The presidential election is 12 days away and those who have not already voted are trying to make decisions based on the views and plans of the two presidential candidates. Joe Biden and Donald Trump prioritize different issues and they seem to have very specific, but differing plans for the future of America.

On his website, candidate Joe Biden says, “We aren’t just going to rebuild what has worked in the past. This is our opportunity to build back better than ever.” One of the ways he plans to reconstruct the country is through tax policies. As president, Biden says he will require corporations, as well as the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share. He will not require any person making under $400,000 per year to pay any more in taxes, and promises to enact middle class tax cuts to provide support for working families.

A first step in Biden’s economic recovery plan is providing states, tribal, and local governments with fiscal relief so they can keep workers employed and vital public services running. 

He also pledges to help families have better access to childcare by expanding access to long-term services and supports in local settings, ensuring access to high-quality, affordable childcare, offering universal preschool education, and building safe, energy efficient child care facilities.

Additionally, according to his campaign website, Biden vows to. “expand access to dignified care for older Americans and those with disabilities.” He will do this by easing the financial burden on families caring for aging or disabled relatives.

Another main point Biden brings to his campaign is his plan to “build back better by advancing racial equity across the American Economy.” According to his website, “He plans to do this by “remov[ing] barriers to participation in our economy, expand[ing] access to opportunity, and fully enforc[ing] the policies and laws that we already have on the books.”

Also, Biden deeply cares about the sustainability of the environment and promises to work towards a future of clean energy. He says he will “launch a national effort aimed at creating the jobs we need to build a modern, sustainable infrastructure now and deliver an equitable clean energy future.”

Lastly it is Joe Biden’s plan to combat COVID professes a “decisive public health response” which “ensures the wide availability of free testing” as well as “the development of a vaccine; and the full deployment and operation of necessary supplies, personnel, and facilities.”

President Donald Trump’s website says, “We will make America strong again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again. And we will Make America Great Again!”

A main priority in Trump’s campaign is continuing his ‘America First’ platform. According to his campaign website, Trump is working towards “continuing his promise to the American people to lower taxes, repeal and replace Obamacare, end stifling regulations, protect our borders, keep jobs in our country, take care of our veterans, strengthen our military and law enforcement, and renegotiate bad trade deals, creating a government of, by and for the people.”

On an economic level, Trump strives to lower individual, as well as corporate taxes, and cut regulations and trade deficits. Strengthening the economy has been a key part of Trump’s campaigns and his presidency. He vowed to do this by terminating Obama’s business regulations and renegotiating trade agreements, amongst other things. Trump believes that the country should prioritize its economic interests abroad instead of getting involved in global affairs, if they are not beneficial to the US.

During his presidency, Trump also decided to undo the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and replace it with a new healthcare system. The goal was to reduce regulations on insurance companies and offer consumers more freedom in choosing health care plans.

Regarding the matter of immigration, Trump has taken measures to reduce illegal immigration, such as building barriers around the border and hiring security to deter the migrants from entering. More recently, Trump proposed a merit-based system for screening migrants. 

Additionally, the social issues Trump seems to care most about are limiting access to abortion, banning transgender troops in the military, and protecting Second Amendment rights. In February, APnews.com reported, “Trump framed his supporters’ Second Amendment right to bear arms as being as precious as the rights to privacy, free speech and religious freedom.”

Lastly, Trump’s plan for combating COVID-19 is to reopen the economy and prioritize a vaccine. The importance of prioritizing a vaccine is one issue that both candidates seem to agree upon.