Mark Kelly Targets Gas Prices, Taxes and AI Job Anxiety Under Trump as Young Americans Struggle to Afford Their Futures: 'The System Is Broken'
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said young Americans are struggling to afford their futures and outlined proposals targeting fuel costs, taxes, corporate pricing, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs.
Kelly Pushes Gas Tax Suspension, Tax Cuts
On Sunday, in a post on X, Kelly said someone recently left him a note on a flight describing how difficult it was to imagine a future they could afford.
"It’s a feeling many young Americans have these days, and I hear them," he said. "They’re the future of this country, but they’re getting screwed at every turn."
"The system is broken because Washington has rigged it for the rich," Kelly said, adding that he was working to change it.
Kelly said he and Rep. Chris Pappas are pushing to suspend federal gas and diesel taxes as fuel prices have risen since the U.S. war with Iran began. He said the move could lower costs "at the pump and the grocery store."
He also proposed cutting taxes for Americans earning less than $80,500 and eliminating federal income taxes for those earning below the national median. Kelly said the cost could be offset "by raising taxes on millionaires for once."
Kelly Targets AI Job Anxiety
Kelly said young people have "a lot of anxiety" about finding jobs in a changing AI economy. His Make AI for Americans Act would support job training, apprenticeships and national service while requiring Big Tech companies driving the AI boom to contribute to those efforts.
Young Americans Face Economic, AI Pressures
Last year, Venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya warned that young Americans faced financial and cultural pressures, including high debt, limited homeownership, and poor job prospects.
He said social media algorithms could exploit their anxiety, warning, "the algorithm will take you to a very bad place."
Goodwill CEO Steve Preston had warned that AI and automation could reduce entry-level jobs, particularly affecting young workers and those without college degrees.
Former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell also said younger workers faced a difficult labor market with limited hiring opportunities.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Shutterstock