Kamala Harris Poised to Make Caregiving a Priority in Potential Presidency
ICARO Media Group
In a potential presidency, Vice President Kamala Harris has been showing strong indications that she will prioritize caregiving initiatives, including access to child care, paid leave, and home care for seniors and people with disabilities. Harris has been a vocal advocate for these policies since the presidential transition, and her commitment to them remains unwavering, according to sources within and outside of the White House.
Despite the setback faced by the Biden administration in advancing the caregiving agenda, with Democratic leaders having to give up on key legislative reforms, Harris has reassured her allies that the fight is not over. She has expressed a personal commitment to moving this agenda forward and emphasized the importance of not giving up.
As Election Day approaches, Harris's prospective agenda remains somewhat unclear. While she is part of the incumbent administration and running on its record, Harris has not been the ultimate decision-maker. However, there is reason to believe that Harris has her own ideas and priorities, as evidenced by her past work and advocacy.
Throughout her career, Harris has demonstrated a strong focus on the well-being of children. Her initiatives as district attorney in San Francisco and later as attorney general of California, including the creation of a Bureau for Children's Justice, have actively worked towards protecting and supporting vulnerable children.
Harris's election to the U.S. Senate provided her with an opportunity to push for legislative changes. She sponsored the Senate version of the "Domestic Workers Bill of Rights," which aimed to provide long-overdue labor protections for caregivers and nannies. This initiative highlighted her commitment to supporting predominantly female and often marginalized workers.
Paid family leave is another issue close to Harris's agenda. She co-sponsored the "FAMILY Act" to guarantee paid leave and proposed an even more ambitious plan during her 2020 presidential bid, advocating for six months of paid leave. Her personal connection to the issue, caring for her mother during her battle with cancer, has fueled her determination to address the need for paid leave and caregiving support.
Harris has also been a staunch supporter of universal child care. She cosponsored the Child Care for Working Families proposal that aimed to make high-quality child care affordable for all families, with a focus on capping child care costs at 7% of household income.
The potential legislative conditions, including the expiration of Trump-era tax cuts, may provide Harris with the opportunity to enact ambitious reforms if she secures a willing Congress. The possibility of achieving milestones such as implementing paid family leave, universal pre-K, and a refundable child tax credit to combat child poverty has caught the attention of experts and advocates.
While Harris's specific policy plans have not been fully outlined, it is evident that she is well-positioned to make caregiving a priority in her potential presidency. With her previous work, advocacy, and commitment to addressing the needs of caregivers and vulnerable populations, Harris could leave a lasting legacy in this critical area.
As the campaign unfolds, Harris's policy agenda will likely gain more clarity. For now, her focus on caregiving, combined with her determination and track record, sets the stage for potential transformative changes that could have far-reaching effects on the lives of millions of Americans.