Debt Ceiling Deal Statement

The Family Values @ Work Network is glad that Congress and President Biden agreed to raise the debt ceiling. This plan avoids the most harmful proposals floated by Congress, including proposed work requirements for Medicaid. However, it continues a trend of focusing cuts in places where they will do the most harm, such as SNAP and TANF. 

“The fact that debt ceiling proposals that would harm families were even considered is a sad indication of how far some legislators will go to play politics––at the expense of working families,” said Josephine Kalipeni, executive director of Family Values @ Work. “Though we are relieved that the debt ceiling was avoided, these proceedings were a cruel reflection of how little we prioritize families and care in this nation. It’s clear that our work remains urgent: We have to continue to build the power necessary to avoid our needs being on the chopping block at the cost of political games. Working families need a federal paid leave program, paid sick and safe days, and universal child care to protect them in times of uncertainty.”