Hillary Clinton to Propose Tax Credit for Caregivers

Hillary Clinton will propose a new tax credit for caregivers, adding to a series of middle-class tax cuts the Democratic frontrunner has announced this campaign.

The tax credit proposal, which Clinton will announce on Sunday afternoon in Clinton, IA, would give families up to $6,000 in caregiving costs for their elderly family members, according to a preview of the plan provided by an aide.

Clinton will also call for caregivers to earn credit toward their Social Security retirement benefits when they are not working, and propose investing $100 million over 10 years in a grants program for family caregivers.

“Caregiving can be a win-win for the family and for our overall health system,” the Clinton campaign said in a white paper. “It enables seniors to remain in their own homes, maintain independence, save costs, and still obtain the support they need.”

Clinton has pledged not to raise taxes on families earning less than $250,000 per year, and has announced tax cuts on the middle class, including last week a $5,000 credit for families to pay healthcare costs. She has also promised to extend the American Opportunity Tax Credits to help make college more affordable.

Her Democratic rivals for the nomination, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, are in favor of small tax increases to pay for large programs. Sanders supports a 2.2% tax increase to pay for single-payer healthcare, and O’Malley has voiced support for a Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand-sponsored paid family leave bill, which includes a 0.2% middle class tax increase.

The debate over whether to raise any taxes has become a contentious debate in the Democratic primary.

Read more: Hillary Clinton Call For Middle Class Tax Cuts