The child care measure is one of many subsidies proposed in the American Families Plan, a set of sweeping reforms President Joe Biden outlined in April to overhaul the U.S. social safety net and tax code. Sanders and Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York introduced a $3.5 trillion budget resolution Monday in hopes of eventually passing the plan. The resolution instructs lawmakers to write legislation they plan to pass using a procedure called budget reconciliation to avoid needing 60 votes in the Senate. At best, Democrats have a 51-50 majority in the Senate and control the House of Representatives by a slightly more comfortable eight-vote margin. Some economists and administration officials blame a lack of affordable child care for keeping people, especially women, out of the workforce and contributing to a labor shortage that’s led to record job openings. In addition to subsidizing child care, Democratic legislators said the law will extend an increased child tax credit beyond 2021, provide universal prekindergarten for 3- and 4-year-olds, and guarantee paid family and medical leave, among other reforms. Have a question, comment, or story to share? You can reach Diccon at dhyatt@thebalance.com.
