Neera Tanden discusses in Philadelphia women’s leadership and key election issues

Philadelphia, PA– In a recent interview with Impacto, Neera Tanden, Director of the US Domestic Policy Council, discussed the significant strides made by the Biden administration in promoting diversity and addressing critical issues affecting American families. Tanden highlighted the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, emphasizing the historic diversity of the cabinet, which includes key figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary Becerra, Secretary Cardona, Administrator Guzman, and Secretary Mayorkas.

She reflected on her own journey and the experiences that have shaped her understanding of the challenges many Americans face, underscoring the president’s vision of an administration that mirrors and understands the diverse experiences of its citizens.

Tanden currently serves as Domestic Policy Advisor to President Biden, following her previous roles as Senior Advisor and Staff Secretary in the White House. With extensive experience from the Obama and Clinton administrations, as well as presidential campaigns and think tanks, Tanden brings a wealth of knowledge to her position. Before joining the Biden-Harris administration, she was the President and CEO of the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund, where she led initiatives that influenced the current administration’s agenda, including clean energy subsidies, a new childcare program and closing the “boyfriend loophole” on guns.

Tanden also delved into the administration’s efforts to alleviate the burdens on families, particularly in areas like healthcare, childcare, and housing. She outlined the measures taken, such as the American Rescue Plan and proposed policies to cap rent increases and reduce childcare costs, aiming to provide tangible relief to struggling families. With the upcoming election, Tanden stressed the stark choices ahead for the American people, emphasizing the importance of a government that works for all, not just a select few, and the critical role the Biden-Harris administration plays in expanding opportunities and addressing systemic issues.

Q: Why did they choose you?

Neera Tanden: As Chair of the Domestic Policy Council for the president, I oversee all of his issues, from healthcare to crime to domestic immigration. I think the president chose me because I have extensive experience with these issues and have worked with a variety of communities over the years. He wants an administration that looks like America and understands the diverse experiences of Americans. I have personal experience with many of the programs we discuss, having grown up using welfare and food stamps. The president believes in having an administration that not only represents America but also understands its diverse experiences.

Q: What is the administration currently doing for Philadelphia?

Neera Tanden: We are very focused on addressing the concerns holding many families back, such as healthcare costs, childcare costs, and housing costs. Families struggle with making ends meet because of high costs in these basic areas, which can make it impossible to work or advance financially. That’s why we’re proud of the work we’ve done with the American Rescue Plan and the COVID response, which has been crucial for Latino families. We aim to address these costs, which act as anchors, making it hard for families to get ahead. For example, childcare can cost $11,000 to $13,000 a year per child, and rents have increased by 20-30%.

The president proposed a rent cap, ensuring rents can’t increase more than 5% a year for 20 million units across the country. We’ve also proposed hundreds of billions of dollars for more affordable housing and low-income housing tax credits. Additionally, the president’s universal childcare plan proposes that no middle-class family would pay more than $10 a day for childcare, which currently costs almost $1,000 a month. These are just two areas where we are working hard, and the vice president has been a strong champion for these issues.

Q: What do you think is at risk with the upcoming election? Many people don’t feel like these big changes are affecting their lives.

Neera Tanden: That’s exactly why the president and vice president understand the importance of addressing core issues. Today, we have the highest rate of insurance for Latino Americans ever. The Affordable Care Act has seen a 100% increase in Latino healthcare coverage in the last three years. That’s vital progress. We know families are struggling, but we’re also seeing stark choices in the upcoming election. We need to address issues like increasing the minimum wage, managing rent costs, increasing childcare, and building on the success of the Affordable Care Act by covering more people and lowering prescription drug prices.

The country faces a choice: whether our government works for all of us or just some of us. The other side has a very harsh vision of America, discussing mass deportations and ending the Affordable Care Act. These actions could rip our communities apart. I am proud to serve in an administration that believes the government should look like and serve all Americans. We must build a better future for everyone, regardless of race or economic circumstance, and ensure that the government expands opportunities for all.