Democrats Plan Week To Highlight 'Care Economy'
Pelosi asks House Democrats to stage events in their districts
Aiming to highlight the import role caregivers play to enable the US economy, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other top Democratic leaders are asking House Democrats to hold events in their districts spotlighting the “care economy.”
The role of caregivers in supporting the economy has come under some scrutiny lately — both as President Biden has sought to shore up caregivers by including them in the idea of required infrastructure in his once-in-a-generation American Jobs Plan, as well as for a lack of suitable caregivers which seems to be holding some Americans back from re-entering the workforce after the pandemic.
“Together with President Biden, we have created more than 1.5 million jobs since he took office – the most ever created in a president’s first 100 days. The economy is growing faster than at any time in the last 40 years. And more than half of U.S. adults are now vaccinated,” Pelosi wrote lawmakers in a “Dear Colleague” letter, co-signed by co-chairs of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) and Democratic Women's Caucus. “The American Rescue Plan is working. But, we cannot afford to miss an opportunity to Build Back Better with millions of Americans still out of work.
“Parents and caregivers cannot go back to work, grow our economy and build better lives for their families unless they know their children, parents and loved ones are safe and cared for. And we know this is especially true for women who have been forced to drop out of the labor market at record rates,” the speaker added. “So, we ask you to join us for a Care Economy Week of Action, June 7-13, by hosting an event in your district.”
Democratic leadership, including the DPCC and the Democratic Women's Caucus, promise members tools and support to boost their district events.
“Investing in caregiving will help get Americans back to work, create good-paying jobs, raise wages, boost lifetime earnings, support small businesses, and grow our economy for all Americans,” the letter said.