America can build its next growth surge by putting more earned income back into working families’ paychecks. President Donald Trump and Congress have strengthened incentives for businesses to invest, manufacture, innovate, and expand. When lawmakers return in September, they should strengthen household purchasing power by reducing the 10% individual income-tax rate to 8% and the 12% rate to 10%, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026.

Real wages rose during Trump’s first months back in office. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted gains among blue-collar workers. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that real hourly earnings for production and nonsupervisory workers increased 1.3% over the year ending July 2025. By February 2026, they were 1.4% higher, while real weekly earnings had risen 2%.