President Biden’s State of the Union Speech Underscored Care

Statement by Caring Across Generations, National Domestic Workers Alliance, and Care in Action

WASHINGTON – Tonight, President Joe Biden delivered his first State of the Union Address, where he underscored that care is essential to the financial security of working families and the success of the U.S. economy. The president mentioned “care” 16 times tonight and reaffirmed his commitment to invest in child care, paid leave and home and long-term care.

Below is a statement from Ai-jen Poo, director of Caring Across Generations, the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Care in Action:

“President Biden’s first State of the Union Address outlined in stark detail the challenges facing our country and concrete steps we can take towards a brighter future for working people. Now, it is critical that Congress do its part. The President’s plan to make a historic investment in the future of our care infrastructure has now been stalled in Congress for several months. Family caregivers and care workers are beyond exhausted physically, emotionally and financially and have had to duct-tape together care for their children, older family members and loved ones with disabilities. This investment will provide much-needed relief for home care workers who have sacrificed so much throughout the pandemic and the families who depend on their care.”

“There are common sense steps Congress can take to lessen the economic pain that our country will face in the coming months. As President Biden outlined in his address, investing in workers and their families, lowering costs for families by investing in home and community based services, cutting childcare costs for families, and passing a federal paid leave policy are critical to an economy that works for all of us, not just the wealthy. It’s time for Congress to stand behind the President and realize the potential of an economy that centers care and allows all workers to provide for their families without the worry of making impossible choices.”

For family caregivers’ reactions to the State of the Union, see these “State of Care” video responses by Care Fellows Tasha Wilson and Christina Keys