FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept 28, 2023
Contact: Daniela Perez, [email protected]
“Last night’s GOP debate was a misleading spectacle that avoided actual solutions to better the lives of voters and strengthen our care infrastructure and our future. Despite care being mentioned within the first 15 minutes of the debate, an effective answer remained elusive; the candidates rooted their so-called solutions in giving even more tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy.
As we stand on the precipice of a child-care crisis – where approximately 3.2 million children are at risk of losing access to childcare – and as we stare down a potential government shutdown, it becomes painfully clear that our care infrastructure is crumbling. Last night’s GOP debate, however, seemed more focused on attacking the very individuals who are the backbone of our society, nurturing our communities, and forging our collective unity. They attacked labor unions and striking workers; worst of all, they attacked immigrants by shifting the narrative away from the pressing issue of childcare to the false claim that immigrants bear responsibility for the rise in fentanyl-related deaths in the U.S. Parents and voters across the country are anxiously anticipating this impending crisis. They are demanding concrete solutions instead of harmful scapegoating. It is imperative for Republicans, Democrats, Congress, and the White House to take action now.
With just three days away from the precipice, we’re also teetering on the edge of falling into the abyss of resumed student loan payments – another crisis strengthened by extreme ideology in our highest court. The Republican party has not only failed to address the care and economic crisis; they’ve actively propelled it by blocking vital legislative opportunities like Build Back Better and the expansion of the child tax credit.
Our children, aging loved ones, and individuals with disabilities all deserve access to quality, affordable care. Additionally, our dedicated care workers deserve wages that reflect their worth and labor protections that ensure their dignity. Shockingly, despite being such a necessary topic of discussion – Republicans did not legitimately talk about care on stage.
Care in Action remains committed to bringing these demands to the forefront, especially for our Black, Brown, immigrant, and women voters – we know how impactful a stronger care infrastructure would be in our daily lives. We represent the very voters being ignored on the stage, and we pledge our commitment to electing leaders who recognize the paramount importance of a robust care economy and leaders who respect the workforce that sustains our communities.
Let this debate serve as a reminder: we are coming.”
Care in Action is the policy and advocacy home for women who care, working on behalf of more than two million domestic workers and care workers across America. Among the fastest-growing sectors in our economy, domestic workers are also among the most vulnerable and undervalued. As a mostly women and majority women of color workforce, this growing constituency consistently and overwhelmingly supports progressive values in American political life. Learn more at www.careinaction.us.