WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 18: U.S. President Joe Biden holds up an executive order related to childcare and eldercare after signing it during an event in the Rose Garden of the White House April 18, 2023, in Washington, DC. President Biden is announcing more than 50 executive actions today aimed at increasing access to child care, advancing free preschool, and improvements to the work life of caregivers.
President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Tuesday, April 18, with more than 50 distinct recommendations to expand the availability of child care and make it easier for caregivers in the workplace.
Notably, in 2021, the Democratic president called for much greater funding, asking for more than $425 billion to increase childcare options, make them more affordable, and increase caregiver pay.
In a press conference at the White House attended by advocates and providers of child and family care, Biden hailed the executive order as "the most comprehensive set of actions any administration has taken to date to increase access to high-quality child care and long-term care and support for the caregivers."
CNN reported that the president said there would be no additional costs associated with the directive and would help taxpayers get the most out of their current investments.
Biden's Unyielding Approach to the Care Economy
President Biden has taken a hard stance with Republicans who are pursuing spending caps by calling for more funding for the care economy in his proposed budget for the fiscal year 2024.
White House Domestic Policy Council Director Susan Rice said in a phone conversation with reporters, including the AP News, that the directive demonstrates that Biden is not waiting for Congress to act.
Rice said that childcare and long-term care systems in the US do not work well. It is expensive to provide care of a high standard and takes a lot of effort.
She said skilled professionals are needed. However, those who labor in the care industry are often underpaid since they are mostly women, women of color, and immigrants, she added.
The purpose of the directive is to enhance the quality of child care available to the children of government employees and their families.
Reportedly, through the Child Care & Development Block Grant program, it intends to reduce fees for participating families. Home care for military veterans would improve. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services would increase Head Start instructors' and staff members' compensation and benefits.
Helping Families in a Meaningful Way
According to the White House, as featured by USA Today, the cost of child care has increased by over 26% in the last decade and over 200% in the previous three decades. In-home care for the elderly and the handicapped has seen a 40% increase in price over the last decade.
Many parents, especially women, are unable to work because of the widespread lack of childcare options. If nothing is done, the US stands to lose $290 billion in gross domestic product per year until 2030. This is based on research by the Boston Consulting Group.
