How Biden’s Build Back Better Legislation Will Affect You

Democrats Push for Social Change

Mildred Robertson

All politics is local. That may not be clear from the hoopla occurring in Washington, D.C. over President Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” (BBB) initiative. But this bill is packed full of benefits that will transform North Carolina, and other states across this nation for years to come. We are talking about historic investments in child care, affordable housing, education, and health and family home care that will recreate our economy around today’s realities. 

We no longer live in an agrarian society where generations of family members live together to provide support for the young and the old. Our reality today generally requires a two-family income. That means families are left to grapple with child care and elder care, while both parents hold down full-time jobs. Not only must earned income go toward childcare and eldercare, but the costs for caring for our loved ones are exorbitant.

The North Carolina Democratic Party states that the average annual cost of child care for a toddler is $8,746. BBB will ensure that access to high-quality child care will consume no more than 7% of a family’s income. In North Carolina, that could affect close to 630,000 young children. Not only will this bill help with child-care costs, it will fund universal, high-quality preschool for children throughout the nation. Through BBB, more than 154,103 children ages 3-4 years old will gain access to North Carolina’s existing preschool program.

While addressing quality-of-life issues for families in this country, BBB also takes direct aim at the housing crisis. The NCDP says more than 600,000 renters in North Carolina spend more than 30% of their income on rent. Homeownership, they say, is out of the reach for many families. BBB addresses both these issues by expanding rental assistance and focusing on increasing the supply of high-quality affordable housing. 

Other issues this bill addresses is the need to expand health care coverage and lower costs. The bill will close the Medicaid coverage gap while reducing premiums, making insurance more accessible and affordable. That translates into 388,000 uninsured individuals who will gain coverage in North Carolina alone. NCDP says that 229,100 North Carolinians will, on average, save hundreds of dollars per year on insurance.

Additionally, “Build Back Better” will support long-term family care needs and will cut taxes for workers and families. It is estimated that the extended Child Tax Credit increase will become permanent and will provide a tax cut of up to $1,500 for 593,000 low-wage workers in North Carolina.

So as you weigh the importance of the Washington beltway chatter about the Biden administration and his “Build Back Better” program, I encourage each of you to examine how these cutting-edge policies will affect your daily lives. I believe the bill is transformational. I believe it positions America to be on the cutting edge of social, business and political innovation for the coming millennia. And I really do think it will make America better.

So ignore the chatter. Talk to your local legislators, read your local newspapers. Do your research. I believe you will find that BBB will help create a better life for you today and for generations to come.