The Care Crisis: How Child and Elderly Care Costs Shape Presidential Agendas

The high cost of child and elderly care is forcing women out of the workforce and straining family budgets while impacting economic growth. Democratic and Republican presidential candidates have diverse plans to address these issues, with both sides proposing an expanded child tax credit though differing on implementation approaches.

The cost of caring for children and the elderly is pushing women out of the workforce, straining family finances, and slowing economic growth. As the economy becomes a key theme in the presidential election, Democratic and Republican candidates offer differing solutions to these challenges.

Vice President Kamala Harris aims to build on President Joe Biden's policies, advocating for a raised child tax credit and more affordable care for children and elderly. Though she hasn't formalized these plans, her speeches indicate a strong focus on easing care costs.

On the Republican side, former President Donald Trump has offered limited specifics on child care costs but previously doubled the child tax credit. His running mate, JD Vance, prioritizes policies that encourage single-income families, having opposed extensive government spending on child care. Both candidates seek to appeal to suburban women, a key demographic in swing states, as child care costs rise faster than inflation.

(With inputs from agencies.)