Richard Stern identifies government regulation as the primary cause of the current American affordability crisis.
Richard Stern, vice president of the Plymouth Institute for Free Enterprise at Advancing American Freedom, stated that the government is primarily responsible for the current affordability crisis facing Americans. In a new report titled '10 Ways to Improve Affordability Now Across 10 Levels of the Economy,' Stern and the conservative group outline ten proposals to lower costs by reducing red tape and increasing production. The report targets key issues in housing, energy, and business, recommending actions such as easing zoning restrictions and expanding oil and gas leasing. While the report aligns with parts of President Trump's second-term agenda, it specifically critiques the administration's use of sweeping tariffs and a proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates. The report argues that tariffs have raised prices for consumers and resulted in fewer jobs than expected. Stern emphasized that the affordability issue is not the fault of businesses or entrepreneurs, but rather a result of government intervention.