Hillary Clinton proposes more financial support for caregivers

Taxes are shaping up to be a differentiator between Clinton, the front-runner for the Democratic nomination to run in the November 2016 election, and her challengers, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley.

According to an aide, Clinton will call for the creation of a credit for up to $6,000 in expenses to offset the cost to taxpayers caring for elderly family members.

Clinton Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri told reporters “the most important moment” for the campaign during last week’s second Democratic debate was when the three discussed taxing the middle class and to expect Clinton to discuss it more fully in the coming days. Clinton would also seek changes to the Social Security system to allow credit toward a wage earner’s monthly benefit at retirement when that wage earner takes time off to care for an elderly relative.

“Caregiving can be a win-win for the family and for our overall health system”, the Clinton campaign said in a white paper. Moreover, altering the Social Security program to accord some additional benefits to such people will help them better manage their time between their profession and their family.

“Other candidates want to increase taxes for working people and the middle class as part of their health care plans”, Clinton said Saturday at an outdoor gathering of local Democrats in North Charleston. Clinton says there needs to be more financial support for people who are caregivers to elderly family members or people with disabilities.

Thats a lot, said Sanders, who then repeateda challenge he has extended to Clinton to join those supporting the legislation, which he said would cost the typical worker $1.39 a week. She confirmed the money could be generated by taxing the higher-income slab a little more. Essentially, she intends to boost support for care workers and increase funding for a program that offers state-level grants to programs for caregivers, reported the Los Angeles Times. Americans with out-of-pocket health care expenses exceeding 5 percent of their income would be eligible for the credit. She has accused primary rival Sen.

“Hillary Clinton’s solution to every pressing issue is to expand government and raise taxes, and this plan is no different as it will cost hardworking Americans billions”, said Ninio Fetalvo, Asian Pacific American press secretary at the Republican National Committee.

In an interview with the Des Moines Register, Sanders claimed Clinton was short on details when it comes to taxes and family leave.