Newsroom

We’re proud of our work—and grateful when it’s recognized. The Newsroom spotlights media coverage of our efforts in paid leave, reproductive rights, childcare, and other vital issues in the care economy.

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Press Releases

STATE OF THE UNION STATEMENT - FEBRUARY 2026

As a nation, we are experiencing the detrimental effects of this administration’s policiesincluding OBBA/HR 1, the assault on civil liberties, and the undermining of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This administration is actively dismantling our healthcare system, cutting vital nutrition programs for children and seniors, and eliminating critical climate initiatives. While working families struggle to afford basic necessities, the administration has prioritized handing $4.5 trillion to corporations and billionaires and allocating $170 billion to build a private army. ICE is harassing, murdering, and disappearing legally present immigrants and citizens, or locking them up in for-profit “detention centers” that are nothing less than modern-day concentration camps. Our government is openly disregarding the rule of law and establishing an authoritarian state.

It is heartbreaking to reflect on the state of our union, but Americans are fighting back. We stand firm on the Constitution and the law. Our communities are committed to building the future we need and deserve with resiliency and joy, focused on essential priorities for working families:

  • Comprehensive Childcare: Protecting and supporting the development of every child and supporting childcare workers.
  • Universal Paid Family and Medical Leave: Ensuring time off to welcome a new child, care for oneself or a sick family member, or be present during military deployments.
  • Quality Elder and Disability Care: Implementing healthy practices that foster independence and dignity.
  • A Robust Healthcare System: Ensuring everyone has the ability to thrive with full reproductive rights and bodily autonomy.

The FV@W Action Network, along with the care community and justice-seeking people nationwide, are united and clear about this vision. We are fighting for it every single day. Join this fight—because we will win.

Family Values @ Work Action works in partnership with their state coalitions to build political power among historically disenfranchised voters in the movement for care and caregiving and other economic security issues through public education and civic engagement strategies.

Media Contact: Carol Joyner, Family Values @ Work Action, media@familyvaluesaction.org 

or Maria Consuelo Gonima, Big Smile Co maria@bigsmile.co

SENATOR SUSAN COLLINS TO REJECT CUTS TO HEALTH CARE, CHILD CARE, AND FOOD ASSISTANCE
(2/6/2025)

This week, markup continues on legislation aiming to fund trillions in tax cuts for billionaires by slashing spending on health care, child care, and food assistance, among other essential services, for families nationwide. If Republicans in Congress get their way, these budget cuts could potentially impact hundreds of thousands of people across Maine alone.

A new digital ad campaign targeting Maine voters aims to raise awareness and drive action before it’s too late.

“This package takes food and medicine from the mouths of Maine families to fund tax cuts for the wealthy,” said Destie Hohman Sprague, Executive Director of the Maine Women’s Lobby. “Maine hospitals are already struggling to keep services available, and with drastic cuts to Medicaid, it will starve them even further. These budget cuts will directly harm Maine women and children – especially those in rural areas, who disproportionately depend on programs like SNAP and Mainecare, Maine’s version of Medicaid.” 

Twenty-four percent of rural Mainers are covered by Mainecare. Nearly 60% of those on Mainecare are women, and it pays for nearly half of all births in the state of Maine. The cuts are targeted to hurt those who are most vulnerable – like pushing pregnant New Mainers and babies off Mainecare if they don’t have the ‘right’ immigration paperwork, or eliminating health care for trans people. It proposes harmful work requirements that make it especially hard for family caregivers to support their loved ones, while reducing family planning services, the backbone of reproductive health in Maine. This proposed budget package is a threat to the health and economic security of families all across Maine.

“Every parent across Maine wants to see their child thrive. This includes ensuring access to nutritious food; comprehensive health care; and affordable, accessible child care and early childhood education,” said Carol Joyner, Executive Director of Family Values @Work Action. “Families throughout the state are already stretched thin, and now Republicans in Congress want them to sacrifice their children’s well-being so that the rich can get richer. We’re joining together to stand up to these special interests and demand that our representatives in Congress vote no on these devastating cuts.”

The ad, “Our Maine Children” can be viewed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uQ1fJE_KRw 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Destie Hohman Sprague, Maine Women’s Lobby, or media@familyvaluesaction.org

Family Values @ Work Action works in partnership with their state coalitions to build political power among historically disenfranchised voters in the movement for care and caregiving and other economic security issues through public education and civic engagement strategies.

Media Contact: Carol Joyner, Family Values @ Work Action, media@familyvaluesaction.org
Maine Contact: Destie Hohman Sprague, Maine Women’s Lobby, destie@mainewomen.org 

ACTION ON PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OUTCOME
(6/11/2024)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Statements from Family Values @Work Action and network partners TakeActionMinnesota, Citizen Action of New York, New Jersey Citizen Action, Maine Women’s Lobby, Family Forward Oregon, and Oakland Forward Action Fund (Michigan) in response to today’s election outcomes and the declaration of Donald Trump as winner of the 2024 presidential election:

Carol Joyner, Executive Director of Family Values @Work Action, said:

“Family Values@Work Action grieves with all those disappointed and alarmed by this election outcome. We knew that the stakes were very high during this election cycle, and we recognize the deep sacrifices and tireless effort made by so many to prevent the return of convicted felon and insurrectionist Donald Trump to our highest office. We are so proud of the many members of our network and extended coalition, who knocked on doors, made countless numbers of calls, planned events, texted and moved mountains in the effort to elect Kamala Harris and protect our democracy for future generations. 

We will continue to build power with those who will be harmed by the plans that Republicans have voiced through this election cycle–especially people of color, those with low incomes, the working class, women, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. This was an election unlike any other, with voters being targeted with misinformation, outside interference, threats of violence, bomb scares at polling locations and more. We must rally together and resist those who would undermine our democracy and advance the policies in Project 2025 to ensure the protections of this nation for future generations. 

In times like these, when children don’t have the childcare they need and families don’t have access to paid leave, it’s the most vulnerable who are impacted the most. In times like these,  our most precious elders are left to fend for themselves. But despite these election results, the care economy remains an issue that crosses party lines. Polling shows that over 90% of voters, including Republicans, moderates, and Independents, support paid leave policies. Elder care and child care, disability rights and reproductive freedom are also supported by a majority of the electorate. It’s past time for our elected officials to listen to their constituents and enact the care policies all families need, regardless of which party is in power.

Our movement for care will not stop. Family Values @Work Action and our network leaders are committed to continue collaborating with cross-movement advocates, labor leaders, state and national lawmakers, and the broader community that makes up our care ecosystem and all those who want to build a better, more humane economy for all. The polling is clear: these issues represent the will of the people. While this is a devastating loss, we must come together to resist harmful proposals and continue the fight for justice and dignity for all families.”

Elianne Farhat, Co-Executive Director of TakeAction Minnesota, said, “We are inspired by holding onto hope. Our member leaders are clear – no matter who is in office, we will continue to use every tool available to organize, build people power, and care for one another. We know we keep us safe. This year more than 10,000 people opted-in to joining TakeAction Minnesota to build the future our children deserve. With them and our thousands of members, that’s exactly what we’ll do: build that future day by day, block by block, election by election.”

Rebecca Garrard, Deputy Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York, said, “Today is a dark day for our democracy. The election of Donald Trump—a man who has built his platform on racism, lies, and fear-mongering—is a painful reminder of the deep divisions and systemic inequities that still plague our communities. To everyone who is in mourning for the future of our country today, we stand with you. We will not let this setback deter us from continuing to work tirelessly to advance social, racial, and economic justice issues such as child care.  We will continue to resist policies that harm our families, and together, we will build a stronger movement for progress. The fight for a care economy is more important now than ever—and we are ready to continue that fight, no matter who is in the White House.”

Dena Mottola Jaborska, Executive Director of New Jersey Citizen Action (NJCA), said, “While we acknowledge the victory of Donald Trump in the presidential race, our mission to fight for economic security, racial justice, healthcare access, and civil rights will not waiver…This is not the end of the road; it is simply another chapter in our ongoing fight. We will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of the people, from affordable housing to workers’ rights. We will continue to work with our partners, grassroots organizations, and everyday New Jerseyans to ensure that our vision and mission is accomplished.”   

Candice Vickers, Executive Director of Family Forward Action Oregon, said “No matter who is in the White House, our movement holds tremendous power. Child care is essential infrastructure, the workforce behind the workforce that makes all other work in our country happen. Though our work to make meaningful, legislative changes that will benefit all Americans will prove more challenging with the incoming administration, we will never back down.”

Destie Hohman Sprague, Executive Director of Maine Women’s Lobby, said, “This moment feels like a rebuke of all we work for: a world without sexism, misogyny, and racism. A world of gender justice, where people can fully embody their gender without fear, discrimination, or violence. Donald Trump won with a message that was unapologetically patriarchal. Everything about his campaign centered messages of control over the lives and bodies of women, queer, and trans people – anyone who challenges the gender status quo. Still there is always a policy path toward gender justice, and community is the foundation of that advocacy work. We’ve prepared for this, and we are steadfast in our efforts. We won’t go back.”

Kermit Williams, Co-Executive Director of Oakland Forward Action Fund, said, “The work has not ended. ​​A win for Donald Trump and his agenda shows that America still has so much room to grow when it comes to dealing with the communities and people who are the backbone of this economy and society. The policies that the Trump-Vance campaign have proposed stand to deeply harm Black and Brown families, and Oakland Forward Action Fund intends to do all that we can to fight on behalf of the vulnerable communities that will be hit the hardest if the aims of Trump’s Project 2025 are enacted. We still believe that a better future is possible for Michigan families, and for families across the country who for too long have been forced to choose between caring for their loved ones and a paycheck.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Carolyn Davis at media@familyvaluesaction.org or 214-395-8149.

Family Values @ Work Action works in partnership with their state coalitions to build political power among historically disenfranchised voters in the movement for care and caregiving and other economic security issues through public education and civic engagement strategies.

Media Contact: Carolyn Davis, media@familyvaluesaction.org, 214-395-8149

Celebrates Vice President Kamala Harris’ Long-Term Care Proposal
(9/10/2024)

Washington, DCFamily Values @Work Action Executive Director Carol Joyner issued the following statement:

“Vice President Harris’ proposal to expand Medicare to cover long-term care at home once again demonstrates her commitment to putting the economic well-being, health, and future of America’s families front and center. Tens of millions of people will need care in the coming years, and most older adults say they would prefer to age in their homes, rather than in a nursing  home, for as long as possible. Unfortunately, that option is often out of reach for our loved ones due to the exorbitant costs associated with long-term in-home care. Family caregivers, disabled people, and older adults often dip into their savings or retirement funds to cover caregiving expenses, resulting in reduced savings for their own future needs. We shouldn’t have to choose between facing financial ruin from the unmanageable costs of aging and disability care or leaving the workforce to care for a loved one on our own. Family Values @Work Action applauds this proposal for universal in-home care and remains committed to turning out our growing ecosystem of care voters to ensure victory for the Harris-Walz campaign in November.”

Family Values @ Work Action works in partnership with their state coalitions to build political power among historically disenfranchised voters in the movement for care and caregiving and other economic security issues through public education and civic engagement strategies.

Media Contact: Carolyn Davis, media@familyvaluesaction.org, 214-395-8149 

CARE VOTER NETWORK LAUNCHES MULTI-STATE BILLBOARD CAMPAIGN
(28/10/2024)

NATIONAL – This week, drivers in Michigan, Georgia, Arizona, and New York will see new billboards urging voters to consider family-friendly policies including affordable child care, paid family leave, and increased support for elder care when they cast their vote this Election Day. The billboards will run in Atlanta, Detroit, Phoenix, and Utica until Nov. 5, 2024. The sponsoring coalition includes Family Values @Work Action, Oakland Forward (Michigan), Poder Latinx (Arizona and Georgia), and Citizen Action of New York.

Billboards for Arizona, Michigan, and New York direct audiences to the website for the groups’ Vote4Care campaign (www.vote4care.org), where audiences can find crucial details about voting and what they’ll find on their ballot. The billboards feature several messages:

Atlanta, Georgia: Vote your values! Because the care your family deserves is a priority.

Detroit, Michigan: More than 3.8 million workers in MI lack paid family & medical leave. Your vote could change that.

Phoenix, Arizona: Vote to build a care economy that works for all.

Utica, New York: 1.5 million New Yorkers can’t afford quality childcare. Our families deserve better!

Carol Joyner, Executive Director of Family Values @Work Action, said, “Paid leave, affordable child care, and sustainable long-term care support for older adults and people with disabilities aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re essential. Our billboard campaign drives home the message that care can’t wait. Families deserve the support they need to thrive, and it’s clear that care is on the ballot this year. Family Values @Work Action is proud to join Poder Latinx in leading this charge. We encourage voters to join us in electing leaders who will support an economy that works for all of us.” 

Yadira Sánchez, Executive Director of Poder Latinx, said, “Latino families deserve more than just survival—they deserve the opportunity to thrive. Access to affordable child care and paid leave isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity that allows us to balance work and family life with dignity. These billboards are a powerful reminder to voters of what’s at stake in this election. By voting for candidates who support these critical policies, we are not only protecting our families but also investing in a stronger, more prosperous future for all of us. We encourage the Latino community to use their voice and their vote to build a brighter tomorrow.”

Kermit Williams, Co-Executive Director of Oakland Forward Action Fund, said, “We’ve been out talking to Oakland County voters for months now. Like far too many Michiganders, they’re being forced to choose between a paycheck and necessary care for themselves and their loved ones. This billboard is helping us get the message out that we need elected leaders that will bring us paid family and medical leave and a strong care economy to move Michigan forward. It’s never been more important to make our voices heard. Every vote counts.”

Rebecca Garrard, Deputy Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York, said, “Child care is a basic right that is necessary for a just society. Yet, both nationally and in New York, countless children lack access to safe, sustainable care. In New York alone, 1.5 million children from primarily low-income, Black, and brown communities have no equitable child care options. This is both a gender and racial justice issue, and we are proud to stand with our partners at Family Values @Work Action to ensure that care issues are at the forefront of voters’ minds.”

Newly-released polling shows that voter support for paid leave continues to rise, with 91% of voters supporting paid family and medical leave (54% strongly). Support was even higher among suburban women (95%, 58% strongly) and non-college women (95%, 62% strongly). This is the highest level of public support shown for the issue since it has been polled publicly. Further, voters overwhelmingly (88%) support closing corporate tax loopholes to invest in paid leave, child care, and long-term care.

The care economy is a highly motivating issue for voters in battleground states, including Michigan. Strong majorities of Democrats (74%), young voters of color (56%), and Millennial and Gen Z low turnout voters (55%) are much more likely to vote for a candidate who will address the problems of affordable child care, total abortion bans, and the lack of national paid leave for their families. This also applies to half of suburban women (50%) and a plurality of younger Independents (48%) and Independent women (45%).

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Carolyn Davis at media@familyvaluesaction.org or 214-395-8149.

Family Values @ Work Action works in partnership with their state coalitions to build political power among historically disenfranchised voters in the movement for care and caregiving and other economic security issues through public education and civic engagement strategies.

Media Contact: Carolyn Davis, media@familyvaluesaction.org, 214-395-8149

SUNDAY “DADS FOR CARE” RALLY AND VOTER DRIVE REACHED 350 LATHRUP VILLAGE HOUSEHOLDS
(7/10/2024)

LATHRUP VILLAGE, MI – On Sunday, October 6, 2024, sixty volunteers gathered at Jay Birds Bar and Grille, joining Rep. Rashida Tlaib and leaders from Michigan United Action, Oakland Forward Action, Detroit Change Initiative, Tramsey and Associates, Our Own Wall Street, Michigan Black Women’s Roundtable, Black Youth Wall Street, Mothers of Hope, and Family Values @Work Action for a “Dads for Care” rally and voter drive to celebrate the civic engagement of men and fathers and turn out voters who support policies that can ensure economic stability for families, such as paid medical and family leave and access to affordable child care. Mayor Kelly Garrett of Lathrup Village and Southfield Councilmember Charles Hicks lent their support to the rally. Dwayne Brown, and Adam Duberstein, trustee candidates for Oakland County Community College were also present.

Rep. Tlaib spoke on her role in the Congressional Dads Caucus, which is dedicated to championing the needs of working families and is grounded in the belief that dads need to do more both at home and in Congress to advocate for policies that uplift parents and children across the country. The Dads Caucus has been instrumental in supporting policies such as national paid medical and family leave, access to affordable child care, and expanding the Child Tax Credit.

Following the rally, volunteers fanned out into the community for a voter turnout drive, knocking on 350 doors in Lathrup Village. The effort advances a larger Oakland Forward Action goal to know 80,000 doors by election day. So far, the organization has knocked on 36,000 doors to encourage voter turnout in support of stronger care policies for Black and Brown Michigan families.

“Sunday’s Dads Caucus rally for care with Rep. Tlaib was a huge success, thanks in large part to the enthusiasm of our local partners, who are committed to strengthening Oakland County families. We were especially excited to see local officials join dads from all over Oakland County to center care. Affordable child care and paid family leave can benefit our whole community, and especially Black and Brown families who are often most at risk of having to choose between caring for their loved ones and a paycheck,” said Kermit Williams, co-executive director of Oakland Forward Action. “We’re out here because we believe we can win a better future for Michigan families. Together, we laughed, we cried, and then we got active on the doors to let the state of Michigan know that dads care.”

Oakland Forward Action is made up of grassroots, community centered activists, organizers, and changemakers who are passionate about making real change and improvement for Black and Brown communities.

Family Values @Work Action has been proud to support the incredible voter mobilization work happening in Michigan around care policies that can lift up struggling families. We were thrilled to join local dads and the Dads Caucus yesterday to hit the streets and share with voters that care can’t wait,” said Carol Joyner, executive director of Family Values @Work Action. “Care is on the ballot, and the stakes have never been higher. Candidates are offering competing solutions to our child care and paid leave crises. On November 5, we have a national decision to make about who will best support families in Michigan and across the country.”

Michigan is one of numerous states across the country facing dramatic child care shortages caused by a combination of factors including high costs, staff shortages, and insufficient wages for caregivers and providers. In Michigan,

These shortages increase the likelihood that one or more parents and family caregivers will have to leave the workforce in order to care for their children. Exacerbating the child care crisis is the lack of a paid family and medical leave standard in both Michigan and nationwide, despite lawmaker efforts to move legislation forward in the state over the past several years. However, policy solutions including child care subsidies, stabilization grants, and caps on total child care costs per family are possible with lawmaker support.

As election day approaches, Oakland Forward Action and Family Values @Work Action have additional plans to release a series of area billboards encouraging Michiganders to be “care voters” as they head to the ballot box, supporting elected officials who will advance paid family leave, affordable child care, resources for elder care and disability services, and reproductive autonomy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Carolyn Davis at media@familyvaluesaction.org or 214-395-8149.

Family Values @ Work Action works in partnership with their state coalitions to build political power among historically disenfranchised voters in the movement for care and caregiving and other economic security issues through public education and civic engagement strategies.

Media Contact: Carolyn Davis, media@familyvaluesaction.org, 214-395-8149

CARE ADVOCATES, NATIONAL LEADERS HIGHLIGHT URGENT NEED FOR PAID LEAVE, AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE AT AUG 20 CHICAGO EVENT
(20/8/2024)

CHICAGO, IL – On August 20, 2024, leaders from Family Values @Work Action and Women Employed, along with national advocacy networks including MomsRising Action, Poder Latinx, Black Women’s Roundtable, and Main Street Alliance, gathered with elected officials, convention delegates, and state-based changemakers at The Sable Hotel on Navy Pier in Chicago to call for an end to patchwork approaches to paid leave and child care and the establishment of a broader care-centered economy. The event drew important connections between care policies, racial justice, maternal health, aging and disability, and worker justice.

Key Highlights:

  • Carol Joyner, Executive Director of Family Values @Work Action, said, “Family Values @Work Action is in Chicago to ensure that building the care economy is a part of our nation’s work. We’re joining together with the rising swell of dedicated leaders working on paid family and medical leave, affordable child care, paid safe days, aging and disability care, and the broader slate of care issues. Together, we’ll ensure that every family can thrive, because we can’t build the multiracial democracy that we need unless we have a strong care infrastructure.”
  • Cherita Ellens, President and CEO of Women Employed, said, “We all deserve the ability to care for ourselves and our loved ones without risking our livelihood. But across the country, too many of us—especially low-paid women and Women of Color—don’t have that basic right. In Illinois and in Chicago, we have won paid leave protections for working people. We must build upon those protections, and extend them nationwide. We’re proud that we were able to join Family Values @Work Action and other partners to host this event in our city, and bring the urgent need for a care infrastructure to the national stage.” 
  • Monifa Bandele, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of MomsRising Action, said, “Care issues are not only vital to a thriving economy. Care issues are critical to ensuring women’s health. The United States is one of the only nations in the world without a national standard for paid family and medical leave, has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality, and is seeing that number rise. If women can’t care for themselves and receive the recovery time they need, it puts them in danger, and it puts their families in danger of losing them. This impacts the health of her and her whole family. We have to have care policies in place to shore up not only economic health, but also physical health. At MomsRising, our members talk about having to return to work a few days to a few weeks after giving birth. We know that’s not healthy.”
  • Starr De Los Santos, Associate Director of Coalitions at Women Employed, said, “Coalition work is the backbone of our democracy. When we unite our voices and efforts, we amplify our impact and drive meaningful change. That’s why Women Employed leads the Illinois Time to Care Coalition, which is tirelessly advocating for a long-term paid family and medical leave program in our state. Together, we can achieve a more equitable care economy and come closer to the ‘liberty and justice for all’ that our democracy promises.”
  • Rebecca Garrard, Deputy Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York, said, “CitizenAction of New York is proud to stand with our national partners and Family Values @Work Action in lifting up care and democracy issues. We know that our membership prioritizes care issues across demographics and across geographies. Care issues like paid leave and affordable child care are neither controversial nor divisive. Care is a uniting, popular issue for Americans across the country. We know this through polling and the many conversations we have as we organize across the state. This is a pivotal moment to join forces and voices in order to elevate a cause that can dramatically improve the lives of millions of Americans at this moment.”
  • Jenn Stowe, Executive Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, said, “Our movements and our advocacy efforts are connected. We’re here today because we know a future without aging and disability care and living wages for workers to take care of their families isn’t a future that’s adequate. We have movement leaders fighting for childcare. We have organizers and workers fighting for paid and medical leave. When we invest in those who are historically silenced and overlooked – Black women, brown women, immigrant women, women of color – we build a stronger democracy to make the change we know is possible. That includes care workers, and that includes those who rely on care work every day.”
  • Milly Silva, Secretary Treasurer of 1199SEIU, said, “Coalition power is crucial to building a worker-centered economy where we all can thrive.1199SEIU is proud to be fighting alongside our partners for paid leave, dignity, and care for all.”
  • Richard Trent, Executive Director of Main Street Alliance, said, “In going around the country and speaking with the small business members of Main Street Alliance, we’re increasingly registering concerns around our patchwork care economy and what it means for the way entrepreneurs–and especially women entrepreneurs–are able to sustain their enterprises. We’re here to elevate small business owners and build power to ensure that they don’t have to choose between caring for our loved ones and protecting their own financial stability.”
  • Yadira Sánchez, Executive Director, Poder Latinx, said: “It’s vital to care for our communities and workforce. We need a strong system that allows people to care for themselves and their families without hurting their financial security. The Latinx community, particularly Latinas, must be paid fairly and have access to healthcare, paid family leave, paid sick days, affordable child care, and safe working conditions, and we need these protections nationwide. Beyond economic growth, care policies are essential for the health and well-being of our communities. At Poder Latinx, we advocate and urge voters to prioritize these issues at the polls and call on our leaders to act now.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Carolyn Davis at media@familyvaluesaction.org or 214-395-8149.

Family Values @ Work Action works in partnership with their state coalitions to build political power among historically disenfranchised voters in the movement for care and caregiving and other economic security issues through public education and civic engagement strategies.

Media Contact: Carolyn Davis, media@familyvaluesaction.org, 214-395-8149

Endorses Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States
(24/7/2024)

Washington, DCFamily Values @Work Action Executive Director Carol Joyner issued the following statement:

“Throughout his presidency and preceding years of government service, President Joe Biden has been a consistent champion for the care policies that workers need to keep themselves and their families safe, healthy, and thriving. Notably, his administration has made historic investments in the economic security of the American people, passing landmark legislation and leading the way on affordable child care, supporting direct care workers, and national paid family medical leave. Moreover, President Biden is allowing harmful Trump administration policies to sunset and calling for the redirection of vital funds to support working families instead of special interests. His heroic announcement to step back from the campaign and endorse Vice President Harris is yet another prime example of his leadership and devotion to this nation.

Family Values @Work Action is pleased to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States. Among her many achievements and contributions, she has been a vital partner in this administration’s investment in America’s care economy. She has been a leader on policies for capping childcare payments for working families and creating financial stability for child care providers, dramatically expanding paid family and medical leave protections, and ensuring that older adults and people with disabilities can receive the care they need with dignity and respect. We celebrate Vice President Harris’ choice to launch her campaign with a powerful commitment to enacting national paid family and medical leave and making child care affordable for everyone. 

Make no mistake, this presidential election will put the economic well-being, health, and future of America’s families on the line. This is especially true for women, people of color, children, and all those committed to safeguarding an equitable democracy for all. As a network that has built the care momentum by passing paid leave, paid sick and safe day policies and supporting childcare and eldercare services for decades, we remain committed to building power among historically disenfranchised voters, people of color, women from all walks of life and all those who want to build a just and care-centered society. Together, across our network and the broader ecosystem of care voters we will prevail in defeating Donald Trump and JD Vance this November.”

Family Values @ Work Action works in partnership with their state coalitions to build political power among historically disenfranchised voters in the movement for care and caregiving and other economic security issues through public education and civic engagement strategies.

Media Contact: Carolyn Davis, media@familyvaluesaction.org, 214-395-8149 

CALLS FOR LAWMAKERS TO WORK TOGETHER TO PASS BIPARTISAN FAMILY CARE ACT
(16/7/2024)

HARRISBURG, PALast week, the Pennsylvania House and Senate finalized their state budget and adjourned for the summer without passing the Family Care Act (HB181/SB580). This important legislation has strong bipartisan and bicameral support, and it would be a gamechanger for the almost two-thirds of Pennsylvania workers without guaranteed access to paid family leave by offering workers up to 20 weeks of leave to attend to a medical emergency, care for a new baby or elderly family member, find safety during a domestic violence incident, or support military family members during a deployment. 

In response, Family Values @Work Action joins partners such as the PA Family Care Coalition in continuing to urge the General Assembly and Gov. Josh Shapiro to work together to pass the Family Care Act.

Statement from Carol Joyner, Executive Director, Family Values @ Work Action:

“At a time when so many families remain economically vulnerable, and women are forced to leave the workforce at alarming rates to cover gaps in care for themselves and their families, the Pennsylvania Family Care Act can help provide some relief. With paid family medical leave, parents, patients, and caregivers are not forced to choose between care and financial stability. The fact that this bill has bipartisan support underscores just how vital this issue is to every family across the state. We urge Pennsylvania lawmakers to take the final step necessary for their state to join the growing number of states committed to securing the futures of our U.S. workforce. We hope as well that our elected leaders in Washington, DC understand the crucial need for a national paid leave standard, so every American family receives the same benefits, no matter who they are or where they live.”

If passed, the PA Family Care Act would make Pennsylvania the fourteenth state (plus Washington, DC) to adopt a statewide paid family leave program. However, the United States remains one of only six nations in the world with no guaranteed national family medical leave standard.

Family Values @ Work Action works in partnership with their state coalitions to build political power among historically disenfranchised voters in the movement for care and caregiving and other economic security issues through public education and civic engagement strategies.

Media Contact: Carolyn Davis, media@familyvaluesaction.org, 214-395-8149

PRAISES SUPREME COURT RULING ON MIFEPRISTONE ACCESS
(13/6/2024)

WASHINGTON, DCToday, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously rejected a challenge to the Food and Drug Administration’s initial approval of mifepristone as well as the FDA’s more recent actions to increase access to the drug, which was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2000 as part of a two-drug regimen for medication abortion. Medication abortions account for 63% of all abortions nationwide, and they have been rising substantially since the US Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision in 2022.

Statement from Carol Joyner, Executive Director, Family Values @ Work Action:

“Today’s decision preserves access to time-sensitive medication abortion, but it is still not enough. Well-funded anti-abortion groups and the politicians who empower them are continuing to play politics with a patient’s freedom to receive essential healthcare in consultation with their healthcare providers. The same politicians working to deny access to abortion care also don’t believe people are entitled to take paid time off to care for themselves and their families. It is the same fight to control our time, our resources and our bodies,and it impacts vulnerable families the hardest.

These anti-abortion groups  are trying to distract and divide us from coming together to hold our leaders accountable on pressing issues such as quality education, affordable child care, and the huge gaps in our care workforce. However, politicians work for us – not the other way around. The fact is, the majority of Americans agree that abortion should be easier, not harder, to obtain. We need politicians who will stand up for the freedom to care for our families with policies that truly help us thrive and keep us safe, including paid leave, affordable child care, and abortion care.”

Family Values @ Work Action works in partnership with their state coalitions to build political power among historically disenfranchised voters in the movement for care and caregiving and other economic security issues through public education and civic engagement strategies.

Media Contact: Carolyn Davis, carolyn@carojdavis.com, 214-395-8149 

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