Jonah JacobsThe government under President Biden is wasting no time in sending help to those who need it most. It all started with the American Rescue Plan that became official in March of this year. Once the President signed it into law, the plan’s benefits started to appear in everyday life.
Not only did we start to receive $1,400 stimulus payments to help ease financial burden and pay the bills, but we also saw vaccine availability skyrocket to protect against COVID-19.
And if you’re a parent who’s been negatively impacted by having your kids at home all this time, this is the benefit you probably loved most: Seeing schools start to reopen at a faster pace.
Although it seems as if the American Rescue Plan was and continues to be a hit, there could be even more relief on the way. President Biden recently revealed his next goal, which is the approval of the American Families Plan. While the plan offers massive investments in making health insurance, food, and other necessities more accessible, let’s look at how it could make education a lot more affordable.
Universal Pre-school – $200 billion
The need for affordable education starts at an early age. Three and four-year-olds would enjoy free, high-quality pre-school under the American Families Plan, thanks to a $200 billion investment. In doing so, it would level the playing field between low-income and higher-income families so that no children are left behind.
How much could this save parents if the American Families Plan gets signed into law? An average of $13,000 per year, which is critical for households where every dollar counts.
As mentioned, universal pre-school would not only offer free education for young children, but it would make sure it’s of high quality. To achieve this goal, the American Families plan will incentivize people to study early childhood education via free community college, advanced training, and higher wages.
Increased College Retention and Completion Rates – $62 Billion
Statistics show that only three out of five students get their college degrees or certificates.
By not completing their higher education, these students lower their chances of improving social mobility and building a solid financial future.
Through a $62 billion investment, the American Families Plan hopes to improve college retention and completion rates by offering:
- Child care
- Mental health services
- Mentoring
- Basic needs grants
Free Community College – $109 Billion
Community college can help students get degrees and workers earn credentials to improve their earning power and advance their careers. But enrollment numbers are down due to increased costs, which is why the American Families Plan wants to offer community college for free.
Students who qualify could take up to four years to complete their programs, which is ideal for parents or anyone working a job while studying. If approved, the free community college benefit could help 5.5 million people, including DREAMers.
