I Attended the Congressional Dads Caucus

By Sammy Chavin-Grant

Last week, one of my best friends Maya gave birth to her first daughter. Last week we were talking about how being home was and how the baby was doing when I realized I had to head out to Capitol Hill to meet with the Congressional Dads Caucus. Before we got off the phone she and her husband Andy urged me to show pictures of their beautiful baby off and to push Congress to do something to help families like theirs.

Maya and Andy are privileged enough to have access to some paid leave – but they don’t have enough leave! After four weeks they’re no longer going to be guaranteed their typical incomes and will be worrying about the bills when all they should be focused on is welcoming and nurturing their beautiful baby.

Congressman Jimmy Gomez-the founder of the Congressional Dads Caucus intimately understands this as he has recently had his son Hodge. It is why the Congressional Dads Caucus is focusing on paid leave, childcare, and the child tax credit. Families like Congressman Gomez and Hodge, and Maya and Andy deserve better.

I was proud to join this important first roundtable between advocates and parents. We heard directly from mothers and fathers whose lives could be forever changed by Congress enacting a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program and affordable child care.

The theme of every speakers’ remarks was simple – we know what works for working families and we deserve action immediately. The Family Values @ Work Network has been at the forefront of showing how paid family and medical leave and affordable childcare programs are possible and transformative for families. 

I am proud to have represented our Network and look forward to advocating alongside them to make paid leave a reality for all families. Groups like the Congressional Dads Caucus are essential to continuing momentum until we make this a reality for all! 

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