Representatives Davis and Sánchez Lead Bill to Fund Dependent Care for Essential Workers during COVID Pandemic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7, 2020

Ira Cohen (Davis), 202.805.1615

Jake Abbott(Sánchez), 202.697.0296

Washington, D.C.– Today, House Ways and Means Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis (IL-07) and Representative Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38) introduced legislation to direct $850 million to states via the Social Services Block Grant solely to cover dependent care costs for essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill includes a range of essential workers, including: health care workers; emergency response workers; sanitation workers; workers at businesses that state or local officials determine must remain open; and any other worker who cannot telework and who the state or local government deems essential. Importantly, the funds would include care for either children or adult in their households who are incapable of self-care, and the bill gives states flexibility to pay child or adult day care providers, set up emergency care facilities, or reimburse workers directly for their costs.

“During this crisis, we must do everything we can to support our essential workers who are keeping us alive, fed, safe, and functioning,” said Davis. “These workers risk their health and give tirelessly so that our citizens and communities can survive. The least we can do is cover their child care costs so that they know their loved ones are well cared for as they give to so much to us.”

“Our health care workers leave their homes and families each day to show up for us,” said Sánchez. “We need to show up for them by making sure their loved ones are cared for while they fight this pandemic.”