attributed to the cost of defensive medicine — which refers to the practice of a doctor ordering unnecessary tests or treatment as protection from future legal action. The Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund will be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2030; and the Social Security Trust Fund will be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2033. Institute reforms to reduce defensive medicine, with policy options including placing caps on non-economic and punitive damages; establishing risk-sharing between parties responsible for injury in place of the normal practice of joint and several liability; and imposing limits on contingency fees charged by lawyers.Damage CapsPlace caps on non-economic and punitive damages_c89f33de-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 46-1Risk-SharingEstablish risk-sharing between parties responsible for injury in place of the normal practice of joint and several liability_c89f3564-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 46-2Contingency FeesImpose limits on contingency fees charged by lawyers._c89f371c-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 46-3LawyersInterstate InsuranceAllow Health Insurance Purchases Across State Lines_c89f38a2-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 47 - MEDICARE77% SUPPORT -- Currently, consumers can buy policies only from insurers licensed by the states where they live and state insurance markets are sometimes dominated by only one or two insurers. Allow citizens to buy health insurance plans across state lines. By increasing customer choice, this step could increase competition and decrease insurance and overall health care costs.Balanced BudgetBalance the federal budget by 2030_c89f3a28-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea033If the money we spend as a nation consistently outpaces the money we bring in, the burden of our increasing debt -- including the interest we pay on it -- will crush us. Unfortunately, that's where we're headed. America's federal debt is big and projected to get much bigger for a number of reasons, including an aging, longer-living population, rising long-term healthcare costs and a weak recovery from the Great Recession. America’s debt-to-GDP ratio is around 74%. That’s higher than at any time in U.S. history, except for a short period after World War II, and more than double what it was in 2007. The budget trajectory we're on is unsustainable and we ignore this warning at our peril. That's why America’s leaders need to commit to balancing the federal budget by 2030.Fiscal ResponsibilityFiscal Responsibility Act_c89f3bea-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 48 - BUDGETCongress80% SUPPORT -- Federal debt held by the public will exceed 100% of the GDP by 2039. Prohibit Congress from passing budgets that would increase the national debt as a share of the overall economy, except in cases of war, disaster or recession.Two-Year BudgetsTwo-Year Budgets_c89f3d7a-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 49 - BUDGETCongress56% SUPPORT -- The current budget and spending process in Congress is completely broken, as budget and spending bill deadlines are routinely missed. Implement a biennial budget process, allowing Congress to spend one year on appropriations and freeing up additional time for oversight activities.Congressional PayNo Budget, No Pay_c89f3f0a-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 50 - BUDGETMembers of Congress81% SUPPORT -- Federal debt held by the public will exceed 100% of GDP by 2039. And legislators are not being held responsible for failing to pass a budget. If the congressional appropriations (spending) process is not completed by the start of a new federal fiscal year, congressional pay ceases as of October 1, and isn’t restored until appropriations are completed.Bulk PurchasingBuy in Bulk_c89f40d6-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 51 - BUDGET82% SUPPORT -- Federal debt held by the public will exceed 100% of the GDP by 2039. Require that the federal government buy its goods and services in bulk at lower costs rather than agencies buying goods and services separately. Recent legislation introduced in Congress, the Buy Smarter and Save Act (S. 1304), estimated savings of almost $10 billion in the first two years and $7.5 billion in the following three.Capital PlanningCapital Budget to Plan for Long Term_c89f4270-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 52 - BUDGET70% SUPPORT -- Federal debt held by the public will exceed 100% of GDP by 2039. The federal government has a problem not only with how much money it spends but how the money is spent. Unlike most businesses and many state governments, the federal government essentially treats all spending the same, despite the fact that some kinds of spending (e.g. infrastructure) deliver significant economic return and should therefore be accounted for differently. The federal government budget should be separated into two parts: a capital budget for long-term investments such as research and infrastructure and an operating budget for annual expenses.Asset SalesSell Underused Government Assets Such as Real Estate_c89f4400-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 53 - BUDGET70% SUPPORT -- Federal debt held by the public will exceed 100% of GDP by 2039. According to the Office of Management and Budget, the federal government owns 1.2 million buildings, structures and land parcels including 14,000 buildings and structures currently designated as excess and 55,000 identified as under- and not-utilized. Eliminate regulations that limit the sale of valuable but underused federal government assets and buildings, which could create new renovation and construction jobs.EnergyMake America energy secure by 2024_c89f45d6-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea034For decades, America's political leaders have stressed the need for our country to achieve energy independence. But in our global economy, energy independence is at best a partial solution to the twin energy challenges we face: The world needs a lot more energy in the future; and That energy needs to be increasingly clean to mitigate the effects of climate change. That's why what America really needs isn’t energy independence. It's energy security. When a nation is truly energy-secure, its economy has the flexibility and diversity of fuel supplies to withstand the unexpected but inevitable surprises, be it a shift in energy prices or supply, an environmental crisis or an outbreak of war. To achieve energy security by 2024, America must strive for more energy supply from domestic sources; more efficient use of energy; more modern, reliable and resilient electrical generation and transmission; and a more sustainable (less polluting) energy fuel mix.Clean FuelsUse Government Purchasing to Transition to Cleaner Fuels_c89f477a-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 54 - ENERGYGovernment Agencies73% SUPPORT -- The U.S. is too dependent on foreign oil. Since the 1970s OPEC embargo, American leaders have understood that the U.S. is far too vulnerable to supply disruptions and price spikes in international oil markets. But there has been a lot more talk than action. We need U.S. leaders to commit to reducing American reliance on oil, particularly in our transportation sector. Government agencies that are large buyers of vehicles -- such as the Department of Defense and the U.S. Postal Service -- should prioritize the purchase of vehicles that run on natural gas electricity.Fuel EfficiencyRaise Fuel Efficiency Standards_c89f491e-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 55 - ENERGY65% SUPPORT -- Although current U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards call for vehicles to get an average of 54.5 miles per gallon by the year 2025, our target still lags behind targets set by China, Japan and the European Union. The U.S. should continue to raise fuel standards for cars and trucks in order to diminish U.S. dependence on foreign oil.User FeesUser Fee Divided by 3_c89f4b08-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 56 - ENERGY63% SUPPORT -- The U.S. is too dependent on foreign oil. Increase the federal gas tax with all the revenues split in three equal proportions to: 1) reduce personal income taxes, 2) reduce the federal deficit and 3) provide additional funding for the Highway Trust Fund. This idea is included in the infrastructure section, but an increase in the gas tax would also enhance energy security by increasing the cost of oil-based fuels, which would accelerate the transition to other transportation fuels.Personal Income Taxesreduce personal income taxes_c89f4de2-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 56-1Federal Deficitreduce the federal deficit_c89f4f86-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 56-2Highway Trust Fundprovide additional funding for the Highway Trust Fund._c89f517a-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 56-3Energy EfficiencyUse Government Purchasing to Encourage Efficiency_c89f5328-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 57 - ENERGY75% SUPPORT -- America's fleet of nuclear, coal and natural gas power plants are aging rapidly. Efficiency is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy use and decrease the need for new power generation capacity. Use the government's purchasing power -- which can shape entire markets -- to promote energy efficiency while protecting the environment. This could be achieved by extending the current 2020 Strategic Sustainability Performance Plans that each federal department and most agencies follow annually, through 2030 with revised greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption goals.SustainabilityFacilitate Transition to More Sustainable, Less Polluting Power_c89f54e0-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 58 - ENERGY80% SUPPORT -- America's fleet of nuclear, coal and natural gas power plants are aging rapidly. Change incentives in the energy marketplace to encourage utilities to invest in more sustainable power generation such as nuclear, natural gas, renewables and efficiency. This could include federal incentives to encourage capacity markets instead of competitive markets, which create better price signals for investments in cleaner fuels.Trust FundCreate an Energy and Environmental Security Trust Fund_c89f56d4-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 59 - ENERGY72% SUPPORT -- Much of America's electrical grid infrastructure is antiquated, aging and increasingly vulnerable to cyberattack. The federal government needs a designated fund to facilitate investment in energy security. Use royalties from oil and gas drilling on public lands to fund an Energy and Environmental Security Trust fund that invests in basic research to improve energy security (e.g. new nuclear reactor designs, power storage, advanced electrical grid technology, etc.). Royalties to the federal government from oil and gas leases on federal lands will total approximately $115 billion over the 2016-2025 budget window and some or all of these funds could be placed in the Trust Fund. Grid ModernizationGrid Modernization Initiative_c89f588c-9f48-11e7-a639-7a767cd3ea03IDEA 60 - ENERGY83% SUPPORT -- Much of America's electrical grid infrastructure is antiquated, aging and increasingly vulnerable to cyberattack. According to insurer Lloyd's of London, the economic cost of a severe, yet plausible cyber attack against the Northeast U.S. power grid would be $243 billion. In order to protect the U.S. electric grid from cyber attack and ensure a smart electric grid is deployed across the U.S., develop robust requirements and incentives to enable utilities to meet stringent standards in cybersecurity and digital technologies. The Department of Energy (DOE) should begin a Grid Modernization Initiative that would create new tools, technologies and standards for system control and power flow; grid security and resilience efforts; and risk management processes. These initiatives would be implemented with state agency assistance and DOE would provide financial assistance to states to integrate grid security solutions.2016-12-312017-09-22https://www.nolabels.org/four-goals/OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net