Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Friday, November 21, the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) officially launched its new Caregiving Task Force. Led by DWC members Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and Lateefah Simon (CA-12), along with DWC Senate Liaison Debbie Dingell (MI-06), the task force will work to protect and strengthen America’s care economy by advancing policies that build a child and long-term care system that works for all and supports caregivers, those they care for, and their families.The task force will also lead DWC’s efforts to combat Republican attacks on the care economy.

This year, Trump and Republicans have slashed Medicaid and refused to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, threatening both the people that need care and those who provide it. Without support from Medicaid, or while struggling to choose between paying skyrocketing health care premiums and caregiving services, women are more likely to leave the workforce to take on additional care responsibilities themselves. Additionally, when caregivers cannot afford health care, their own health is put in jeopardy, making it more difficult for them to do their job.

DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) explained the importance of DWC’s new Caregiving Task Force:

“The Democratic Women’s Caucus is fighting for your care—your child care, your disability care, your elder care, and your health care. We are fighting to make sure this care is available and that it is affordable. But, we must also remember the caregivers who are essential to this mission. They bring tenderness, understanding, and patience to the task of helping our youngest children and our wise elders. The launch of our Caregiving Task Force reaffirms our commitment to keeping care affordable and accessible to every family. The Task Force Co-Chairs, Rep. Pettersen, Rep. Simon, and Rep. Dingell, are champions in the caregiving space,” said Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03).

Caregiving Task Force Co-Chairs Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), and Debbie Dingell (MI-06) expressed their commitment to continuing the fight for caregiving through DWC’s new task force:

“As a mom, I know firsthand how difficult it can feel to balance work, family, and the high cost of child care. Too many parents, especially mothers, are being forced to make impossible choices between their careers and caring for their kids. That’s why I’m proud to help launch the Caregiving Task Force for the Democratic Women’s Caucus. We need real solutions that make care affordable, support the workers and family members who provide it, and ensure every child gets the early education they deserve to thrive. I’m glad to be helping lead this fight because investing in our caregivers uplifts our entire economy and supports the next generation," said Caregiving Task Force Co-Chair Brittany Pettersen (CO-07).

"Care work is the quiet engine of this country, and our politics have never risen to meet the people who hold us through childhood, disability, illness, and aging," said Caregiving Task Force Co-Chair Lateefah Simon (CA-12). "As a cancer widow, a mother, and a caregiver, I am honored to join the Democratic Women's Caucus to lead the charge to fight for the workers who keep this economy alive and to secure the protection, pay, and dignity that every caregiver and every family has been denied for far too long." 

“Caregiving is the absolute backbone of our economy. No one can do their jobs if their loved ones aren’t cared for – whether they are children, a parent, a spouse, or someone else who needs specialized care. We have a caregiving crisis in this country, where millions are waiting on lists to get the care they need or they can’t afford it, meanwhile, those who work as caregivers are not being paid fairly for their critical role. We need to overhaul our caregiving system in this country, for recipients, care workers, and their families. I’m proud to launch the DWC Caregiving Task Force to bring attention to these issues, and work with my colleagues to find real solutions to ensure everyone gets the care they need,” said DWC Senate Liaison and Caregiving Task Force Co-Chair Debbie Dingell and (MI-06).

Read more about DWC’s support for women and families’ economic security, health care, and safety in the Better Future Agenda here.

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