Having a family is expensive. Here's what Harris and Trump have said about easing costs

A split image of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris at their respective rallies in Atlanta.
Pictured, from left to right, former President Donald Trump at his campaign rally in Atlanta on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, and Vice President Kamala Harris at her campaign rally in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

The high cost of caring for children and the elderly has forced women out of the workforce, devastated family finances and left professional caretakers in low-wage jobs — all while slowing economic growth.

That families are suffering is not up for debate. As the economy emerges as a theme in this presidential election, the Democratic and Republican candidates have sketched out ideas for easing costs that reveal their divergent views about family.

On this topic, the two tickets have one main commonality: Both of the presidential candidates — and their running mates — have, at one point or another, backed an expanded child tax credit.