The rising costs of caring for children and the elderly have had severe consequences, pushing many women out of the workforce, causing financial struggles for families, and leaving caretakers in low-paid positions, which ultimately slows down economic growth.

Regardless of the economic hardships families face, both Democratic and Republican presidential candidates have shown support for expanding the child tax credit, with Vice President Kamala Harris emphasizing plans to increase this credit to alleviate the burden of child and elder care costs. In contrast, former President Donald Trump has been less forthcoming about his strategies to make childcare more affordable, leaning towards policies that promote one parent staying at home to care for children.

The candidates’ approaches to caregiving issues are crucial in appealing to suburban women, who often bear the brunt of unpaid care work. VP Harris has a background of advocating for family-friendly policies, such as national paid family leave, universal prekindergarten, and affordable childcare, while also aiming to boost the child tax credit substantially. Meanwhile, President Trump’s current stance on caregiving policies remains vague, despite some past support for paid leave and doubling the child tax credit during his administration.

The differences in the candidates’ views on caregiving policies present a significant contrast that could influence their appeal to voters, particularly women in swing states. While VP Harris highlights her ambitions to support families by enhancing the child tax credit and implementing various support programs, President Trump’s current agenda on caregiving issues appears less clear, indicating a shift from previous positions. The upcoming elections will likely shed further light on how each candidate plans to address the pressing challenges faced by families in accessing affordable childcare and elder care.