With Gen Z having more progressive beliefs than previous generations and being most likely to look to the government for solutions, according to the Pew Research Center, the new presidency holds importance. Here are the top four courses of action President Joe Biden plans to take in his upcoming term.

Pass the Equality Act and advance transgender rights

According to NBC Biden plans on passing the equality act which will outlaw discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community. If this bill is passed it will be a milestone achievement since its proposal in 2019. The previous administration was opposed to the bill being passed. Biden has also repealed the former administration’s ban on transgender service members according to the Washington Post. This means that transgender people that were formerly enlisted in the military are now able to continue their service, furthermore, gender identity is no longer used as a standard for service in the military. In addition, Biden has also brought Dr. Rachel Levine onto his cabinet as assistant health secretary, according to Them. This is the first time in history that a member of the LGBTQ community has been allowed a position in the cabinet. 

Plan for combating Covid-19

As of 2021, there are 27.2 million confirmed cases in the U.S according to The New York Times. Biden plans to reduce the severity of the pandemic in the U.S with a five-stage plan according to Forbes. This plan includes vaccinating 100 million people in 100 days, addressing supply gaps, putting stricter enforcement’s on masking, reducing racial and ethnic disparities for communities, and eventually reopening schools safely. However this plan is not without setbacks, many teachers have opposed reopening of schools as it may put students and themselves at higher risk according to U.S News. Nevertheless, Biden’s plan has been progressing and is expected to take place albeit slowly. 

Eliminate a portion of student debt for future graduates

As a part of COVID relief, Biden also hopes to relieve up to $10,000 of student debt according to Nerdwallet. He wants to provide relief to individuals whether they attended a public or private university. However, the funds won’t be provided to those that used student loans from an undergraduate program or if the individual makes more than $125,000 annually. The average student debt in North America is $32,731 according to ValuePenguin. If Biden’s appeal is approved that would help many new students that enroll as well as those that have already graduated tremendously with any current or future debt. 

Increase minimum wage to $15

Lastly, Biden hopes to pass a bill that would increase the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 according to CNN. This would increase the yearly wages of minimum wage workers by roughly $13,120 before taxes. However, he has also stated that this bill may not be passed due to the wake of COVID-19. Nearly 30% of all high school students participate in the labor force according to BLS. This would mean that high school students that currently work will have more economic freedom to put their saved funds towards university or a car. It could also allow them to work fewer hours to achieve their financial goals which would free up more time for schoolwork or extracurriculars.