Pence group criticizes Vance-backed child care subsidy plan

A conservative group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence is opposing a proposal backed by Vice President JD Vance that would let some stayathome parents receive up to $9,000 per child each year through an expanded child care program. Advancing American Freedom said the plan could expand government oversight of families, discourage work, and create new opportunities for fraud. The proposal would allow certain married families with one stayathome parent and one working spouse to qualify if they meet income and workhour requirements. Supporters say the change would give stayathome parents financial support similar to families that use subsidized child care. Critics argue it could strain a program that already faces waitlists in some states and might create penalties for parents who take parttime, remote, or gig work.