Here’s the bottom line: Women are leaving the workforce in record numbers, and it’s not just a result of the pandemic.
The pandemic was the catalyst for millions of women leaving their jobs, but not the root cause. Since 2009, the number of women in the workforce has been decreasing because we haven’t made investments in child care and paid leave. Now the gap between men and women in the workforce is widening, while in most other countries the gap is shrinking. That’s leaving our whole economy vulnerable.
Right now, women’s workforce participation is at 55.9%. Before the pandemic, the last time it was that low...I was finishing up middle school (I’ll save you the math, that was 1987).
So here’s what I’m doing to address it: I’m fighting to pass legislation that would cap families spending on childcare at 7% of their income, so that parents truly have a choice of whether or not they’d like to work outside of the home. If you’re with me, sign my petition in support of the 7% cap.
This isn’t just a ‘women’s issue.’ It’s about the strength, security, and competitiveness of our economy.
Katie
