Early Priorities for The Biden Administration: Areas to Watch

The Biden administration’s first 100 days were largely focused on addressing the COVID-19 crisis—accelerating vaccine distribution and stabilizing public health. With that initial phase now behind him, President Biden has begun advancing broader policy priorities that span the economy, environment, technology, healthcare, and taxation.

Priority: Putting the Pandemic Behind Us

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), passed in March 2021, provided $1.9 trillion in stimulus focused on:

Direct stimulus checks
Expanded unemployment and paid leave
Emergency small business relief
Support for state/local governments
Vaccine distribution and testing

What to Watch:
While the pandemic will eventually recede, its economic and societal impacts will linger. Forward-looking businesses are adapting to post-pandemic realities—rethinking how they manage employees, serve customers, and ensure resilience amid future disruptions.

Priority: Doing Well by Doing Good

The administration has embraced Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities, starting with climate action:

Rejoining the Paris Agreement
Proposing a $2T Clean Energy Revolution
Eliminating fossil fuel emissions from power by 2035
Promoting EV infrastructure, zero-emission transit, and eco-building standards
Calling for a 50–52% emissions reduction by 2030 (vs. 2005 levels)

Regulatory Focus:
The SEC’s Climate & ESG Task Force is enhancing disclosure requirements for environmental, diversity, and governance practices.

What to Watch:
Public and investor expectations around ESG are growing. Forward-thinking companies are embedding sustainability, equity, and purpose into core operations—and those that do so effectively may see higher profitability and lower risk.

Priority: Innovation in the Spotlight

The pandemic underscored America’s reliance on technology. The Biden administration acknowledges this while signaling increased oversight of Big Tech—particularly around:

Antitrust enforcement
Cybersecurity protections
Data privacy regulation

What to Watch:
CFOs are doubling down on digital transformation, but balancing tech investment with regulatory compliance will be critical.
📊 BDO Survey Highlights:

55% plan to increase R&D spending
39% accelerated digital investments due to the pandemic

Priority: Defining “Bidencare”

While sweeping healthcare reform is unlikely, the Biden administration is working to strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA):

Expanding enrollment and subsidies
Capping healthcare premiums at 8.5% of income
Exploring a public option

What to Watch:
Employers should expect rising interest in expanded care access (especially mental health and telehealth) as employee well-being becomes a business imperative.

Priority: Building Back Better

The American Jobs Plan outlines the administration’s infrastructure vision, including:

Roads, bridges, airports, transit
Electric vehicle (EV) charging networks
Broadband expansion and clean water
Modernizing schools and housing
Investments in R&D and workforce training

What to Watch:
Infrastructure spending could provide a major boost to productivity and supply chain stability. Projects with environmental and equity components will likely take priority.

Priority: Tax Increases on the Table

To fund investments, the Biden administration has proposed several tax changes:

Raising the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%
Increasing individual tax rates on those earning over $400,000
Enhancing GILTI and other international tax rules
Reinstating elements of the corporate AMT
Introducing surcharges and limiting deductions

What to Watch:
Per BDO’s 2021 Tax Outlook Survey:

92% of tax execs expect a corporate rate hike
Priorities include income tax, international tax, and payroll adjustments

The midterms may dictate the legislative window for major tax reform. Until then, targeted changes are possible via reconciliation.

Priority: Regulating Wall Street

Appointing Gary Gensler (SEC) and Rohit Chopra (CFPB), the administration signaled a stricter approach to financial regulation. Expect:

Increased enforcement
Enhanced consumer protections
Closer scrutiny of disclosure and compliance standards

What to Watch:
Robust compliance and data governance will become key differentiators for businesses, not just regulatory requirements.

Final Thoughts: The Role of Business in a Divided Climate

With midterm elections approaching and a polarized Congress, President Biden may face challenges pushing through all elements of his agenda. Businesses should prepare for rapid shifts, especially in ESG, innovation, infrastructure, and taxation.

Takeaway:
In moments of political gridlock, corporate leadership will play a pivotal role in driving progress. Businesses that align operations with policy shifts—and lead with purpose—can shape a more resilient and equitable economy.