Harris pledges to revive paid family leave, universal preschool

Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday promised to revive the push for paid family leave and universal preschool, two priorities of President Biden that he failed to implement.

Speaking before the American Federation of Teachers, the nation’s largest teachers’ union, Ms. Harris vowed to renew the fight for the two proposals found on most progressives’ wish lists.

“We see a future with affordable health care, affordable child care and paid leave. Not for some, but for all,” she told the enthusiastic crowd in Houston. 

Mr. Biden sought to add paid family leave and cheaper child care through universal preschool in his first budget as president. Congress rejected the proposals, and he tried again in his budget for fiscal 2025. Under his plan, a national paid family leave program would give workers up to 12 weeks of care for a newborn or family member or to recover from a health issue. 

The president’s efforts have largely gone nowhere because of a divided Congress and a Republican-controlled House.

Ms. Harris’ remarks signal that both proposals will be key areas of focus if she’s elected in November. It also shows that her campaign wants to expand the conversation around paid leave.

During her speech, Ms. Harris also pledged to increase union access, capitalizing on another priority of the Biden administration. He often boasts that he’s the most “pro-union president in history.”

“One of the best ways to keep our nation moving forward is to give workers a voice to protect the freedom to organize and defend the freedom to collectively bargain to end union busting,” she told the crowd.

The American Federation of Teachers this week became the first union to endorse Ms. Harris for president. In a statement released Tuesday, the labor group said its 3,500 members have a choice between Ms. Harris, whom it says will prioritize public schools, and former President Donald Trump, whom it says will “demonize” education.