Welcome to the June MidPoint newsletter. Halfway through the year, homebuyers are hopeful that interest rates will fall and thaw out the housing market. Even if rates fall, it will take aggressive policy changes to increase the housing supply and address the affordability crisis as we discussed in IWF’s latest policy primer.
We also weigh in on the DOJ’s case against Apple, the FTC’s case against Amazon, and Uber’s case against California. Plus, we look at whether taxes remain the same if President Biden stays in office or if President Trump wins re-election.
Keep reading for the latest economic, labor, and tech analysis from the Independent Women’s Forum’s Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO).
Patrice Onwuka
Director, Center for Economic Opportunity
America is in the midst of a housing crisis. The U.S. must expand the supply of housing to measurably reduce housing costs. This can be done by ramping up new construction or expanding residential units in existing structures.
New construction is on the upswing, but it should be complemented by reforms to encourage the development of smaller living units on single-family plots of land. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) such as English basements, in-law suites, or converted garages can make excellent dwelling spaces for individual renters or family members.
ADUs can generate needed primary or supplemental income for property owners while increasing their home values. Renters gain access to affordable units that are often less expensive than traditional one-bedroom apartments. ADUs allow older women to age in their homes, build financial security in their later years, or be cared for by loved ones.
State and local regulations prohibit or limit many enterprising people from building ADUs on their property. Policymakers should work with stakeholders on bipartisan regulatory reforms to unlock the potential of ADUs.
“As the Department of Justice moves ahead with its lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the company is violating antitrust laws by keeping Americans locked into purchasing iPhones and other Apple products, a peculiarity sticks out. Even though the State of New Jersey is a co-plaintiff, why was the suit filed in the Garden State and not in either California or D.C., Apple’s and the DOJ’s respective home turfs?”
ICYMI: IWF Responds to June Inflation Report: “Americans aren’t moved by a 0.1% decrease in the inflation rate; they care more that prices are up over 20% over the past three years.”
ICYMI: IWF Responds to Jobs Report for May: “Gone are the Great Resignation days when women jumped from job to job stacking up pay increases along the way.”
