Article Summary –
Kamala Harris proposes capping child care costs at 7% of family income and offering up to $6,000 in the first year of a child’s life to alleviate rising expenses. Donald Trump suggests tariffs on imports to combat child care costs, though studies show this could increase household expenses by $1,700 to $2,350 annually. JD Vance advocates for family-based child care solutions, but acknowledges barriers for many families. Harris’ plan has received support from policy experts for addressing the broader economic impact of the child care crisis.
Harris Proposes Capping Child Care Costs at 7% of Income, Offering $6,000 for Newborns; Trump Focuses on Tariffs
Pop quiz: if you’re the parent of an infant, which would help you better navigate rising child care costs: up to $6,000 in federal support and child care costs capped at 7% of your income or tariffs on imported goods?
Democratic nominee Kamala Harris proposes expanding the child tax credit from $2,000 annually to provide $6,000 in the first year of a child’s life, $3,600 a year for ages one to five, and $3,000 a year after they turn six.
“A child’s first year is vital for development, and costs add up, especially for young parents,” Harris said at a rally in North Carolina.
Harris also proposes capping child care costs at 7% of working families’ income. “No working family should pay more than 7% of their household income in child care,” she said at a National Association of Black Journalists event.
Policy experts praise Harris’ plan. Melissa Boteach from the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund said it recognizes the profound impact of the child care crisis on families and the economy. Harris’ proposal would provide much-needed relief.
The second plan focuses on tariffs—Donald Trump’s approach. At the Economic Club of New York, Trump discussed increasing taxes on imports to handle rising costs like child care.
“Child care is essential in this country, but the numbers from taxing foreign nations are bigger and will take care of it,” Trump said.
However, tariffs wouldn’t lower child care costs and would raise the cost of other items families need. The American Action Forum reported that Trump’s proposed 10% tariff could add $1,700 to $2,350 in annual costs for American households.
Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, who once called universal day care “class war against normal people,” suggested family members could stay home with children to relieve pressure on resources.
Relying on family members may work for some, but millions of parents live far from their families or face other barriers. Vance has suggested raising the child tax credit. Yet, when the Senate voted to restore the credit to $3,600 a year, he was not present to vote, instead campaigning in Arizona.
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