Schooling, Child Care And Economic Aid Plans Touted In Biden’s Speech
A host of proposals that could have big impact on Americans' health and wellbeing also featured prominently in the presidential address.
The New York Times:
Biden Proposes Free Community College For All Americans
Proponents of the idea say it will relieve some of the burdens saddling low-income and working-class college students, many of whom struggle to cover tuition costs while at the same time paying for rent, food and other basic needs. Juan Salgado, chancellor of the 70,000-student City Colleges of Chicago system, said that by providing some free secondary education, Mr. Biden’s plan would bring education into the 21st century. (Saul and Goldstein, 4/28)
The New York Times:
What’s In Biden’s Spending Plan: Free Preschool And National Paid Leave
President Biden’s $1.8 trillion spending and tax plan is aimed at bolstering the United States’ social safety net by expanding access to education, reducing the cost of child care and supporting women in the work force. Like the $2 trillion infrastructure plan that preceded it, Mr. Biden’s latest proposal is funded by raising taxes on wealthier Americans, and it is likely to encounter Republican resistance for that reason. (Karni, 4/28)
Politico:
Biden Embraces His Inner Robin Hood
Biden called for adding two years of universal preschool for every 3- and 4-year-old in America; two years of free community college; and increasing Pell Grants. He pushed to guarantee that low- to middle-income families pay no more than 7 percent of their income for care for children up to the age of 5; and to provide up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave. “No one should have to choose between a job and paycheck or taking care of themselves and a loved one — a parent, spouse, or child,” Biden said, casting his sweeping agenda a once-in-a-generation investment “in America itself.” (Korecki and Cadelago, 4/28)
Biden also addressed the economy and gun control —
The Wall Street Journal:
Biden Pushes Broad Economic Agenda In Speech To Congress
The president also called for Congress to back a slew of Democratic priorities, including raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, closing the gender pay gap and strengthening worker bargaining rights. He called for expanding access to healthcare and reducing prescription drug prices. (Lucey and Siddiqui, 4/28)
The Hill:
Biden Calls For Congress To Pass Gun Control Bills: 'Don't Tell Me It Can't Be Done'
President Biden on Wednesday evening urged Congress to pass gun legislation, calling on Senate Republicans to support House-passed bills on the matter. During a speech made to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber, Biden called the problem of gun violence an American problem, rather than a partisan issue. He called on GOP lawmakers in the upper chamber to enact gun reform legislation. (Gangitano, 4/28)
