WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris announced on Friday her initial plans to combat inflation and boost the economy as part of her broader strategy if she is elected in November.

The 2024 Democratic presidential candidate indicated that more elaborate proposals aimed at raising wages, supporting small businesses, and reducing poverty are forthcoming.

“In the upcoming weeks, I will share more details about my vision for an opportunity economy,” Harris stated during an event in crucial North Carolina.

Her policy announcements were designed to address issues relevant to middle-class Americans, highlighting initiatives such as a federal prohibition on price gouging related to food and grocery items, as well as tax breaks for new parents and low-income workers.

She noted the rising costs of essentials such as food, rent, gas, school supplies, and prescriptions.

“Today, I want to address one key concern that is weighing heavily on many Americans as they manage their household expenses, and that is managing the cost of living,” Harris remarked during her speech in Raleigh.

Here are three main points from her remarks:

Housing is a top priority for Harris

Harris committed to resolving the United States’ housing crisis, aiming to construct three million new affordable homes and rentals within her first term.

“And we will ensure these homes benefit working and middle-class families, not merely investors,” she stated.

Additionally, she vowed to address inflated rental prices by advocating for regulations against price-fixing software.

Among her specific proposals, Harris pledged to provide up to $25,000 to first-time homebuyers to assist with down payments.

Focus on middle-class issues

Harris shared that her mother, Shyamala, was a renter for most of her childhood and invested over a decade’s savings to buy her first home.

“I grew up in a middle-class environment,” Harris highlighted on Friday.

This was one of several personal stories Harris shared to demonstrate her understanding of voters’ needs.

She recounted working at McDonald’s during her college years, not just for pocket money, but also witnessing the struggles of coworkers balancing family responsibilities and multiple jobs.

Harris counters Trump’s criticism

Donald Trump’s campaign has criticized Harris’ price control proposals as “socialist” and accused her of authoritarian tendencies for suggesting penalties for businesses that violate regulations.

At her event, Harris responded sharply, arguing that Trump’s proposed tariffs act like a “national sales tax” on essential imported goods.

She asserted that his plan could cost an average family $3,900 annually, a figure from a report by the liberal Center for American Progress released earlier this week.

“At a time when prices are already too high, he’s trying to raise them even further,” she asserted.

Trump had previously criticized Harris in a North Carolina speech and a press conference that served as a preemptive response to her economic proposals.

However, Harris aimed to reverse the narrative, stating, “He has no concrete proposals to alleviate costs for middle-class families, and no plan to enhance housing or healthcare access.”

“That, I believe, was not a surprise for most of us,” Harris concluded.