On Thursday, the vice president addressed a virtual town hall advocating for the Build Back Better plan.
Kamala Harris, VP, stated that family leave is often overlooked because it primarily affects women.
It is not prioritized "because most people who depend on care are women and most people who provide care are also women."
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Kamala Harris, Vice President, argued for the Biden administration’s Build Back Better agenda. She said that the caregiving industry is ignored because it primarily affects women.
Harris says that paid time off, and specifically paid family leave, are not prioritized because most people who depend on care are women and most of those who provide care are women. It is now that care should be a priority.
She said that care is essential for all workers, and especially for women working in the field.
According to her, the average family must spend 13% of its income on childcare. This can be more expensive than housing, healthcare or tuition at in-state colleges in certain states.
The $3.5 trillion Build Back Better Plan aims to improve working conditions. This legislation would reduce the cost of childcare by half, extend child tax credit, increase the paid leave, and expand services for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Senator Joe Manchin, one of the critics of the agenda, stated that reconciliation bills will grant Americans an "entitlement mentality."
The Senator stated, "I cannot accept that our economy or society is moving towards an entitlement mentality." "I can only help those who truly need it if they help themselves."
Biden's $3.5 Trillion 10-year plan is currently being negotiated by Democrats. Some senators, like Manchin, want to lower the price tag. This could lead to cuts in education, healthcare, childcare, and climate change solutions.
The vice president countered that claim during the town hall: "This is about giving people dignity with which to live."
Insider reached out to the White House and Office of Senator Joe Manchin for comment but they did not respond immediately.
You can watch the entire clip here
