Elections won't solve America's problems - what happens next?

[New Sancai Compilation First Edition] All eyes are on the 2024 election, with headlines and experts sharing their predictions and insights. Yet no one seems to be asking the simplest of questions: What happens next in America after Inauguration Day?

Of course, the first 100 days will be a topic of conversation no matter who is president, but what about the next four years? The next decade? Our nation's heightened focus on election results and the narrowing of our attention spans have diverted us from the path of forward-looking, effective policymaking.

While politicians and talk show hosts focus on misguided speeches and salacious personal attacks, average Americans wonder when our attention will turn to the real issues — the ones that affect us every day, like cost of living, health care , immigration and economic opportunity.

Record-high inflation is weighing heavily on households and businesses, with prices for essentials such as groceries, gas and housing remaining high. The increase in the cost of living poses a direct threat to the quality of life of millions of Americans.

When the next government addresses the cost of living, energy prices should be top of mind. For example, we saw how closing the Keystone Pipeline caused oil prices to rise, which rippled through the economy.

It's important to remember that less than 50% of petroleum is converted into automobile gasoline. For energy-dependent industries such as transportation, agriculture, hotels, construction and manufacturing, unbalanced energy policies mean job losses and economic instability.

Likewise, total health care costs continue to rise, with prescription drug prices alone rising 15% annually. Small businesses, in particular, pay an average of more than $6,000 per employee per year in health benefits. Not only does this increase operating costs, it also hinders the ability of small businesses to hire and retain employees competitively.

As health care costs continue to rise, Congress has simultaneously removed critical drugs from Medicare coverage, exacerbating access issues for tens of millions of Americans. We must protect American families and businesses by addressing rising health care costs and ensuring access to life-saving medicines.

No matter who wins the White House, our immigration system should be another priority. The need for immigration reform has never been greater. Over the past four years, more than 10 million people have entered the United States illegally, and the current backlog of immigration cases has reached 4 million.

This situation creates serious security concerns, which are exacerbated by rising fentanyl seizures and the growing influence of cartels in border communities. That being said, immigrants make up 70% of agricultural workers, 50% of construction workers, 30% of hospitality workers, and a large portion of other critical industries such as manufacturing, transportation, STEM, healthcare, and artificial intelligence.

In fact, it is estimated that immigration will add $7 trillion to our GDP and $1 trillion in tax revenue over the next decade. We therefore need a balanced approach that recognizes the value of immigrants to our economy while addressing legitimate concerns about border security.

By working to repair broken supply chains, address inflation, stabilize energy prices, lower health care and prescription drug costs, support small businesses, and create a sustainable immigration system, high prices and the cost of living will come down. In turn, Americans will need less money to meet basic needs, leaving more room to start a business, raise a family, or buy a home.

Our country is sprinting toward the finish line on November 5th. No matter who wins in November, we must not forget our American families and the issues that burden them. The divisions between parties and people are clear, but we have a responsibility to focus on solving real and tangible problems, not just political wins and losses.

(The author: Javier Palomarez is President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC).
(Compiled by: Wang Jimin)
(Editor: Jiang Qiming)
(Source of the article: Compiled and published by New Sancai)