Washington D.C., Apr 29, 2021 / 15:00 pm America/Denver (CNA).
President Joe Biden on Wednesday unveiled the American Families Plan, a $1.8 trillion package that includes a paid leave program, education spending, and an increase to the child tax credit.
Although members of both parties have previously introduced plans to expand the child tax credit, proposals have varied on the amount of the credit and the means of distribution. Some proposals have included a work requirement for families.
Biden advocated for his plan before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday evening.
“No one should have to choose between a job and a paycheck or taking care of themselves and their loved ones or parent or spouse or child,” he said of his proposal to create a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program.
Biden’s paid leave program guarantees 12 weeks of paid parental, family, and “personal illness/safe” leave by its tenth year; workers would be paid up to $4,000 per month at a minimum of two-thirds of their weekly wages, with lowest-income workers receiving a maximum of 80% of their wages.