US: Biden to unveil $1.8 trillion family aid plan

The White House called the proposal to expand educational opportunities and childcare for families a ‘once-in-a-generation’ plan.

Marking his first 100 days in office, President Joe Biden is set to use his first joint address to Congress to pitch a $1.8 trillion investment in children, families and education that would fundamentally transform the role government plays in American life. Biden will make his case on Wednesday night before a pared-down gathering of mask-wearing legislators due to coronavirus restrictions and in a US Capitol still surrounded by black fencing following the January 6 storming by rioters seeking to overturn his election victory. The sweeping proposal includes $200bn to provide universal preschool to all three- and four-year-olds, $109bn to offer two years of free community college, $225bn for childcare and $200bn to maintain reductions in healthcare premiums under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).