Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden released another aspect of the campaign today with details of his proposals to promote and protect child- and eldercare, adding another layer to his economic policy for the nation.

Recalling the fact that Biden was a single parent and a caregiver for aging parents, the policy lays out the struggles faced by those caring for other family members, particularly in the time of the coronavirus, pointing out “President Trump’s failure to take action to control the coronavirus has worsened all of these challenges facing families across the country.”

The campaign notes that the caregiver programs can also help stimulate the economy by providing security for families.

“They will also have a significant jobs impact: This plan, combined with Biden’s proposal to provide families with up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave, will put 3 million Americans to work in new care and education jobs, and increase overall employment by about 5 million after taking into account the economic impacts of increased labor force participation after unpaid caregivers — disproportionately women — are freed up to pursue paid careers if they so choose,” the plan states.

The four points of this aspect of the Biden program are:

• Expand access to a broad array of long-term services and supports in local settings, including through closing the gaps in Medicaid for home- and community-based services and establishing a state innovation fund for creative, cost effective direct care services.
• Ensure access to high-quality, affordable child care and offer universal preschool to three-and four-year olds through greater investment, expanded tax credits, and sliding-scale subsidies.
• Build safe, energy-efficient, developmentally appropriate child care facilities, including in workplaces, so that parents and guardians never again have to search in vain for a suitable child care option.
• Treat caregivers and early childhood educators with respect and dignity, and give them the pay and benefits they deserve, training and career ladders to higher-paying jobs, the choice to join a union and bargain collectively, and other fundamental work-related rights and protections.

With a total cost of $775 billion over ten years, the plan will be financed by increasing taxes on people like Donald Trump, real estate investors with incomes over $400,000, and taking steps to increase tax compliance for high-income earners.