From Paid Parental Leave To A Massive Tax Cut, President Trump Has Made Good On His Promise To Fight For Women And Families

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The Facts:

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH IS A GOOD TIME TO RECOGNIZE HOW PRESIDENT TRUMP'S POLICIES CONTINUE TO EMPOWER WOMEN EVERYWHERE

March is Women's History Month, President Trump has urged that Americans "pay tribute to the women who strengthen and enrich our society."

Women have enjoyed historically low unemployment under President Trump, and at 3.5% currently, the last time the unemployment rate was this low for women was 1953.

Under President Trump, women have benefitted from the roaring jobs market, accounting for more than58% of the jobs created since he took office.

PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS WORKED TO MAKE SURE THAT WORKING MOTHERS DON'T HAVE TO SACRIFICE THEIR CAREER TO RAISE A FAMILY

In late 2019, President Trump approved the largest paid parental leave program ever, guaranteeing 12 weeks of paid leave for all federal workers.

The Trump Administration created an initiative on workforce development that dramatically expanded apprenticeship programs and pledged on the job training for 6.5 million Americans.

These programs are particularly important for low-income parents, many of whom cannot afford to leave the workforce for traditional skills training they need to compete with their peers.

PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS MADE EMPOWERING WOMEN TO ACHIEVE THEIR ECONOMIC POTENTIAL A PRIORITY IN HIS ADMINISTRATION

In an effort to combat gender inequality in tech, President Trump directed more than $200 million per year to Technology Education Grants for women and minorities, prioritizing programs that encourage women to participate in STEM careers.

Ivanka Trump created the Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative , which set up a $50 million fund to invest in programs to help women around the world realize their economic potential

AS A PART OF HIS LANDMARK TAX CUT, PRESIDENT TRUMP INCREASED THE CHILD TAX CREDIT BY 100%, ENSURING MORE MONEY WILL GO BACK INTO THE POCKETS OF HARDWORKING MOTHERS

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act included a 100% increase to the child tax credit, a proven fiscal mechanism that has lifted millions of Americans out of poverty.

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WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH IS A GOOD TIME TO RECOGNIZE HOW PRESIDENT TRUMP'S POLICIES CONTINUE TO EMPOWER WOMEN EVERYWHERE

March Is Women's History Month, President Trump Has Urged That Americans "Pay Tribute To The Women Who Strengthen And Enrich Our Society"

President Trump Designated March 2020 As Women's History Month To "To Pay Tribute To The Women Who Strengthen And Enrich Our Society Through Civic Action, Devotion To Family, And Tireless Dedication To Community, Innovation, Peace, And Prosperity." "This month, we pause as a Nation to pay tribute to the women who strengthen and enrich our society through civic action, devotion to family, and tireless dedication to community, innovation, peace, and prosperity. We pledge also to continue fighting for the further advancement of women in our society and around the globe, living up to the promise of our Nation's founding. Now, therefore, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2020 as Women's History Month." ( White House , 2/29/20)

Women Have Enjoyed Historically Low Unemployment Under President Trump

The Unemployment Rate For Women Was 3.5 Percent, Near A Generational Low. ( Bureau Of Labor Statistics , Accessed 3/2/20)

The Last Time The Women's Unemployment Was This Low Priorz To The Trump Administration Was In 1953. ( Bureau Of Labor Statistics , Accessed 3/2/20)

Under President Trump, Women Have Benefitted From The Roaring Jobs Market, Accounting For More Than 58% Of The Jobs Created Since He Took Office

Since President Trump's Election, The U.S. Economy Has Added More Than 4.2 Million New Jobs For Women . ( Bureau Of Labor Statistics , Accessed 3/2/20)

This Means More Than 58% Percent Of The 7.1 Million New Jobs Added Since The Election Have Gone To Women. ( Bureau Of Labor Statistics , Accessed 3/2/20); Bureau Of Labor Statistics , Accessed 3/2/20)

PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS WORKED TO MAKE SURE THAT WORKING MOTHERS DON'T HAVE TO SACRIFICE THEIR CAREER TO RAISE A FAMILY

In Late 2019, President Trump Approved The Largest Paid Parental Leave Program Ever, Guaranteeing 12 Weeks Of Paid Leave For All Federal Workers

President Trump Secured 12 Weeks Of Paid Parental Leave For All Federal Workers As A Part Of Defense Legislation Approved In December 2019. "Trump will highlight his administration's role in securing the passage of defense legislation that Congress approved in December that included 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal workers - an accomplishment the administration sees as paving the way for a private-sector program." ( McClatchy , 1/31/20)

President Trump Has "Repeatedly Included Paid Leave Policies In His Annual Budgets To Congress." "He has repeatedly included paid leave policies in his annual budgets to Congress, however they have not advanced any further. Officials declined to say Friday what the president would seek in the fiscal year 2021 budget he plans to submit to Congress in February." ( McClatchy , 1/31/20)

The Trump Administration Has Created An Initiative On Workforce Development That Dramatically Expanded On The Job Training And Apprenticeships Particularly Important For Working Parents Who Cannot Afford To Leave The Workforce For Traditional Training

President Trump Signed An Executive Order On Workforce Development, Establishing The National Council For The American Worker Which Will Develop A "National Strategy To Train Americans For The Skills They Need To Fill Open Jobs Now And In The Future." "The executive order also establishes the National Council for the American Worker, which will consist of cabinet members and senior White House officials. They are charged with developing a national strategy to train Americans for the skills they need to fill open jobs now and in the future. The order also created the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board that will bring together governors with business executives and educators." ( CNN , 7/19/18)

So Far, 200 Companies And Associations Have Signed The Administration's Pledge To America's Workers, Promising To Create More Than 6.5 Million Education, Training And Skill-Building Opportunities Over The Next Five Years. "The White House said 200 companies and associations have signed the administration's Pledge to America's Workers, promising to create more than 6.5 million education, training and skill-building opportunities over the next five years. 'The top priority for companies competing in the digital economy has to be investing in people,' said Barbara Humpton, the chief executive officer of Siemens USA, a member of the board." ( Bloomberg , 2/13/19)

The Initiative Expanded The Federally Funded Apprenticeship Program So Employees Can Learn While On The Job. "Mr. Trump's action comes in the form of an executive order expanding federally funded apprenticeship programs. The order would create a category of programs that industry groups and other third parties could develop and then submit for Labor Department approval, rather than working within existing department guidelines. 'Apprenticeships place students into great jobs without the crippling debt of traditional four-year college degrees,' Mr. Trump said. 'Instead apprentices earn while they learn.'" ( The New York Times , 6/15/17)

By Expanding Apprenticeship Programs, The White House Took A "Concrete" Step Towards Addressing "The Employment Prospects Of Workers Left Behind By The Current Economic Expansion." " President Trump is taking one of the most concrete steps of his presidency on Thursday to address the employment prospects of workers left behind by the current economic expansion. In doing so, he also joins a long-running and occasionally contentious debate over whether those workers have the skills they need to land desirable jobs." ( The New York Times , 6/15/17)

Gary Burtless, An Economist With The Brookings Institution, Said That A Portion Of Job Vacancies Are "Unquestionably Due To The Skills Gap" And That In Many Cases This Skills Barrier Can Be Overcome With On The Job Training. "On the one hand, 'some of the current job vacancies are unquestionably due to the skills gap,' said Gary Burtless, an economist with the Brookings Institution. 'If job-seeking jobless workers and promotion-seeking but under-employed workers had exactly the right skills, many of the current job vacancies could be filled faster.' At the same time, for many job openings, the barrier isn't necessarily the lack of a college degree or specialized training, he said. In many cases, the 'barrier' can be overcome with on-the-job training and experience." ( Politifact , 6/16/17)

"Education And Training Programs Can Help Low-Income Parents Improve Their Skills And Move Up To Better-Paying Jobs" But Paying For These Programs In Addition To Childcare Can Often Be Challenging For Working Class Families. "Education and training programs can help low-income parents improve their skills and move up to better-paying jobs, but many families face significant challenges paying for school expenses, juggling work and school, and arranging child care. Knowing more about who these parents are can help shape public policies and programs that support families' work and education efforts." ( The Urban Institute , 10/10/14)

PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS MADE EMPOWERING WOMEN TO ACHIEVE THEIR ECONOMIC POTENTIAL A PRIORITY IN HIS ADMINISTRATION

President Trump And His Daughter Ivanka Have Made Empowering Women To Pursue Careers And Realize Their Economic Potential A Priority Both At Home And Abroad

President Trump Directed More Than $200 Million Per Year To Technology Education Grants For Women And Minorities Prioritizing Programs That Encourage Women To Participate In STEM Careers. "President Donald Trump on Monday directed at least $200 million a year to technology education grants for women and minorities. The president signed a memo instructing Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to prioritize STEM through existing competitive grant programs that will encourage women and minorities to participate in coding and other computer-based careers - though senior administration officials offered few specifics on how they would fulfill that goal." ( Politico , 9/25/17)

The Announcement Comes As Part Of An Effort To Address Gender Inequality In Tech By "Designing These Education Programs To Encourage Gender And Racial Diversity." "The grants won't require congressional approval or new appropriations, White House officials said, because they will rely on existing Education Department funds. The announcement comes amid a national discussion about gender equality in Silicon Valley, sparked by allegations of sexism at Uber, Google and other startups. Administration officials suggested the timing is not coincidental. 'Women are not equally participating in certain lucrative industries and fields, and we're looking to change the equation by designing these education programs to encourage gender and racial diversity,' one senior official said. 'It is clearly an enormous problem.'" ( Politico , 9/25/17)

Ivanka Trump Created The Women's Global Development And Prosperity Initiative Which Furthers This Aim Of Helping Women Around The World Realize Their Economic Potential. "First daughter Ivanka Trump wants to help 50 million women around the world 'realize their economic potential' by 2025. Experts who work with women's issues in the global development community are hopeful about the new initiative - but raise questions about the timing of the announcement and the lack of specifics. Trump, a senior adviser to President Trump, announced the Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative last week in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal." ( NPR , 2/12/19)

The Fund Aims To Get All U.S. Foreign Assistance Agencies To Give Top Priority To Women's Economic Development And Sets Up A $50 Million Fund To Invest In Programs That Can Help Make It Easier For Women To Find Jobs. "It aims to get all U.S. foreign assistance agencies - including the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Peace Corps and six others - to give top priority to push for women's economic development. And it sets up a $50 million fund for USAID to invest in new programs that can help make it easier for women to find jobs, start their own businesses and do business. A White House press conference about the initiative identified the range of women who might be helped, from a dairy farmer in Georgia to the founder of a women's group in Malawi." ( NPR , 2/12/19)

Thanks To Ivanka Trump's Advocacy, The Ivory Coast Passed Landmark Protections For Women That Make The Countries Family Code More Equitable

During Her Visit To The Ivory Coast To Promote Her Women's Economic Development Fund, Ivanka Trump Successfully Advocated For Changes That Make The Countries Family Code More Equitable To Women. "Ivanka Trump is applauding the recent passage of legislation in Ivory Coast related to changes she pushed during her April trip to Africa. The country is in the process of updating its family code to make it more equitable to women - a move President Donald Trump's eldest daughter and senior adviser praised as 'a great step forward.' 'We are pleased to recognize and applaud the Ivorian government's recent passage of the marriage law, which supports women's equal management of household assets,' she said in a statement to The Associated Press." ( The New York Times , 7/9/19)

Trump Met With Ivory Coast Vice President Daniel Duncan And Advocated For The Legislation That Would Eliminate Laws That Restricted Women From Owning Or Inheriting Property. "In her conversations with Ivory Coast Vice President Daniel Duncan during her visit, Ivanka Trump said, she and her team encouraged the passage of legislation to advance women's rights and legal status, including doing away with laws that restricted women from owning or inheriting property." ( The New York Times , 7/9/19)

Under The Revised Code, Husbands And Wives Will Have More Equal Say In Managing Household Assets, Widows Would Be Entitled To Inheritance, The Minimum Age For Marriage Is 18 And The Law Tightens Domestic Violence Protections. "Under the revised code, husbands and wives will have more equal say in managing household assets and making financial decisions. That's in addition to other changes, such as new measures to ensure that widows are entitled to inheritances, additional protections against domestic violence, and setting the minimum age for marriage at 18 for both women and men." ( The New York Times , 7/9/19)

AS A PART OF HIS LANDMARK TAX CUT, PRESIDENT TRUMP INCREASED THE CHILD TAX CREDIT BY 100%, ENSURING MORE MONEY WILL GO BACK INTO THE POCKETS OF HARDWORKING MOTHERS

The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Included A 100% Increase To The Child Tax Credit, A Proven Fiscal Mechanism That Has Lifted Millions Of Americans Out Of Poverty

The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Expanded The Child Tax Credit From $1,000 Per Child To A Maximum Of $2,000 Per Child For Middle Income Families. "The current child tax credit is $1,000 per child. The House and Senate bills expanded the child tax credit, with the Senate going up to a maximum of $2,000 per child. The final bill keeps the $2,000-per-child credit (families making up to about $400,000 get to take the credit)." ( The Washington Post , 12/15/17)

The Bill Also Expands The Refundable Portion Of The Child Tax Credit, Meaning That Families That Do Not Earn Enough To Owe Federal Income Tax Will Receive A Check From The Government For Up To $1,400 . "It also makes more of the tax credit refundable, meaning families that work but don't earn enough to actually owe any federal income taxes will get a large check back from the government. Benefits for those families were initially limited to about $1,100, but through changes Rubio and Lee pushed for, it's now up to $1,400." ( The Washington Post , 12/15/17)

. "It also makes more of the tax credit refundable, meaning families that work but don't earn enough to actually owe any federal income taxes will get a large check back from the government. Benefits for those families were initially limited to about $1,100, but through changes Rubio and Lee pushed for, it's now up to $1,400." ( The Washington Post , 12/15/17) The Bill Makes The Child Tax Credit "More Generous For Low-Income Families." "Thanks to a late push by Rubio and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), the child tax credit would be more generous for low-income families and the working class." ( The Washington Post , 12/15/17)

In 2016, The Child Tax Credit, Combined With Other Refundable Credits, Lifted 8.2 Million Americans Out Of Poverty According To The U.S. Census Bureau Report On Poverty. "The CTC and EITC have also done exactly what they were intended to do: lift millions of people out of poverty. The latest report on poverty in America from the U.S. Census Bureau came out last week. It showed that refundable tax credits lifted 8.2 million Americans out of poverty in 2016, making the credits the second-best poverty reduction program in the United States after only Social Security." ( The Washington Post , 9/19/17)

Research From The Center On Budget And Policy Priorities Suggests The Child Tax Credit Leads To Improved Educational Outcomes For Young Children In Low-Income Households. "Moreover, research suggests that income from the EITC and CTC leads to improved educational outcomes for young children in low-income households. For each $1,000 increase in annual income over two to five years, children's school performance improves on a variety of measures, including academic test scores. A credit that's worth about $3,000 (in 2005 dollars) during a child's early years may boost his or her achievement by the equivalent of about two extra months of schooling." ( Center On Budget And Policy Priorities , 10/1/15)

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