Remember that moment during the Republican National Convention when Ivanka Trump boldly declared that her father would make childcare “affordable and accessible to all”? The crowd was left scratching their heads, and now that Dad is in the White House, Ivanka has taken it upon herself to spearhead this initiative—though it seems to be floundering with zero chance of success.
Last week, Ivanka, who holds the title of “First Daughter” but has no official role in the administration, met with members of Congress to unveil a childcare plan that, unfortunately, seems best suited for affluent families. The proposed initiative could cost a whopping $5 billion over the next decade. Yes, that’s billion with a “b”—a staggering amount for a party typically wary of government spending. And let’s be real: the needs of low-income women and children hardly seem to be a priority here.
The plan suggests that individuals making less than $250,000 and couples earning under $500,000 could receive a tax deduction for childcare expenses. Great news for those half-million-dollar earners worried about affording nannies—because we all know the struggle of deciding whether to sell a yacht to cover childcare costs is real. But what about those who make so little that they don’t owe taxes? That’s the catch-22: to benefit from the tax deduction, you first need to earn enough money, which is precisely what affordable childcare could help facilitate.
Now, lower-income families aren’t entirely left out in the cold. They would receive a childcare rebate that contributes to a larger earned income tax credit. However, as Glamour.com explains, this rebate could max out at $1,200, while the average annual childcare cost is around $6,600. So, subtracting $1,200 from $6,600 leaves you with a staggering $5,400—still a hefty sum for struggling families.
That said, we should acknowledge Ivanka’s efforts; she does wield considerable influence over her father and appears to be advocating for women’s empowerment. Sheila Marcus, the founder of Care.com, noted that Ivanka is pushing for a childcare tax plan to accompany the president’s tax reforms. Kudos to her for that.
However, the fact that she is the one leading this initiative indicates a serious lack of commitment from the administration on this crucial issue. It’s disheartening to see affordable childcare reduced to a pet project for the president’s favorite daughter (sorry, Tiffany). The reality is that this proposal does little to actually make childcare more affordable for the majority of working families. As Marcus puts it, it’s an insult to those who genuinely need assistance. While it’s great to have someone in the president’s ear advocating for women’s rights to affordable childcare, she’s up against an administration that seems indifferent and unwilling to provide the support needed for a viable plan.
In summary, while Ivanka’s childcare plan aims to address essential issues, it ultimately caters to wealthy families and fails to support those who need help the most, revealing a disconnect with the realities of many American families. For more insights into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource from the NIH.