Candidates' economic plans could have acute impacts on LI

Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have significant differences in their economic plans for the country, and the effects of those plans could be acutely felt on Long Island. Trump says he wants to cut

News 12 Staff

Sep 26, 2016, 1:00 PM

Updated 3,008 days ago

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Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have significant differences in their economic plans for the country, and the effects of those plans could be acutely felt on Long Island.
Trump says he wants to cut taxes across the board, especially on the wealthy. He has also called for states to set their own minimum wage, and he wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform legislation known as "Obamacare."
Clinton, meanwhile, wants to raise the minimum wage, maintain the current tax code, expand Obamacare and increase taxes on the wealthy. "We are not interested in economic plans that only help the top 1 percent," she said at a recent rally.
Long Island Association President Kevin Law says he's not taking sides, but he worries about possible impacts that Clinton's tax plan could have on Long Island families.
"Having a six-figure household income might make you wealthy in other parts of the country, but on Long Island, it barely makes you middle class," Law says.
But mega-builder Jack Kulka, of the Hauppauge Industrial Association, points to the economic success of former President Bill Clinton. "If she followed her husband's lead, we could have an excellent economy," he says.
Long Island business owners are also carefully considering the candidates' stances on health care reform.
The owner of Antoni Ravioli in North Massapequa says health care costs for his employees continue to rise. He blames Obamacare for the hike in costs, and is worried about Clinton's plan to expand health care access if elected president.
The candidates are expected to elaborate on their plans for the economy and for health care in the presidential debates.