ly $1 trillion--to allow young workers to invest one-sixth of their payroll taxes in private accounts. IMPACT: Depends on the stock market. The $1 trillion price tag means the program may go bankrupt 10 years earlier; to cover the cost, Bush will have to cut benefits. If the market continues its historical rate of return of 7% a year (or even if it gains a more modest 5% a year), such cuts would be painless because the private-account nest egg for most future beneficiaries would more than equal the benefits they would receive under the current system. But there's no benefit floor to protect losers. GORETAXESPLAN: Reserve roughly 10% of the surplus--$480 billion--for tax cuts targeted to low- and middle-income Americans. These include credits for college tuition, preschool, care for an elderly parent, fuel-efficient cars and retirement-savings accounts. IMPACT: The smaller tax cuts are less likely to undermine the surplus. But their targeted nature means not everyone gets a cut and leaves doubts about the total price tag. For example, if enough people take advantage of the savings accounts, the 10-year cost rises $400 billion beyond what Gore has budgeted. THE SUPREME COURTPLAN: Appoint Justices like Stephen Breyer and Ruth Bader Ginsburg who interpret the Constitution broadly, relying as much on the principles underlying granted rights as on the intent of the words themselves. IMPACT: Abortion will most likely remain a constitutional right, and future legislative restrictions on abortion could be struck down. Affirmative action will probably remain legal, and the court will be more likely to recognize homosexual rights. Federal power may be allowed to broaden, permitting laws that tighten gun control, expand environmental protections and monitor food and drug production. HEALTH CAREPLAN: Insure more low- and middle-income children through the Children's Health Insurance Program, and allow CHIP parents to buy subsidized coverage. Pass a ...
