AS TRUMP CRATERS ECONOMY, MENG AND DUCKWORTH REINTRODUCE RESOLUTION TO EMPOWER MOTHERS IN THE WORKFORCE

“Moms are the backbone of our economy, but too often, the economy doesn’t work for them,” said Congresswoman Meng. "Women still earn just 84 cents for every dollar earned by men, even as so many are bringing home half—or all—of their family’s income. That has to change. I’m proud to introduce the Mom Economy Resolution with Senator Duckworth, which builds on my Marshall Plan for Moms, to recognize the burdens working moms face and renew the call for paid leave, affordable childcare, and the support families need to thrive.”

“Costs are climbing, childcare is more expensive and too many moms are feeling left behind by an Administration that promised to help,” said Senator Duckworth. “If we want to build a stronger economy, it’s past time we stop treating moms’ time as both expendable and endless. Our resolution recognizes the urgent need to invest in moms and make it easier for them to succeed in our workforce by advancing policies like universal child are, paid leave and beyond. Republicans in Congress must stop prioritizing harmful tax cuts that only benefit the ultra-wealthy and start working with Democrats to pass meaningful legislation that meets the needs of mothers across the country.”

"The childcare crisis isn't a mom problem, it's a $172 billion economic problem, and mothers have been absorbing the cost alone for too long ” said Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Moms First. "I'm grateful to Congresswoman Meng and Senator Duckworth for their leadership. When we invest in paid leave and affordable childcare, we're not just helping moms — we're growing the economy."

“The Mom Economy Resolution offers solutions to many of the devastating challenges moms and families are facing as our country’s care and affordability crises deepen,” said MomsRising Together Executive Director Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner. “It makes a powerful case for the measures that will open avenues for moms, families, small businesses, and our economy to thrive, including fair wages; affordable child care and health care, including maternal and reproductive care; improved access to nutritious food; paid family and medical leave; a permanent expansion of the Child Tax Credit; and a higher minimum wage. This is a finger-on-the-pulse Resolution and America’s moms are deeply grateful to Rep. Grace Meng for leading on it and championing the initiatives we urgently need.”

“The Mom Economy Resolution highlights an essential, and often forgotten, principle that mothers, who face a persistent gender wage gap, are critical to our nation's workforce and economy,” said Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, president and CEO of the Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR). “IWPR is proud to support this resolution that recognizes the crucial role mothers, especially mothers of color, play in their families’ economic security. By investing in care infrastructure, expanding inclusive tax credits, and improving workplace supports, we can strengthen families and the economy. The childcare crisis isn't a mom problem, it's a $172 billion economic problem, and mothers have been absorbing the cost alone for too long. I'm grateful to Congresswoman Meng and Senator Duckworth for their leadership. When we invest in paid leave and affordable childcare, we're not just helping moms — we're growing the economy.” 

Supported by MomsRising Together the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Moms First, National Partnership for Women and Families, A Better Balance, and National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, this resolution comes at a time where the labor force has 20% fewer women in it than men, while at least four out of every ten women report having experienced gender discrimination at work. Moreover, the median earnings for women who work full-time is 84 cents and part-time 78 cents, for every dollar paid to men. The rate of the wage gap is even higher for Black women, Latinas, Native women and other communities of Asian American and Pacific Islander women.

Along with Meng, the legislation is cosponsored in the House by U.S Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Judy Chu (D-CA), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL). Along with Duckworth, the legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Meng has long been a leading advocate for policies that strengthen working families—supporting affordable childcare, paid leave, paid sick days, and family-friendly workplaces. Meng is a cosponsor of the Child Care for Working Families Act, comprehensive legislation to expand the supply and quality of childcare while lowering costs for families. She also reintroduced the Honoring Family-Friendly Workplaces Act, which would encourage employers to adopt policies such as paid family leave, paid sick days, child care subsidies, flexible work arrangements, and support for pregnant and postpartum workers.

A copy of the resolution can be found here.