Child care becomes popular issue on campaign trail

Donald Trump hopes poll numbers will start moving in his favor after releasing his economic plan.

One of the cornerstones appeals to middle class families, by offering more tax breaks for child care.

Low income families typically get assistance with child care, and the wealthy can easily afford it.

It’s the middle class that has the hardest time affording what they believe is a cost that seems to only get higher.

Cindy Carr has two boys, ages 6 and 3.

She just finished shopping around for child care in Colorado Springs.

“I’d say $170 a week is about the average cost,” she said.

That figure is per child.

“It is outrageous,” adds Kantessa Overturf, who faces an even grimmer situation.

“For each of my kids to attend currently, it’s a thousand dollars a month, and if there weren’t things like daycare assistance, I wouldn’t be able to work,” she says.

While unveiling his economic plan Monday, Donald Trump talked about the burden parents face.

“They’re suffering. They’re suffering. We’re going to get them this much needed relief,” he said.

Trump’s plan would allow families to deduct much more child care expenses from their taxes than the current $6,000 limit.

Hillary Clinton has instead called for a cap on total child care expenses, 10% of a household income.

She also criticized Trump’s plan overall for helping primarily the wealthy.

“It’s time we helped everybody else in America get ahead and stay ahead,” she said.
Politics aside, Colorado parents say any relief would be welcome.

“Living here in the Springs, there’s not many places that pay over $10 an hour, so I don’t know how many families can afford it. It seems almost impossible,” said Overturf.

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