Statement on U.S. Elections – What Will This Mean for My Family?

Family Values @ Work is rooted in the belief that everyone should be able to take care of their family — the people they love and care about. For each political development, families want to know: “What will this mean for my family?” For each policy put forward, they ask, “Will my family be included?”

Statements that demonize whole groups of people and threaten undemocratic steps — deporting millions of immigrants, forcing Muslims to register, refusing entrance to refugee families, trampling on LGBTQ rights — are a blow to these beliefs. So are statements denigrating women and bragging about sexual assault. All of us, whatever our political persuasion, must reject expressions that demean or spread hatred.

We are deeply troubled by many of the President-elect’s statements, his vow to overturn Roe v Wade, and his choice of a known white nationalist and racist as a top advisor.

We are also concerned about his proposals on paid maternity leave and child care. The maternity leave policy would jeopardize women’s ability to succeed in the workplace by not offering sufficient paid time or income, while excluding fathers, adoptive parents, same-sex couples, and those who need time to care for aging parents and other loved ones. This policy would also take money out of unemployment insurance, which is already severely under-funded.

In this difficult time, we must ensure all working families are protected, especially women and communities of color who are likely to be most negatively impacted by his administration’s proposed policies. We are horrified by the rise in hate crimes since the election and call on the incoming Trump administration to denounce these actions. We stand with our partners and allies against these attacks and pledge to help protect the most vulnerable among us.

The work of our state coalitions is now more important than ever. We’re encouraged that a host of progressive ballot initiatives passed on Election Day and are proud of all of our wins at the local and state level so far, which includes 40 paid sick days victories across the country and four statewide paid family leave bills. These issues have broad popular support nationwide. Making progress in the short term and over the long haul depends on our ability to continue to move this state and local work. Doing so will have a tremendous impact on the lives of working families, build key alliances across all groups, and amplify the urgent need for change at the federal level. We stand united with our state coalitions and allies in continuing to advocate for inclusive paid leave policies across the country so that everyone can say, “Yes, my family is included.”