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4/29/2021

Statement by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen on the American Families Plan | U.S. Department of the Treasury

Statement by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen on the
American Families Plan
April 28, 2021

Tonight, President Biden placed education and caregiving squarely where they should be in
our national discussion – as core elements of a strong economy.
Historically, childcare and other social programs to help families haven’t been seen as crucial
investments underpinning American growth and productivity. But this is a failure of
perspective.
A healthy U.S. economy requires a vibrant labor market with high rates of participation.
Raising U.S. rates of participation to levels comparable to those of other advanced nations
requires widespread change in our labor policies. Indeed, there are many reasons for why
U.S. labor force participation lags, but an undeniable one is the lack of support for people
as they raise children and care for older relatives. Funding policies that help children and
families will boost labor force participation and productivity, resulting in an improvement in
the standard of living.
This is the President’s vision: To recognize that our work lives – and our family lives – are
inextricably linked, and if we want to improve one, then we must improve the other.
The President pays for these investments by addressing another historic challenge: the
country’s unfair tax code. Over the next decade, the American people are expected to lose
out on $7 trillion in revenue, in large part because some of the highest earners aren’t
reporting their actual income. In addition to strengthening compliance, the plan will also
close capital gains loopholes and treat investment earnings the same as wages for highincome taxpayers.

A fairer tax code in exchange for a higher quality of life for most American families? There are
some economic trade-o s that are tough calls. This is not one of them.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0151

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4/29/2021

Statement by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen on the American Families Plan | U.S. Department of the Treasury

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https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0151

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