TUCSON— Today, President Joe Biden gave his first Joint Address to Congress where he announced the American Families Plan. The plan calls for major investments in education, childcare, and healthcare aimed at rebuilding the American middle class.

“The American Families Plan is the type of ambitious legislation we need to rebuild America’s middle class and ensure that the investments we make today set us up for a brighter future,” said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva. “For decades, tax policies benefitting the wealthy have starved investments in the middle class, exacerbated income inequality, and kept the American Dream out of reach for millions of Americans. We know that when our families succeed, our whole country succeeds. I’m pleased President Biden understands affordable healthcare, education, and childcare are critical to safeguarding and strengthening the middle class.”

The $1.8 trillion American Families Plan includes universal pre-K and free community college, creates a national paid family and medical leave program, and subsidizes childcare for low-income and middle-class families. Additionally, the plan extends the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit along with the health insurance tax credits in the American Rescue Plan. President Biden will pay for the plan by raising taxes on the wealthy, closing tax loopholes, and cracking down on tax evasion.

“President Biden’s joint address tonight made the case that government can work for the people again,” continued Rep. Grijalva. “From immigration and infrastructure to the climate crisis and racial justice, we must harness every tool at our disposal and embrace the bold policy solutions that this moment merits.”

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