The American Rescue Plan means help is here now. Permanent care investments are a critical next step for our nation’s future infrastructure.

Lisa Guide, co-founder of the Women Effect Action Fund (WEAF), released the following statement in response to final passage of the American Rescue Plan by the U.S. House of Representatives:

“Today, Congress and the Biden-Harris administration have delivered on the president’s promise that ‘help is on the way.’ Help is not just on the way, help is here now. The American Rescue Plan includes critical investments in families and children, providing relief to households, child care providers and small businesses hit hard by the pandemic. These unprecedented investments are a much-needed acknowledgement that our system isn’t working for women and families. This historic moment is a tremendous achievement for millions of people facing economic uncertainty every day.

“Looking ahead, American families will not truly recover until we pass permanent care economy policies including investments in childcare and long-term care, paid sick days and paid family and medical leave. Without such policies, we know that families – and especially women – will continue to face impossible choices between work and caring for themselves or a loved one. Embracing these policies won’t just benefit women and children; they will grow our economy so that women can fully participate in the workforce.

“Next, Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration will turn their attention to realizing another campaign promise of President Biden’s: passing the Build Back Better infrastructure plan. In today’s economy, we must realize that care policies that support all workers are as critical a part of our nation’s infrastructure as roads and bridges. Permanent, comprehensive care policies must be at the center of infrastructure legislation to help families. ”