A deficit of empathy.

 

Negotiations over including critical policies like paid family leave in the Build Back Better Act are ongoing in Congress. And some of my colleagues are arguing that there aren’t enough resources to pay for these urgent investments. I couldn’t disagree more.

There isn’t a deficit of resources. Only a deficit of empathy.

At some point in our lives, almost every single one of us will play a caregiving role to a loved one. Policy is my love language. And I want those who are caregivers right now, many of whom have felt alone in this loving labor — especially during this pandemic — to know that I see them.

Every nation on the globe, except for us, except for the United States of America, understands that paid leave is essential infrastructure. And, I’m going to stay at the table and keep fighting to change that. I’m going to keep fighting until the ink is dry.

Will you keep fighting with me? This is the moment to make these transformative investments. If you agree, please add your name in support of including paid family leave in the Build Back Better Act.

People should not have to worry about choosing between being with a loved one or a child in the hospital and keeping their job.

This is personal for me. I was a caregiver to my mother during her leukemia battle. I know how important it is to be in this role, but also the enormous strain it creates.

And so, paid family leave, childcare, it’s infrastructure for a reason — because it is essential. It is essential to the functioning of our society.

So this is the time. If we’re really serious about building back better, it means leaving no one behind. It means rejecting false binary choices, it’s about believing that we can take care of everyone — because we can.

I’m going to continue to lift up the stories of caregivers. Will you join me in lifting up these stories and building the momentum we need to make these transformative investments by adding your name in support of including paid family leave in the Build Back Better Act now?

Care is infrastructure. And care can’t wait.

Thank you for fighting alongside me,

Ayanna

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