Recent discussions surrounding the high cost of caring for children and the elderly have highlighted the impact it has on families, the workforce, and economic growth in the United States. Both Democratic and Republican presidential candidates have expressed their views on easing these costs, with a commonality being support for an expanded child tax credit. Vice President Kamala Harris has indicated plans to build upon President Joe Biden’s administration efforts to make childcare and home care more affordable, including raising the child tax credit. On the other hand, former President Donald Trump has not provided specific solutions for making childcare more affordable, but his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, has proposed raising the child tax credit to $5,000.
The high cost of care and the lack of affordable options impact women disproportionately, as they provide the majority of unpaid care work. As childcare prices continue to rise faster than inflation, the candidates’ agendas on care could play a significant role in appealing to suburban women in swing states. Kamala Harris has outlined her economic agenda, which includes increasing the child tax credit to $3,600 and providing families of newborns with $6,000 for the child’s first year. Her running mate, Tim Walz, has a history of supporting paid leave and child tax credits in Minnesota.
In contrast, Donald Trump has been relatively quiet on specific solutions for lowering childcare costs, despite his previous efforts during his administration. While he has not outlined new care policies, he has shown support for unpaid Family Caregivers through tax credits and reduced red tape. Trump previously proposed paid parental leave, and although Congress rejected the proposal, he succeeded in doubling the child tax credit and establishing paid leave for federal employees. However, his selection of running mate JD Vance, who has opposed government spending on childcare, suggests a shift in priorities.
Vance has expressed views that focus on making it easier for families to live off a single income and supporting policies that encourage Americans to have families. Despite his lack of detailed care policies, Trump believes that families would benefit under his administration, contrasting his views with criticisms of the Biden administration’s handling of the economy. While Harris has been active in advocating for affordable childcare, Trump’s campaign has criticized her role in the administration’s economic policies and recent challenges faced by families, such as rising inflation. The upcoming election will likely see a focus on care policies and their impact on families and the economy.
