Dear John,

"Let’s also make sure working parents can afford to raise a family with sick days, paid family and medical leave, and affordable child care that will enable millions more people to go to work."

That’s what President Biden said about care during the State of the Union last night and I agree. Too often caregivers are forced to make difficult decisions about caring for themselves or their loved ones, whether they are young children, aging parents, or family members with disabilities.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Congress has the opportunity to build a better system of care for all.

People who give and receive care in the United States are at a breaking point. Women and families continue to deal with an underfunded care system that does not value the essential work they do each day. This lack of support exacerbates inequalities for women, who are more likely to be caregivers and are too often pushed out of the workforce when jobs and care conflict. Black and brown women feel this tension most acutely, as they make up the majority of the underpaid care workforce while also needing to care for their own families.

Imagine what our communities would look like if we invested in high-quality and affordable child care and home and community-based services, guaranteed paid leave for all, and secured better pay and benefits for care workers. One thing is certain—women, especially women of color, would benefit tremendously.

Let’s make 2023 the year we invest in care because we know care can’t wait. Add your name to our petition now.

In solidarity,

Melissa Boteach
she/her/hers
Vice President, Income Security & Child Care/Early Learning
National Women's Law Center