Testifying in Congress; Domestic Worker Wins; Labor Day & Workplace Success; Getting Out The Vote
On the Radio Show This Week
- We start by delving into the experience of testifying in Congress on family economic security, highlighting the disconnect between many policymakers and the realities faced by families.
- After that, we celebrate significant victories for domestic workers and labor rights in Washington State, showcasing progress in protecting vulnerable workers.
- Next, we discuss the power of unions, reflecting on the meaning of Labor Day for everyone.
- Finally, we close the show by emphasizing the critical role of voting rights and the need to engage and excite people to participate in our democracy.
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Special Guests
- Donna Norton — Executive VP and Chief Advancement, MomsRising
- Danielle Alvarado — Executive Director, Working Washington & Fair Work Center
- Ruth Martin — Chief Program Officer / SVP Workplace Justice, MomsRising
- Kadida Kenner — Founding CEO, New Pennsylvania Project
Segment Quotes
Congressional Testimony on Welfare()
“Republicans need to pick a lane. Republican members of Congress have health care and paid family medical leave when they have a health crisis. Some are actually using their paid family medical leave right now. They're using their health care right now. And yet, Republican leaders cut a trillion dollars out of our health care. They are absolutely standing in the way of our nation joining the rest of the literal planet Earth and having paid family medical leave when a new baby arrives or a serious health crisis strikes. I was delighted to be able to share that story and testify in Congress — saying the quiet part out loud in Congress and in a Republican committee.”
— Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Executive Director & CEO, MomsRising
Domestic Worker Wins & Labor Rights()
“We have a strong legacy in our country of excluding workers from having basic rights based on who they are and what kind of work that they do. We've seen that with immigrant workers many times. The history of the exclusion of domestic workers is really about the exclusion of Black workers, specifically Black women workers, from some of the basic labor standards that we still rely on today. Right now, we are turning a new page. We are saying that the labor movement of 2026, of the 21st century, is one that's fighting for everybody.”
— Danielle Alvarado, Executive Director, Working Washington & Fair Work Center
Labor Day Celebrations()
“We have wage disparities in large part because there's not a lot of transparency. Workers are discouraged from talking to each other about their pay. And in fact, that is how a lot of wage discrimination has flown under the radar. We are conditioned to not talk about it, and workers can flat out be penalized for talking about it at times. Talk to your colleagues and your coworkers about your wages. Shine a light on these problems and help combat wage discrimination.”
— Ruth Martin, Senior Vice President & Chief Workplace Justice Officer, MomsRising
Voting Rights & Voter Engagement(54)
“Here in Pennsylvania, we've had elections that have been decided by less than two votes. Your voice counts, it matters. While we still have access to the ballot and the freedom to do so, we must do so.”
— Kadida Kenner, Founding CEO, New Pennsylvania Project
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