Having a family is expensive. Here's what Harris and Trump have said about easing costs

As the high cost of child and elderly care forces women out of the workforce, strains

family finances

, and impacts economic growth, the

presidential candidates

have presented contrasting plans to address these issues. Both Democratic and Republican tickets have endorsed expanding the

child tax credit

, yet their broader approaches to care differ significantly.

Kamala Harris: Boosting support for families
Vice President Kamala Harris, who accepted the Democratic Party's nomination last week, has expressed a commitment to building on President Joe Biden’s legacy. Her agenda includes raising the child tax credit, a move she has emphasized in recent speeches. Harris highlighted her personal connection to the issue, recounting how her mother, a single parent, struggled with child care.
Harris said in a recent speech, "That is a vital—vital year of critical development of a child, and the costs can really add up, especially for young parents who need to buy diapers and clothes and a car seat and so much else." Her economic platform aims to increase the child tax credit to $3,600 and offer $6,000 for families with newborns. This proposal aligns with Biden administration efforts to reduce out-of-pocket child care expenses and enhance home care support for the elderly and disabled. Her running mate, Tim Walz, has further bolstered these plans with his record of advancing paid leave and child tax credits as governor of Minnesota.

Donald Trump: Limited details and divergent views
Former President Donald Trump has been less specific about his plans for affordable child care in the current campaign. While he supported child care initiatives during his presidency, including a doubled child tax credit and a parental leave policy, his recent statements have been vague. Trump's campaign platform is silent on detailed strategies for child care but promises to support unpaid family caregivers through tax credits and reduced regulations.

Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance, has proposed raising the child tax credit to $5,000. However, Vance has historically opposed extensive government spending on child care, arguing that many children benefit from having one parent at home as a caretaker. Vance has floated policies that would make it easier for a family to live off a single income. “We want to make it easier for families to have one parent stay home if that’s what they want to do,” Vance said.
Impact on suburban women and swing states
The care issue could be a decisive factor in November’s election, particularly among suburban women who are crucial swing voters. These women, who perform a significant portion of unpaid care work, are increasingly affected by rising

child care costs

. Both campaigns are targeting this demographic, with Harris focusing on direct financial support and Trump emphasizing traditional family structures.
Campaign criticisms and economic rebuttals
The Trump campaign has criticized Harris's economic record, blaming Bidenomics for rising living costs and inflation. “Harris... has proudly and repeatedly celebrated her role as Joe Biden's co-pilot on Bidenomics,” said Karoline Leavitt, a campaign spokeswoman. “The basic necessities of food, gas, and housing are less affordable, unemployment is rising, and Kamala doesn’t seem to care.”