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Statement

Ending TPS for Salvadorans Is ‘Unconscionable,’ Will ‘Threaten Families and Disrupt Communities’

January 8, 2018
Immigration

Lisa Lederer, 202-371-1996

Statement from Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, executive director and CEO of MomsRising, a national online and on-the-ground organization of more than 1 million mothers and their families, on the Trump administration’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status for 200,000 Salvadorans
“Today, President Trump directed the Department of Homeland Security to heartlessly terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for some 200,000 Salvadorans living in the United States and is preparing to send families to dangerous situations. This is just the latest in a string of callous attacks on families by the Trump administration; and is yet another move that will threaten families and disrupt our communities and our economy.
 
“This is un-American. The words at the base of our Statue of Liberty welcoming the ‘tempest-tossed’ to our country have in many ways defined our country.  Allowing people to apply for TPS if something catastrophic happens in their country of origin -- like war, famine, a natural disaster, or an epidemic -- is part of our heritage. However, this life saving protection is now being taken away; as is our standing in the world as leaders of hope, freedom, and prosperity.
  
“TPS recipients are our mothers, our neighbors, our community leaders, and our friends. Many of the Salvadoran TPS recipients have lived and worked in the United States for decades. They have paid taxes, built businesses and contributed to our country’s strength and prosperity. Many have children who were born in the United States and know no other home. Withdrawing TPS for Salvadorans will force hundreds of thousands of people to leave their lives and children behind to return to El Salvador, one of the most dangerous and impoverished countries in the world. This move is short-sighted and unconscionable.
 
“The moms of America know that tearing children away from mothers is never the answer, and that our country’s diversity is what makes us strong and prosperous; not the opposite. We urge the Trump administration to reverse this decision and instead extend TPS for Salvadorans and all the other recipients who enrich our communities and help grow our economy. Additionally, Congress must take immediate action to permanently protect TPS holders, to pass the Dream Act, and to advance comprehensive immigration reform. Until then, America’s moms will challenge this and every other heartless anti-immigrant action.”
 

# # # #

MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, decrease discrimination against women and moms, and to build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women — particularly moms and women of color — and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website: MamásConPoder.org. Sign up online at www.MomsRising.org — and follow us on our blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.

News release

Washington State Passes Equal Pay Bill, 'An Important Step Forward in Addressing the Wage Gap'

March 7, 2018
Washington, Equal Pay

Lisa Lederer, 202-371-1996

OLYMPIA, WA – “Women and moms are celebrating that the Equal Pay Opportunity Act passed the Washington legislature today, continuing our state’s march toward fair pay and equality for women in the workplace,” said Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, CEO and executive director of MomsRising.org, a national online and on-the-ground organization of more than 40,000 members in Washington State and more than 1 million members across the country. “With this action, Washington legislators have shown once again that they are committed to being true champions of women and families. Our state’s workers, businesses and economy will be stronger because of this bill.”
 
The Equal Pay Opportunity Act (EHB 1506) will ensure that employees can share wage or salary information with coworkers without fear of retaliation. Additionally, the EPOA will create a new administrative remedy for employees experiencing wage discrimination as well as protections for women who are tracked into lower paying jobs or unfairly passed over for promotions. Gov. Jay Inslee is expected to sign it into law later this week, and the bill will take effect 90 days later. This is the first update to Washington’s equal pay laws in more than 70 years.
 
“Washington’s wage gap costs our state $18 billion each year,” said Maggie Humphreys, Washington MomsForce director for MomsRising.org. “Women of color experience the highest levels of pay discrimination – Latinas working full time are paid 46 cents, Black women are paid 61 cents, and AAPI women are paid 74 cents for every dollar paid to white men. On top of that, moms take even bigger wage hits. These lost wages mean women and their families have less money to support themselves, save and invest for the future, and spend on goods and services.
 
“By passing the EPOA, Washington has taken an important step forward in addressing the wage gap,” Humphreys continued. “This legislation will deter wage discrimination and improve opportunities for women in the workplace while boosting our businesses and our economy.”
 
MomsRising members in Washington were critical to passing this legislation. Moms, dads and families from across Washington sent over 1,750 emails to their lawmakers in support of the bill, members made over 180 calls to their State Senators to urge final passage, MomsRising staff testified before the State House and Senate in support of the bill, and members rallied at the Capitol in February for a press conference with Gov. Inslee and to hand-deliver stories and petition signatures to key legislators.
 
“This is another momentous victory for Washington families, following the groundbreaking paid family and medical leave law that passed last year,” Rowe-Finkbeiner said. “Studies have shown that these types of family-friendly policies – including paid leave, affordable child care and a living wage – all help to decrease the wage gap. We’re proud to see Washington take the lead on championing women and families, and hope that other states will follow its example.”
 

# # # #

MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, decrease discrimination against women and moms, and to build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women — particularly moms and women of color — and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website: MamásConPoder.org. Sign up online at www.MomsRising.org — and follow us on our blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.

Statement

Senate Net Neutrality Vote a Step Forward for Fairness, Free Speech, Consumers and Advocates

May 16, 2018
Workplace Justice

Lisa Lederer, 202-371-1996

Statement from Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, executive director and CEO of MomsRising, on today’s U.S. Senate vote to protect net neutrality:

“We commend every United States Senator who voted to repeal the Federal Communications Commission’s changes to net neutrality rules today. This vote is an essential step forward for fairness, free speech, consumers and advocacy groups like MomsRising, which rely on a free Internet to fight for economic and social justice. The House of Representatives must do the same.
 
“Today’s vote was a victory for consumers, communities of color, rural Americans and small businesses, many of which are owned by women. Net neutrality means that when we raise our voices online, they can be heard. It stops Internet Service Providers from blocking or suppressing content and prevents them from manipulating the speed at which consumers receive certain content or selling premium access to the highest bidder.
 
“The Internet has changed the nature of grassroots organizing and created a space where people who have long been marginalized can be heard. MomsRising moves policy forward every day using Internet-related tools like sharing personal stories from our members with leaders online, gathering signatures on online petitions, sending constituent tweets to members of Congress, sharing Facebook posts and more. These and similar tools leverage the power of the people and open avenues for busy people to be heard by leaders at the top – and they depend on a free and fair Internet.
 
“Similarly, the Internet has enabled tremendous innovation in every sector. From a mom opening a business in her home, to a community making its voice heard about an injustice that needs to be addressed, a fair and open Internet is making our conversations, communities and economy stronger.
 
“An open internet is essential to protecting our ability to speak out, to connect and hear diverse voices, and to sharing our opinions with leaders who have the power to make the changes we seek. We are grateful that a majority of U.S. Senators recognized that and passed the Resolution of Disapproval today, and we urge the House to vote to protect net neutrality as well. The country needs Congress to protect net neutrality and ensure a level playing field for Internet access.”

 

# # # #

MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, decrease discrimination against women and moms, and to build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women — particularly moms and women of color — and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website: MamásConPoder.org. Sign up online at www.MomsRising.org — and follow us on our blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.

News release

Families Belong Together Coalition Announces List of Demands for June 30 Day of Action

June 27, 2018
Immigration

Lisa Lederer, 202-371-1996

Powerful Show of Support for Immigrants Now Includes Over 650 Events in All 50 States; Groups Call for Immediate Reunification of Families and End to Family Detention

Washington, DC — Event organizers today announced a list of core demands that will be at the forefront of the over 650 protests now scheduled in every state in the nation for Saturday, June 30th.

At a time when there is still widespread confusion about national policy and thousands of immigrant children remain separated from their parents, groups ranging from National Domestic Workers Alliance to the Youth Caucus for America to the Presbyterian Church to the ACLU and MoveOn are choosing to focus together on three key demands for the Trump administration.

Yesterday's ruling in a federal court in California provides real hope for children and families who have been torn apart by the Trump Administration but it does not solve this crisis. The Administration has fought tooth and nail in court to prevent children and families from being reunited and may appeal or decline to obey the ruling. And it does not address the family detention crisis. Reports indicate the government doesn't even know where all the previously separated children are. Americans will take to the streets this Saturday to ensure that families are reunited immediately and that these inhumane policies end now.

Additionally, yesterday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Muslim Ban demonstrates the need for continued vigilance. In that case, the Supreme Court endorsed another component of the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant, anti-family agenda.

"Yesterday’s shameful ruling from the Supreme Court on the Muslim Travel Ban, coming on the heels of congressional inaction in the face of family separation, has underlined  one simple fact: We cannot rely on those in government to stop the Trump administration’s attacks on communities of color and minority groups across the country. In order to move past this dark chapter in our nation’s history, all of us have to show true solidarity, make our voices heard on the streets, and demand change," said Jessica Morales-Rocketto, Families Belong Together and National Domestic Workers Alliance.

Families Belong Together Demands

Reunite families now: Permanently end family separation and immediately reunify those that have been separated. ICE must release parents immediately so that ORR can reunify them with their children.

End family detention: Children and families deserve due process, not indefinite imprisonment. Children do not belong in baby cages and internment-like camps. Family incarceration is not the solution to family separation.

End ‘Zero Humanity:' Reverse the Trump  administration’s policy that created this crisis and chaos to begin with. Parents should not be criminally prosecuted for doing what all parents do, which is bring their children to safety. This horrible nightmare for families will only end when Trump permanently stops his 100% prosecution policy.

The anchor event is in Washington, D.C. across from the White House on Saturday, June 30th, at 11 am. Press logistics and credential info will be circulated to media Thursday morning.

WHEN:  Saturday, June 30, 11 am ET

WHERE: Lafayette Square, Washington, DC

WHAT: The anchor rally for the national Families Belong Together day of action, which will bring protesters to Lafayette Square, just across from the White House, to demand that Trump and his administration reunite and stop detaining families.

MORE INFO:  www.familiesbelongtogether.org

TO FIND ANY OF THE OVER 650 EVENTS BEING ORGANIZED ACROSS THE COUNTRY, OR SIGN UP TO HOST A NEW JUNE 30 EVENT IN YOUR COMMUNITY HERE:
FamiliesBelongTogether.org
 

Participating organizations in the rapidly growing coalition involved in this event include:

 

#VOTEPROCHOICE

270 Strategies

350.org

ACLU

Action Together Massachusetts

Action Together Network

Advancement Project

American Federation of Teachers

Al Otro Lado

Alliance for Justice

Alliance for Youth Action

American Constitution Society

American Ethical Union

American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA)

Amnesty International USA

Anti-Defamation League

Arab American Institute

Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC

ASISTA

Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) at the Urban Justice Center

Asylum Seeker Assistance Project

Avaaz

Bend the Arc

Beyond the Bomb

Center for Biological Diversity

Center for Gender and Refugee Studies

Center for Victims of Torture

Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc.

Chicago Women Take Action

Children's Defense Fund-Texas

Church World Service

Coalition on Human Needs

Congregational UCC Greensboro

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI)

Constitutional Accountability Center

Council on American-Islamic Relations

CREDO

Daily Kos

DC Immigration Hub

DC Teens Action

Dulles Justice Coalition

End Rape on Campus

Equal Voice Action

Every Voice

Families Belong Together

Families USA

Feminist Majority Foundation

FIRM

Foreign Policy for America

Friends of the Earth

Gamaliel

Global Fund for Children

GreenLatinos

Greenpeace

Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employers Network

Health Care Voter

Hispanic Federation

Human Rights Campaign

Human Rights First

IfNotNow

Immigration Hub

Indivisible

Japanese American Citizens League

Jewish Voice for Peace

JStreet

JWI

Latin America Working Group

Latino Victory Foundation

Lawyers for Good Government

Leadership Conference for Civil and Human Rights

Leadership Conference of Women Religious

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

LGBTQ Task Force

Little Lobbyists

MarchOn

MomsRising

MoveOn

Muslim Advocates

NARAL

National Alliance to End Sexual Violence

National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF)

National Iranian American Council

National Justice for Our Neighbors

National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health

National Network to End Domestic Violence

National Nurses United

National Organization of Concerned Black Men

National Partnership for Women & Families

National Women’s Law Center

NCJW

National Domestic Workers Alliance

National Education Association

NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice

Network of Spiritual Progressives

NextGen America

One Billion Rising

Organizing for Action

Oxfam America

Pantsuit Nation

ParentsTogether

People For the American Way

People's Action

Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Positive Women's Network-USA

Presbyterian Church (USA)

Presente.org

Priorities USA

Public Citizen

Race Forward

Rainforest Action Network

Really American

Resistance Labs

SALDEF

Sanctuary for Families

SEIU

SIECUS

Sierra Club

Sister District Action Network

Sojourners

South Asian Americans Leading Together

Southern Poverty Law Center

Stand Up America

SumOfUs

Tax March

The Leadership Conference

The Workmen’s Circle

Together We Will Contra Costa

Truman National Security Project

UltraViolet

UnidosUS

Unitarian Universalist Association

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee

Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ)

United State of Women

United We Dream

VDay.org

Voto Latino

Win Without War

Women's March

Women's Refugee Commission

Youth Caucus of America

YWCA USA

 

# # # #

MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, decrease discrimination against women and moms, and to build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women — particularly moms and women of color — and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website: MamásConPoder.org. Sign up online at www.MomsRising.org — and follow us on our blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.

Statement

Calculated and Cruel: Trump’s Flores Regulations Would Mean More Jails, More Human Rights Violations, More Mistreatment of Immigrant Children

September 6, 2018
Immigration

Lisa Lederer, 202-371-1996

Statement from Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, CEO and executive director of MomsRising, an online and on-the-ground organization of more than one million mothers and their families, on the Flores regulations the Trump administration proposed today:

“America’s moms will fight the Trump administration proposal, released today, to replace the Flores Settlement Agreement with regulations that subject many more immigrant children to abuse, neglect and incarceration. Although the Trump administration has violated it time and again, the Flores Settlement requires our government to prioritize child welfare when it takes custody of immigrant children. Replacing it with these regulations would be calculated and cruel. In fact, these regulations would sanction the kind of human rights violations the administration has committed this year by separating children from their parents, imprisoning families in unsafe conditions, and denying health care to children and families who are being detained.

“Make no mistake: The regulations issued today will bring more trauma, torment and suffering to children and families seeking asylum, denying them basic rights and protections and allowing for human rights abuses such as holding children in detention for longer periods of time.

“Specifically, they allow the administration to jail families for long periods in harsh conditions, weaken protections for immigrant children being held by the government, and license jails that may not be safe, that would then be used to detain families indefinitely.

“The kinds of human rights violations these regulations would sanction have horrified, saddened and angered moms and the entire country. We will not allow them to become official policy or to continue. Moms across the nation are outraged by President Trump’s brutal anti-immigrant policies, which too often target mothers and children. MomsRising has collected more than 150,000 member signatures on petitions in support of immigrant families. Our members have hand-delivered those petitions to members of Congress in 22 states and organized and participated in demonstrations across the country, calling on the administration to end family separation and detention and uphold our values.

“We will fight these new regulations as well, and the administration that supports them. Every asylum-seeking child and family deserves compassion, dignity and respect. Separating families and abusing children is a choice we don’t need to keep making. We know how to fairly examine each case in a safe space -- and we must.” 

# # # #

MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, decrease discrimination against women and moms, and to build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women — particularly moms and women of color — and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website: MamásConPoder.org. Sign up online at www.MomsRising.org — and follow us on our blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.

Statement

Another Trump Attack On Our Health Coverage and Care

October 23, 2018
Health Care

Lisa Lederer, 202-371-1996

Statement from Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, CEO and executive director of MomsRising, an online and on-the-ground organization of more than one million mothers and their families, on the Trump administration’s move to expand Health Reimbursement Arrangements.

“Last year, when Republican leadership in the United States Senate failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which for the first time made affordable health coverage available to tens of millions of people with pre-existing conditions, the Trump administration vowed to sabotage and roll back its protections. In a two-fold effort this week, the administration is making good on that unethical promise yet again with new federal policy on 1332 waivers and expansion of Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).

“This new policy on 1332 waivers could gut the protections that ensure families have access to quality, affordable health care coverage in states that pursue the waiver. By undermining some of the most popular and crucial pieces of the ACA -- including protections for people with pre-existing conditions, a ban on annual lifetime limits and requiring essential health benefits like maternity care, mental health and substance abuse coverage -- this new policy is a clear end-run around the ACA. It will hurt families.

“Expanding HRAs is likely to drive up costs and undermine the comprehensive employer coverage millions of moms and families have now and will need in the future. The ACA requires group health plans to meet certain standards that HRAs can’t meet. These include a requirement to cover key women’s preventive health services without cost and a ban on lifetime and annual limits on coverage. Insurers would not have to cover essential benefits, like maternity care, at a time when the United States has the worst maternal death rate of any developed country, with Black women dying at three to four times the rates of white women.  This Trump administration move could mean that employees who currently have coverage that meets their needs and is paid for, in whole or in part, by their employers could have that coverage replaced with HRAs that result in them paying more for coverage that is less comprehensive.

“The Trump administration’s attacks on our nation’s health care will continue to erode coverage and drive up costs for families across the country.  It is cruel and irresponsible.”

# # # #

MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, decrease discrimination against women and moms, and to build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women — particularly moms and women of color — and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website: MamásConPoder.org. Sign up online at www.MomsRising.org — and follow us on our blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.

Statement

Moms Group Demands Justice for Jazmine

December 11, 2018
Maternal Health

Lisa Lederer, 202-371-1996

Statement of Monifa Bandele, senior vice president of MomsRising, an online and on-the-ground organization of more than one million mothers and their families, on New York City’s abuse of Jazmine Headley.

“The way New York City’s social service agencies, police and courts treated Jazmine Headley was a horror show – but sadly, not a surprise. Too many young mothers face mistreatment and abuse from the institutions charged with helping them. We need accountability and reforms now.

“Like so many mothers, Jazmine Headley went to a social services office to get the help she needed. In her case, she was there to apply for a childcare voucher. Once there, apparently because she sat on the floor when no seats were available, police violently separated Headley from her child, ignoring her frantic shouts that they were ‘hurting my son.’

“This outrageous, disproportionate response continued with police taking her baby away and then putting Headley in jail. She has now spent four days in jail. MomsRising demands that she be released now.

“But releasing Headley from jail immediately and apologizing to her is not enough. We must take a hard look at how social service and criminal justice institutions – in New York City and other jurisdictions – treat the women and moms they are supposed to help. Every person deserves the compassion, dignity and respect that Jazmine Headley was denied. This must not happen to any others. It’s time for reform.”

# # # #

MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, decrease discrimination against women and moms, and to build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women — particularly moms and women of color — and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website: MamásConPoder.org. Sign up online at www.MomsRising.org — and follow us on our blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.

News release

Representative Kristine Reeves Announces Historic Childcare Bill in Washington State, Alongside Crew of Moms Calling for All Hands on Deck to Champion Family-Friendly Policies

January 16, 2019
Early Care & Education, Washington

Lisa Lederer, 202-371-1996

Moms, Dads and Kiddos Ask Lawmakers in Olympia for the “Mamagenda,” Investing in Working Moms and Access to Affordable Childcare

Olympia, WA — Moms and kids gathered at the Capitol to make waves and ask lawmakers to support the “Mamagenda,” setting the course for policies that support family caregivers in the workplace, invest in high-quality early learning, make childcare affordable, close the wage gap, and clean up our tax code.

Representative Kristine Reeves (D) announced the details of a historic childcare package, the Washington CAN (Childcare Access Now) Act, broadly addressing access to affordable, high-quality childcare for Washington families. The sweeping legislation will:

  • Commit the Legislature to providing all children and families in Washington with access to high-quality, affordable childcare by 2025;
  • Cap child care expenses at 7 percent of a family’s income;
  • ​​​​​​Immediately increase the Working Connections Child Care reimbursement rate to 75 percent of market rate to stabilize the childcare market and build a foundation to increase access to high-quality childcare; and
  • Immediately invest in the Career & Wage Ladder to raise the wages of the childcare workforce, and in the long term invest in a compensation pay scale to raise the wages of childcare providers.

“I hear from parents and caregivers every single day about how real the childcare struggle is,” said Representative Reeves, “Children need to be safe and to have enriching places to learn and grow, and access to high-quality childcare is a real lifesaver for working families.”

Moms and kids from MomsRising also unveiled the 2019 Mamagenda, a comprehensive set of family-friendly policies that would help keep moms and our economy afloat. MomsRising members shared messages from moms in Washington state about access to workplace policies that work for them and their families -- policies that help them weather storms and thrive.

"Moms, dads, and kiddos are using their outside voices this legislative session to fight for policies that lift our families and our economy,” said Maggie Humphreys of MomsRising. “With a historic number of women and moms in the Legislature this year, we have the opportunity to set a new course for our state and bring the experiences of moms and caregiving into the heart of policy making.”

Representative Mia Gregerson (D) discussed workplace policies, stating, “Moms and families anchor our economy and I will be working hard this session with my colleagues in the House and Senate to champion legislation that supports families. I am especially proud to be here today as the prime sponsor of much-needed legislation to fix our unemployment insurance laws in Washington State.”

Washington mom Angelica Gonzalez shared her story of encountering some rough waters when it came to finding affordable, high-quality childcare. With the support of Working Connections childcare, Angelica was able to chart the course for stable finances and a positive career path that she’s on today.

MomsRising, a million-member grassroots organization championing policies that strengthen women and families, will be bringing together parents, advocates and lawmakers for a day of training, direct action, and a round table discussion with female legislators of the policies that are real lifesavers for moms.

# # # #

MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, decrease discrimination against women and moms, and to build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women — particularly moms and women of color — and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website: MamásConPoder.org. Sign up online at www.MomsRising.org — and follow us on our blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.

News release

Washington Can Close the Education Gap by Increasing Funding for Homeless Children

February 14, 2019
Early Care & Education

Lisa Lederer, 202-371-1996

Over 185 homeless children are currently on the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program’s waitlist. Senate Bill 5820 could change that.

Contact: Lauren Hipp, lauren@momsrising.com, 206.550.7784; Joel Ryan, joel@wsaheadstarteceap.com,  253.486.9077; Katy Warren, Katy@wsaheadstarteceap.com,  206.291.2021

Olympia (February 14, 2019) - Tomorrow, members of Washington’s Senate Committee will hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 5820, an essential bill that will increase eligibility for child care and early learning programs for homeless and other vulnerable children. In addition to increasing funding and income eligibility, the bill also guarantees slots for children with housing instability, allowing.an additional 368 homeless children to immediately enroll.

Washington's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is one of the highest quality pre-K programs in the country. An average low income child is 20% more likely to be ready for Kindergarten if they attend ECEAP. Unfortunately, due to extreme eligibility standards and low funding, thousands of children are being left behind, including 185 homeless children who are currently waitlisted. In fact, only 9.2% of the children served by ECEAP from 2017-2018 were homeless.

Under the current ECEAP eligibility requirements, parents have to be at or below 110% of the federal poverty level ($22,858 yearly income) to access services. This means that a single mother raising 2 children on minimum wage earns too much to qualify. In fact, 21 of the homeless children on the ECEAP waitlist are over the 110% requirement and still do not qualify, including children with housing instability -- even those sleeping in a shelter or staying with friends or relatives.

“A lack of proper funding and unrealistic eligibility thresholds are preventing us from delivering quality education to all low-income children who apply for our program, especially homeless children,” says Joel Ryan, Executive Director of the Washington State Association of Head Start & ECEAP Association. “We should never have to shut the door on families who need us the most, and I am confident that the pending legislation will provide us with the resources necessary to ensure that no child is left behind.”

“The current income requirements for ECEAP are drastically out of touch with the economic realities of Washington families,” says Lauren Hipp, Washington Early Learning Campaign Director at MomsRising. “Homeless children deserve to access the same quality education as their peers, and we urge our state officials to dedicate more funding towards learning for our most vulnerable children.”

A recent report found that students without stable housing in Washington have significantly lower academic outcomes than their peers. This unrealistic income requirement, which also fails to take into account other factors such as high costs of living and lack of affordable housing, is preventing children who are most in need of accessing ECEAP’s services from doing so.  

“ECEAP can help identify homeless families early and connect these families to support services to improve stability and security,” says Katara Jordan, Senior Manager of Policy and Advocacy at Building Changes.“We need to ensure that all children and families experiencing homelessness are eligible for and can access this important program.”

Children experiencing homelessness should be a priority. Support for SB 5280 is an important step towards closing the education gap and ending the cycle of poverty in Washington communities.

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NOTE: Joel and Lauren are available for interview upon request. They can also connect you with former homeless families who can share their personal stories.

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MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, decrease discrimination against women and moms, and to build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women — particularly moms and women of color — and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website: MamásConPoder.org. Sign up online at www.MomsRising.org — and follow us on our blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.

News release

Main Street Businesses and Moms Raise Awareness for Equal Pay Day

April 2, 2019
Equal Pay

Lisa Lederer, 202-371-1996

National effort from Main Street Alliance and MomsRising highlights the link between paid leave and equal pay with specialty coffee sleeves, events in 12 states

WASHINGTON, DC – More than 40 local business owners in 12 states participated in events around Equal Pay Day today to raise awareness about the gender pay gap in the United States and to call for policies, such as a national paid family and medical leave program, to address this gap. Equal Pay Day -- April 2 this year -- marks how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year.

Coordinated by the Main Street Alliance and MomsRising, small businesses served up facts about the gender pay gap and paid family and medical leave with specialty drink sleeves and napkins.

“It’s 2019, and women still make only 80 cents for every dollar a man makes.  For women of color, the wage gap is worse with black women typically making 61 cents and Latinas just 53 cents on the dollar.  That’s not only wrong; it’s bad for business and our economy,” said Amanda Ballantyne, National Director of the Main Street Alliance. “That’s why small business owners are coming together today to highlight this persistent gender pay gap and ways to close it. Strong paid family and medical leave insurance policies help women stay in the workforce and allow small businesses to become employers of choice in their communities. This Equal Pay, small businesses are making their values clear by educating their customers about the ripple effect inequality has in our local communities and advocating for a solution.”

“Working families can no longer afford the burden of the wage gap. Right now, moms make just 69 cents for every dollar paid to white dads, while women and moms of color experience further wage hits on top of that. If the wage gap were eliminated, working women would be able to afford 14 more months of child care or 10 more months of rent each year,” said Ruth Martin, MomsRising Vice President of Workplace Justice Campaigns. “Three-quarters of mothers are now breadwinners for their families, so when moms make less, more women and children fall into poverty. And this is not a small number of impacted people: Nearly a quarter of children are now living in poverty in our nation. Families making less also spend less, which impacts our consumer-driven economy. If women had pay parity, studies show our national GDP would increase by 3 percent.”

In addition to the specialty drink sleeves and napkins, some businesses hosted trivia events and press conferences highlighting state-specific issues of paid leave and gender pay equity. In Oregon, Washington and North Carolina, the sleeves were available at coffee shops in the respective state capitol buildings. Participating businesses include restaurants, coffee shops, clam shacks, ice cream parlors, and a ski resort.

In the United States, women are paid 80 cents for every dollar paid to men. Women of color and moms face even bigger wage disparities: for every dollar white men earn, black women are typically paid 61 cents, Latinas are paid just 53 cents, and Native American women make 58 cents. Compared to fathers, moms overall make 69 cents on the dollar.

Lack of paid family and medical leave is a major contributor to the gender pay gap. Because women still take on the majority of responsibilities when it comes to caring for children and elderly, they are more likely to have to leave the paid labor force to provide family care. Access to paid leave increase the chance that women will return to work, return to their previous employer, and receive the same or higher wages. Research shows that the creation of a paid family and medical leave program like the FAMILY Act would result in a 7 percent wage increase for women and thus a 7 percent decrease in gender wage inequality.

States participating in the April 2 action include Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington and North Carolina. See below for quotes from business owners in each state.

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Participating states:

Iowa: “Being an advocate is about being positive. I value myself, and I believe in my and every other woman's capability. To that end, it is my duty to remind the world all women deserve equal pay. I believe the best way to give our sons and our daughters a bright future is to advocate for policies like paid family and medical leave that help level that level the playing field for women. These policies strengthen our families, small businesses & communities.” - Diane Peterson, Karma Coffee Café in Hiawatha

Maine: “As a small business owner, I am participating in Equal Pay Day because we can’t afford discrimination and lower wages. If we eliminated substandard wages for women, the resulting economic boom would benefit us all, including small businesses like mine where women spend their earnings. It's not just the right thing to do — it's good for Main Street small businesses.” - Kelley Hughes, Wildflours Gluten-Free Bakery in Brunswick

Michigan: “Now that I have my own business, I work hard to ensure my employees make a fair wage and can support their families. I know treating all of my employees fairly and respectfully is not just the right thing to do; it’s good business.” - April Anderson, Good Cakes and Bakes in Detroit

Minnesota: "As a woman business owner, equal pay is about knowing your value and asserting that in how you put your products out and how you hire. My staff is all female and female-identifying individuals. I want them to be able to live happy, full lives with jobs that include benefits like health care and paid leave. I want whoever works for me to make a career out of the job, and that’s why I support policies like earned sick and safe time, paid family leave and affordable health care for all."  - Elizabeth Spehar, owner of Snooty Fox Tea Shop in Duluth

Nevada: “As hardworking women small business owners, we support equal pay for hardworking women across the country. At Scratch Made we make our pastries, pies and other treats with a care reminiscent of years gone by. But our public policy shouldn't be stuck in the past. We need strong legislation that will fight gender disparities and ensure equal work receives equal pay.” - Ally Yaeker and Savannah King, Scratch Made in Las Vegas

Oregon: “We've been talking about this since I was a teenager. It's time to end the discrimination. I don't want my daughters to still be having this conversation when they're my age. We need to stop talking about solutions and start making real change. Passing policies like paid family and medical leave help to actually address some of these inequalities and create more stable families which lead to more stable local economies and thriving small businesses." - Peter Emerson, Bipartisan Cafe in Portland

Pennsylvania: “I’m proud to be playing a part in the revitalization of downtown Lancaster and helping grow our community. But, this last year running our shop has taught me we have a long way to go. Lancaster’s growth can’t be sustained unless we build a more equitable economy that includes those being left behind. Women shouldn’t have to work overtime to overcome the gender pay gap.” - Chelsea Zawisa, Harvest Moon Bagels in Lancaster

Vermont: “As a radical feminist chocolate shop, we are absolutely thrilled to disseminate this critical information about the wage gap in America, and the many repercussions of this epidemic injustice.” - Jaquelyn Rieke Nutty Steph's in Middlesex

The Main Street Alliance works to provide small businesses a voice on the most pressing public policy issues across the nation. Our advocacy promotes vibrant businesses and healthy communities and fosters leadership development of socially responsible business leaders.

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MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, decrease discrimination against women and moms, and to build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women — particularly moms and women of color — and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website: MamásConPoder.org. Sign up online at www.MomsRising.org — and follow us on our blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.

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