Workers Left in the Cold
The numbers don’t lie, and they’re grim. Hiring in the United States has slumped to its slowest pace in two years, with just 125,000 jobs added in May, a sharp drop from 177,000 in April. Delaware Governor Matt Meyer didn’t mince words, linking this slowdown to President Trump’s economic policies. For working families, this isn’t just a headline; it’s a crisis that threatens their ability to pay bills and plan for the future.
What’s driving this decline? Look no further than Trump’s tariff strategy. Duties as high as 145 percent on Chinese goods and 25 percent on Canadian and Mexican imports have rattled businesses, forcing them to scale back hiring. Supply chains are strained, costs are rising, and workers are paying the price. This economic turbulence didn’t come out of nowhere; it’s the result of choices that prioritize corporate profits over people.
The Fallout of Misguided Priorities
The economy is flashing warning signs. Real GDP shrank by 0.3 percent in the first quarter of 2025, and consumer spending barely grew at 1.8 percent. Long-term unemployment has hit its highest mark since late 2021, with 1.9 million Americans exhausting their benefits. Families are struggling to afford basics like childcare and groceries, yet the administration’s policies continue to favor tax cuts for corporations over support for workers.
Supporters of Trump’s approach argue that permanent tax cuts and deregulation will spark job growth. They tout measures like expanded deductions and relaxed workplace rules as the key to prosperity. History, however, paints a different picture. Since World War II, Democratic administrations have driven stronger job creation, averaging 164,000 jobs per month compared to 61,000 under Republicans. Deregulation may boost stock prices, but it leaves workers exposed to instability.
Building an Economy for Families
There’s a better way, and it begins with investing in working families. Proposals to expand the Child Tax Credit by $500 per child and make it fully refundable are gaining traction. These measures reduce poverty and encourage workforce participation, particularly among women. Why hesitate to embrace policies with proven results? Delaware’s focus on family-supporting initiatives shows how to prioritize people over corporate interests.
Beyond tax credits, universal paid family leave and stronger overtime protections are critical. When workers can take time to care for a sick child or recover from surgery without fear of losing their job, they contribute more to the economy. Research confirms that these supports drive productivity and stability. Lawmakers can fund these programs by closing tax loopholes, as outlined in the Bipartisan Policy Center’s framework and the House’s H.R. 1 package.
Opponents claim these initiatives are too costly, advocating instead for deregulation and tax breaks for the wealthy. This argument ignores the long-term benefits of family-focused policies. From the New Deal’s job programs to the Great Society’s poverty reductions, history shows that investing in workers strengthens the nation. We can’t afford to repeat the mistakes of prioritizing short-term corporate gains over lasting economic health.
A Call to Act Now
The economy is at a tipping point. Forecasters predict a “growth recession” by year’s end, with unemployment potentially exceeding 4.5 percent and GDP growth lagging below 2 percent. Families can’t wait for half-measures or empty promises. Governor Meyer’s urgent call to support workers offers a clear path forward, grounded in evidence and compassion.
Expanding tax credits, securing paid leave, and improving childcare access are not just moral imperatives; they’re economic necessities. These policies, rooted in decades of successful programs like Social Security and Medicaid, empower workers and fuel growth. Will we rise to the challenge and build an economy that values every family’s contribution?
The choice is ours. Demand leaders who fight for workers, not corporations. An economy that lifts everyone starts with policies that put families first. Let’s seize this moment to create a future where no worker is left behind.