Project 2029: Reclaiming the American Dream

Imagine an America Where…

This isn’t a fantasy. It’s achievable. And it starts with Project 2029.

A Note About “Project 2029”

You may have heard about other “Project 2029” initiatives. Since the 2024 election, several groups have launched efforts with this name—from establishment Democratic think tanks to grassroots coalitions. They all share a common goal: developing progressive policy alternatives to Project 2025.

This Project 2029 is different. It’s an independent framework—not affiliated with any party or organization—that provides:

For details on other Project 2029 initiatives and how they compare, see Other Project 2029 Initiatives.

Now, let’s talk about why this matters to you.

Why This Matters to You

For decades, the American economy has worked brilliantly—for those at the very top. Corporate profits have soared. Executive compensation has skyrocketed. Stock buybacks have enriched shareholders. Meanwhile, middle-class families have seen their wages stagnate, their benefits evaporate, and their opportunity to build wealth systematically dismantled.

The system isn’t broken. It’s rigged. And it’s time to restore fairness and opportunity for all Americans.

Project 2029 is a comprehensive plan to restore the promise of the American Dream. It’s bold, it’s ambitious, and most importantly: the math works. We can afford quality healthcare for all, fair wages, and excellent public services—if we’re willing to ask billionaires and massive corporations to contribute their fair share to the country that made their success possible.

This document outlines what a new administration could accomplish in its first 180 days, what Congress could pass in the first term, and how we pay for it all without increasing the deficit. In fact, these policies would reduce the deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars annually.

Grounded in Constitutional Principles

The Constitution’s Preamble establishes clear goals for our government: “form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty.”

Project 2029 advances these constitutional principles:

This isn’t socialism—it’s fulfilling the constitutional mandate our founders established. From Teddy Roosevelt’s trust-busting to FDR’s New Deal, America has always had the courage to rein in concentrated power and ensure economic opportunity for all. Project 2029 continues that proud tradition.

Let’s get to work.

The First 180 Days: Immediate Action

A new administration doesn’t need to wait for Congress. There’s plenty the executive branch can do immediately to restore fairness and opportunity for all Americans.

Day 1: Setting New Priorities

Enforce Tax Laws Fairly for All Americans

Launch Universal Healthcare Enrollment Campaign

Take on Corporate Monopolies

Protect Freedom of Association

Open Government to the People

Renegotiate Trade Deals to Protect American Interests

Clean Out Agency Sabotage and Restore Integrity

Launch Universal Communication Initiative

Begin Law Enforcement Professionalization Initiative

Revitalize Public Media and Local Journalism

Day 30: Building Momentum

Negotiate Lower Drug Prices

Update Merger Guidelines

Ensure Fair Labor Election Processes

Issue National Use-of-Force Standards

Day 60: Transforming Government Operations

Launch U.S. Digital Service 2.0

Require Shareholder Approval for Excessive Executive Pay

Close Tax Loopholes

Begin Educational Equity Assessment

Launch Pilot Police Certification Program

Day 90: Accountability and Enforcement

Establish Corporate Crime Task Force

Crack Down on Wage Theft

Review All Trade Agreements

Establish National Law Enforcement Accountability Database

Day 120: Preparing Major Reforms

Study Wealth Tax Implementation

Strengthen Securities Enforcement

A Legislative Agenda for a New Congress

Executive actions can only go so far. Real transformation requires Congress to pass major legislation. Here’s the agenda for Years 1-3:

Year 1 Priority: Healthcare and Democracy

The American Health Security Act

Every American deserves quality healthcare. Period. Yes, it’s a privilege—and American citizens are entitled to privileges. For decades, our system has provided unearned privileges to the uber-wealthy and crony-subsidy barons. It’s time working Americans got some privileges too.

What it includes:

What this means for you:

Expected enrollment: 15 million in Year 1, 40+ million by Year 5

The Freedom to Vote and Fair Elections Act

Our democracy shouldn’t be for sale, and every vote should count equally.

What it includes:

What this means for you:

The American Communication and Information Act

In the 21st century, internet access isn’t luxury—it’s essential infrastructure for jobs, education, healthcare, and democratic participation. 42 million Americans lack broadband. Rural communities, tribal lands, and low-income urban neighborhoods have been abandoned by private telecom companies. This ends now.

What it includes:

What this means for you:

Constitutional grounding:

Why private sector has failed:

Cost: $150B infrastructure (one-time) + $25B/year operations (covered by user fees and spectrum auctions)

Year 2 Priority: Economic Justice

The Tax Justice and Economic Fairness Act

It’s time the wealthy and corporations paid their fair share. This is how we fund everything else.

What it includes:

  1. 70% top marginal rate on income above $10 million
    • Applies only to the ultra-wealthy
    • Returns to historical norms (was 70-91% from 1950s-1970s)
    • Revenue: $90-150B annually
  2. Tax capital gains as ordinary income
    • Warren Buffett shouldn’t pay lower tax rate than his secretary
    • Currently: billionaires pay 15-20% on investment income, employees pay up to 37% on wages
    • Revenue: $150-250B annually
  3. 2% wealth tax on net worth above $50 million
    • Affects roughly 75,000 households (0.05% of Americans)
    • Example: $100M net worth pays $1M annually (2% of $50M above threshold)
    • Includes strong anti-avoidance measures
    • Revenue: $180-300B annually
  4. Estate tax reform
    • Lower exemption to $3.5M (still protects middle-class inheritances)
    • Raise top rate to 65%
    • Close dynasty trust loopholes
    • Revenue: $30-70B annually
  5. Financial transaction tax (0.1% on stock trades)
    • Reduces high-frequency trading speculation
    • Minimal impact on long-term investors (401(k)s)
    • Common in other countries (UK has had stamp duty for decades)
    • Revenue: $60-100B annually
  6. Close corporate loopholes
    • End “carried interest” loophole for hedge funds
    • Crack down on offshore tax havens
    • Fix transfer pricing abuse
    • Revenue: $100-200B annually
  7. Remove Social Security income cap
    • Currently, income above ~$168K pays no Social Security tax
    • Apply 12.4% tax to all income
    • Ensures Social Security solvency for 75+ years
    • Revenue: $120B annually (dedicated to Social Security, not general fund)

Total new revenue: $730 billion to $1.19 trillion annually

These aren’t pie-in-the-sky numbers. They’re based on Congressional Budget Office methodologies, with conservative assumptions about tax avoidance built in.

The Economic Opportunity and Fairness Act

American families deserve economic security and the opportunity to build wealth through honest work. It’s time our laws reflected that.

What it includes:

  1. $25 federal minimum wage (phased in over 3-5 years)
    • Current $7.25 hasn’t increased since 2009
    • $25/hour = $52K/year, approaching a living wage
    • Small business tax credits to ease transition
    • Evidence from high-wage countries shows minimal job loss
  2. Universal paid family and medical leave
    • 12 weeks paid time for new parents, serious illness, or family care
    • Every other developed nation has this; we should too
    • Cost: $40B annually (less than we spend on a single aircraft carrier)
  3. Federal Job Guarantee
    • Government offers job to anyone who wants one
    • $25/hour + benefits, meaningful work in infrastructure, care work, environment, education
    • Counter-cyclical: expands during recessions (when needed), shrinks during booms
    • Cost: $340-680B depending on enrollment (see detailed analysis below)
    • Net cost after savings: $179-536B
  4. Protect freedom of association and fair negotiation
    • Remove government barriers that restrict employees’ constitutional right to organize
    • Prohibit employer retaliation against employees who exercise their freedom of association
    • Strengthen penalties for violations of existing labor laws (wage theft, intimidation, illegal terminations)
    • Let employees and employers negotiate terms without excessive government mandates

The Equal Opportunity in Education Act

Education is the foundation of the American Dream—the ladder of opportunity that allows every child to rise as far as their talents and hard work will take them. But that ladder has broken rungs. Wealthy districts spend $20K per student while poor districts spend $8K. College costs have exploded while wages stagnated. Student debt crushes young Americans before they even start their careers. It’s time to restore educational opportunity for all.

What it includes:

  1. Universal Pre-K for all 3-4 year olds
    • Free, high-quality pre-kindergarten nationwide
    • Proven ROI: $7 return for every $1 invested (better earnings, less crime, healthier adults)
    • Oklahoma and Georgia models show this works
    • Cost: $75-100B annually
  2. Free tuition at all public colleges and universities
    • If you get in, you can afford to go
    • Covers tuition at public institutions (not private colleges)
    • Precedent: GI Bill, California Master Plan (free through 1970s)
    • Cost: $75-100B annually
  3. K-12 Funding Equalization
    • Federal grants to states that adopt equitable funding formulas
    • Ensure every school meets minimum per-pupil spending regardless of local property values
    • “Separate and unequal” persists 70 years after Brown v. Board—time to finish the job
    • Cost: $150B annually
  4. Student Debt Relief
    • Significant cancellation for existing borrowers
    • Income-driven repayment: Pay max 5% of discretionary income
    • Public service loan forgiveness expansion
    • 45 million Americans currently owe $1.7 trillion in student debt
  5. Media Literacy Curriculum
    • Federal grants for states to develop critical thinking and source evaluation curricula
    • Teach students how to identify credible sources, fact-check claims, recognize bias
    • Non-partisan: Not about ideology, about skills
    • Cost: $5-10B annually
  6. Crack Down on For-Profit College Fraud
    • Restore “gainful employment” rules: Colleges must show graduates earn enough to repay loans
    • Cut federal funding to institutions with high debt, low earnings outcomes
    • Prosecute fraud aggressively (Trump University, Corinthian Colleges precedent)

What this means for you:

Why this is federal responsibility:

Connection to democracy:

Cost: $305-415B annually (fully funded by progressive tax reform from Year 2)

Year 2 Priority: Public Safety and Justice

The Law Enforcement Professionalization and Accountability Act

Police officers have one of the hardest jobs in America. They face danger, make split-second decisions, and carry the weight of public safety on their shoulders. The vast majority are good people trying to serve their communities with honor.

But here’s the problem: We require more training to become a licensed barber than we do to become a police officer in many jurisdictions. Anyone can become an officer with just a few weeks of training and minimal screening. That’s not fair to communities—and it’s not fair to the good officers whose profession gets tarnished by those who never should have worn the badge.

It’s time to professionalize law enforcement through national standards—just like we do for pilots, doctors, and engineers.

What This Means for You

If you’re a law enforcement officer:

If you’re a community member:

If you’re a taxpayer:

What It Includes

1. National Training and Certification Program

Just like pilots need federal certification to fly, police officers would need federal certification to carry a badge and gun. States can still run their own police departments, but officers must meet minimum national standards.

Training requirements:

What you learn:

2. Psychological Screening—Before and During Service

Not everyone is fit to be a police officer. That’s not an insult—it’s reality. The job requires emotional control, sound judgment under pressure, and genuine empathy. We screen pilots for mental fitness; we should do the same for people carrying guns and authority over citizens.

What’s required:

Mental health support:

3. National Standards for Use of Force

Every agency would adopt the same basic rules about when and how officers can use force.

Core principles:

Accountability:

4. National Accountability Database

Currently, an officer fired for misconduct in one city can get hired the next town over—and the new department never knows. This ends that.

What’s tracked:

Who can see it:

Why this matters:

5. Qualified Immunity Reform

The problem: Courts created a doctrine called “qualified immunity” that shields officers from civil lawsuits even when they violate constitutional rights—unless there’s a prior court case with nearly identical facts. This makes accountability nearly impossible.

The solution: Officers keep immunity for good-faith mistakes, but not for clearly unconstitutional conduct or bad faith violations. Caps on damages prevent bankrupting cities, while ensuring victims can get compensation.

Balance:

6. Community Oversight and Transparency

Civilian review boards:

Pattern-or-practice enforcement:

7. Federal Funding to Make This Work

The federal government will help states and cities afford these improvements.

Grants available for:

Total federal investment: $1.4 billion annually

How we pay for it:

How This Gets Implemented

Year 1:

Year 2:

Year 3:

Phase-in is gradual: Current officers can be grandfathered in with some additional training, or can choose to get full certification. New officers must meet full standards.

Why This Works: Learning from Success

Other countries professionalize police and it works:

U.S. historical precedent:

What Success Looks Like (5-Year Goals)

Officer professionalization:

Use of force reduction:

Community trust:

Accountability:

Cost: $1.4B annually (less than 0.2% of current police spending; $4.24 per American per year)

Year 3 Priority: Corporate Accountability

The 21st Century Antitrust and Competition Act

When companies get too big, competition dies. Innovation dies. Small businesses get crushed. Prices rise. It’s time to restore competitive markets and break up the monopolies.

What it includes:

Target industries for enforcement:

The 21st Century Government Transparency and Efficiency Act

Your government should be open, efficient, and accountable. Currently it’s none of those things.

What it includes:

Long-Term Goals: Constitutional Reform

Some problems require constitutional amendments. These are 10-20 year organizing projects, not first-term achievements. But we should be honest about what’s needed and start building movements now.

Electoral College Abolition

Overturn Citizens United

Senate Reform (equal representation regardless of population)

Paying for Progress: The Math Works

“This sounds expensive. How do we pay for it?”

We’re glad you asked. Unlike most political platforms, Project 2029 is fully paid for with hundreds of billions in surplus left over.

The Numbers (Annual, at Full Implementation)

NEW REVENUE:

NEW COSTS:

NET ANNUAL FISCAL IMPACT:

Compare to current deficit of $1.7 trillion annually. Project 2029 improves fiscal situation by $2.0-2.3 trillion per year.

Police reform note: Law enforcement professionalization ($1.4B) is offset by ~$340-540M in savings (reduced lawsuits, insurance costs, improved outcomes), resulting in net cost of ~$860M-$1.06B. That’s $4.24 per American annually—less than a cup of coffee—to professionalize policing and save lives.

Note on one-time infrastructure costs:

How Healthcare Saves Money

This seems counterintuitive: How does expanding coverage save money? Here’s how:

Drug Price Negotiation: $200-300B annually

Administrative Efficiency: $100-180B annually

Preventive Care: $50-90B annually

Total healthcare savings: $350-570 billion annually

These savings more than cover the cost of the public health insurance option ($150-250B), resulting in net savings of $100-320B while covering everyone.

How Defense Cuts Work

We spend more on defense than the next 10 countries combined. We can reduce spending 25% while maintaining readiness by eliminating waste.

Current baseline: ~$900 billion annually Target reduction: 25% = $225 billion annually Phased over 3 years: 5% (Year 1) → 15% (Year 2) → 25% (Year 3)

Where we cut:

  1. Cancel failed weapon systems with chronic cost overruns ($80-100B)
  2. Reduce defense contractor waste through audits and competitive bidding ($40-60B)
  3. Close excess bases and reduce overseas presence where allies can contribute more ($50-70B)
  4. Modernize force structure away from legacy platforms ($30-50B)
  5. Reduce Pentagon bureaucracy and consolidate agencies ($15-25B)

Precedent: After the Cold War (1990s), we reduced defense from 5.5% GDP to 3% GDP with no loss of readiness. We can do it again.

The Federal Job Guarantee: Detailed Costs

This is the biggest single program, so it deserves explanation.

The Concept:

The Cost:

The Savings (Offsets):

Net cost: $179B - $536B depending on enrollment

Why this works:

International precedent:

Phase-In Timeline Keeps Early Costs Lower

Full costs don’t hit immediately. Programs scale up over several years:

Year 1:

Year 2:

Year 3+:

Learning from Success Stories: This Works Elsewhere

“These ideas sound radical. Have they worked anywhere?”

Yes. Extensively. The radical part is that America doesn’t already do these things.

Progressive Taxation: Proven Success

High Top Marginal Rates:

Wealth Taxes:

Financial Transaction Tax:

Universal Healthcare: Everyone Else Does This

Every developed nation has universal healthcare. All spend less than the U.S. All have better outcomes.

USA: 17% GDP, 8% uninsured, worst outcomes in developed world

Drug Prices:

Labor Protections: High Wages Don’t Kill Jobs

High Minimum Wage:

Strong Unions:

Paid Family Leave:

Electoral Reform: Multi-Party Democracy Works

Ranked-Choice Voting:

Public Campaign Financing:

Government Digital Services: This Can Be Done Well

Estonia: 99% of government services online; e-residency program; highly efficient government UK: Gov.UK platform; user-friendly, consolidated services; international model Denmark: Digital-first government; high citizen satisfaction Singapore: Smart nation initiative; efficient, low-corruption public sector

Lesson: Government can deliver excellent digital services when properly resourced and designed.

What Success Looks Like: Measurable Goals

Bold reforms require accountability. Here’s how we’ll track progress:

Economic Justice (5-Year Goals)

Income Inequality:

Wages:

Poverty:

Healthcare Access (5-Year Goals)

Coverage:

Costs:

Outcomes:

Democracy and Participation (5-Year Goals)

Voter Turnout:

Campaign Finance:

Multi-Party Viability:

Government Efficiency (5-Year Goals)

Digital Services:

Transparency:

IRS Customer Service:

Annual Public Accountability Report

Every year, the administration will publish a “Project 2029 Progress Report” with traffic-light scorecard:

When things aren’t working, we’ll acknowledge it and adjust. Accountability means transparency about both successes and failures.

Your Questions Answered

“Won’t wealthy people just leave the country to avoid taxes?”

Short answer: No, most won’t. And we have strong measures to prevent those who try.

Why they won’t leave:

What prevents those who try:

Bottom line: Some ultra-wealthy will complain loudly. Very few will actually leave. Revenue projections already account for this.

“Won’t a $25 minimum wage hurt small businesses and cause job losses?”

Short answer: Evidence says no. High-wage countries have thriving small business sectors.

International evidence:

U.S. evidence:

How we mitigate concerns:

Why it works:

“Can government really run healthcare efficiently?”

Short answer: Government-run healthcare is demonstrably more efficient than U.S. private insurance.

The evidence:

International examples:

How the public option works:

“Won’t stock buyback restrictions hurt my 401(k)?”

Short answer: No. Restrictions encourage long-term investment that benefits retirement savers.

Why buybacks are problematic:

What happens with restrictions:

401(k) impact:

“How does this reduce the deficit if it includes expensive new programs?”

Short answer: Because revenue increases exceed cost increases, even in conservative scenarios.

The math (steady-state, conservative scenario):

Why healthcare saves money:

Current trajectory vs. Project 2029:

“Aren’t constitutional amendments impossible?”

Short answer: Yes, they’re extremely difficult. That’s why we pursue statutory alternatives that don’t require amendments.

Realistic strategy:

Electoral College:

Citizens United:

Senate Reform:

Why we still mention amendments:

Lesson: Constitutional amendments are aspirational 10-20 year goals. We’ll deliver concrete progress through legislation while building long-term reform movements.

“Won’t courts block everything?”

Short answer: Some things, yes. We’re prepared for that.

Our litigation strategy:

Accepting reality:

“Won’t this cause inflation?”

Short answer: No. Several policies are actively deflationary, and the Federal Job Guarantee is designed as counter-cyclical.

Why this doesn’t cause inflation:

Federal Job Guarantee is counter-cyclical:

Healthcare cost controls are deflationary:

Progressive taxes reduce demand:

Potential inflation sources are limited:

“What if Republicans control Congress?”

Short answer: Executive actions still possible. Full agenda requires winning elections.

With divided government:

Realistic assessment:

The organizing project:

How We Get There: The Road Ahead

This agenda is achievable, but it requires political will—and that means organizing, mobilizing, and winning elections at every level.

What You Can Do

1. Spread the word

2. Get organized

3. Vote—and help others vote

4. Support fair labor practices

5. Demand accountability

The Stakes

The current system is unsustainable. Inequality is at Gilded Age levels. Medical bankruptcy is a uniquely American phenomenon among developed nations. Young people can’t afford housing, healthcare, or education despite being more productive than ever. Our democracy is for sale to the highest bidder. Climate change threatens civilization.

We can continue on this path—toward oligarchy, dysfunction, and decline.

Or we can choose a different path.

Project 2029 is a roadmap to an America that works for everyone, not just the well-connected elite.

The policies outlined here aren’t radical. They’re common sense—common in the rest of the developed world, and common sense to anyone paying attention.

Universal healthcare. Living wages. Affordable housing. Quality public services. Transparent government. Democracy that reflects the popular will.

This isn’t too much to ask. It’s the bare minimum we should expect.

The only question is: Are we willing to fight for it?

Conclusion: Fulfilling America’s Promise

For too long, we’ve been told these policies are impossible, unrealistic, or unaffordable. That’s a lie told by those who profit from the status quo.

The math works. The evidence is clear. The policies are proven elsewhere.

What’s been missing is political will—the courage to challenge monopolistic power, ensure everyone pays their fair share, and restore opportunity for all Americans.

This isn’t a radical departure from American values. It’s a return to them. From our founding principles of equality and justice, to Teddy Roosevelt’s Progressive Era trust-busting, to FDR’s New Deal that built the greatest middle class in history—America has always been at its best when we chose fairness over monopoly, opportunity over privilege, and the common good over concentrated wealth.

Project 2029 is a blueprint for that renewal. It’s comprehensive, it’s bold, and it’s achievable. Most importantly, it’s deeply American—rooted in our Constitution’s promise to promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty for all.

But it won’t happen by itself. It requires all of us—entrepreneurs, employees, small business owners, families, and communities—organizing and voting to demand an economy and a democracy that work for everyone, not just the well-connected few.

The American people are ready. The question is whether our political system can rise to meet this moment.

Let’s reclaim the American Dream.

Other Versions

Project 2029 is a living document. This “We The People” edition is designed for public engagement and education. For detailed legal analysis, implementation timelines, and policy specifics, see the technical edition.

Last updated: November 2025