In a speech at Washington, D.C.’s Union Station, President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of enhancing support for care workers and ensuring paid leave for those caring for family members. Addressing a gathering that included representatives from various organizations such as AFL-CIO, AARP, and the National Domestic Workers Alliance, Biden underscored his administration’s commitment to investing in what he termed the “care economy.”
Acknowledging the vital role of caregivers, Biden praised their dedication, stating that they epitomize the altruistic spirit of Americans who look out for one another and leave nobody behind. He asserted that to achieve a robust economy, the caregiving sector must be strengthened, garnering applause from the audience.
Drawing from personal experience, Biden recounted the support he received from his family after the tragic loss of his wife and daughter, emphasizing the importance of familial assistance in times of need. He empathized with caregivers, recognizing them as heroes who provide care driven by love and concern, despite inadequate compensation.
Biden (Credits: The Hill)
Highlighting the financial strains faced by families due to childcare and eldercare costs, Biden cited staggering statistics, including the substantial rise in expenses for long-term care over the past decade. He particularly addressed the challenges encountered by the “sandwich generation” – individuals caring for both children and aging parents – pledging to ensure paid leave akin to other nations.
Biden underscored the disproportionate burden borne by women, especially women of color and immigrants, within the caregiving workforce, emphasizing the necessity to not only commend their efforts but also adequately compensate them. He outlined plans outlined in the upcoming budget to provide affordable childcare, restore the Childcare Tax Credit, expand Medicaid home care services, and establish a national paid family and medical leave program.
Promising affordable, quality childcare with most families paying less than $10 per day per child, Biden also pledged to extend support for caregivers through initiatives such as expanded Medicaid services and a comprehensive paid leave program offering up to 12 weeks of leave without loss of income. Biden’s speech highlighted his administration’s commitment to bolstering the care economy and supporting caregivers while addressing the financial challenges faced by American families.
