Dear Alaskans,
As a father to two amazing daughters, I have long advocated for Alaska's working families. Raising children and putting food on the dinner table can be a challenge in normal times, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made it that much harder. This week in the House, I continued my fight for Alaska's working moms and dads and their children. I wanted to take a quick moment to update you on two critical bills to help get families through these unprecedented times. I am very proud that Republicans and Democrats came together to pass these bills on a strongly bipartisan basis. As always, should you have any questions or concerns about issues before Congress, don't hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Don Young
Congressman for All Alaska
Keeping our Children Safe and Helping them Learn
My legislation to expand access to child care and help get parents back to work has PASSED THE HOUSE! Now more than ever, 21st Century Community Learning Centers play a critical role in supporting our children through academic enrichment and access to engaging and safe learning environments. Normally, the program focuses on initiatives that occur after school, but these are anything but normal times. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way our children learn, and we must ensure that this critical grant program can adapt. Educators, administrators, and the students they teach need and deserve funding flexibility so that learning can continue during this public health crisis.
This crucial legislation takes the steps necessary to ensure that the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program works for students in Alaska and across the country. I am proud to have worked with Congresswoman Susan Wild on this bill, and I am very grateful to my friends on both sides of the aisle for supporting its passage this week. As Co-Chair of the House Afterschool Caucus, I want children, parents, and teachers in Alaska to know that they have a partner in Washington, D.C., and I will keep fighting so that they have the support needed to come out of this stronger than ever before. Click here to read more.
Supporting Pregnant Women in the Workplace
Today, I helped the House pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. I am both a father and a former business owner. I understand first-hand the importance of making sure that pregnant employees' health is protected in the workplace and that they are empowered to earn a living. Pregnant women in Alaska and across the country should not have to choose between staying home to protect their child's health or putting food on their family's table. This legislation takes crucial steps to properly balance a pregnant mother's health and the needs of their workplace. The establishment of a uniform federal standard for pregnant workers gives employers and employees the ability to work together productively, and will help retain pregnant employees in the workforce. Furthermore, this bill will reduce stress on the mother and ensure that her pregnancy is safe. By keeping mothers and their babies healthy, and helping businesses remain operational and free from litigation, this bill is pro-woman, pro-family, and pro-business.
In our politically divided times, it is not every day that a sweeping piece of legislation can unify Republicans and Democrats, but that is what we were able to do today in the House. I am very proud to have supported this legislation, and will continue working in Congress to keep pregnant mothers safe and ensure a bright future for their children. Read more by clicking here.
