Moving to the left of his party base, called for a series of reforms that were mostly not passed. He sought a national incorporation law (at a time when all corporations had state charters, which varied greatly state by state). He called for the imposition of a new tax structure. (income tax) He sought an inheritance tax so the great fortunes could not pay out in perpetuity. In the area of labor legislation, he called for limits on the use of court injunctions against labor unions during strikes; injunctions were a powerful weapon that mostly helped business. He wanted an employee liability law for industrial injuries (pre-empting state laws). He called for an eight-hour law for federal employees. In other areas he also sought a postal savings system (to provide competition for local banks), and he asked for campaign reform laws. He secured legislation which increased the regulating power of the Interstate Commerce Commission. Eventually some of his proposals were enacted under his successors.
Today, his domestic policy would probably be labeled as socialist.
Today, his domestic policy would probably be labeled as socialist.
