news

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today joined President Biden at the White House to recognize and honor care workers and family caregivers. The event comes as the Biden-Harris administration announced a sweeping set of executive actions to improve care and support care workers. Congresswoman Dingell today also introduced a resolution designating April 2023 “Care Worker Recognition Month,” to recognize the immense role and contributions of care workers in the United States, and reaffirm her commitment to supporting caregivers and investing in care infrastructure.

“Caregiving is the foundation of our economy. No one else can do their jobs if their loved ones – from children, to the elderly, to individuals with disabilities – aren’t taken care of,” Dingell said. “I’m thankful for President Biden’s continued commitment to expanding access to care, supporting our caregiving workforce, and investing in our care infrastructure. I will continue to work on this issue until every American has access to the care they need in the setting of their choice, family care givers can get respite, and all caregivers are paid a living wage for their work.”

"Today's historic set of executive actions designed to increase the affordability and accessibility of care for our loved ones, while ensuring care jobs are good jobs, is yet another bold step taken by the Biden-Harris Administration to transforming and strengthening our economy and society," said National Domestic Workers Alliance President Ai-jen Poo. "We are thrilled that the White House is standing for care once more by investing in the care infrastructure that will improve the lives of millions. And we are proud to stand alongside Congresswoman Debbie Dingell as she introduces a resolution designating April Care Workers Recognition Month. This recognition, along with the immediate actions taken by the White House, are a part of a generational shift care workers across the industry have been moving along for decades. Together, with continued support and bold leadership from our champions, we can make this once devalued work the center of all that we do. We know a better future is possible, and we have taken yet another step forward for caregivers, care workers, and families who deserve to find quality care for their loved ones, while working with the dignity, respect, and pay they deserve."

Dingell has long been a leader in Congress on expanding access to care for the elderly, and the disability community, supporting the caregiving workforce, and investing in the care economy. She introduced the Better Care Better Jobs Act and HCBS Access Act to enhance Medicaid funding for home care, strengthen the caregiving workforce, improve quality of life for patients, provide respite for family caregivers, and boost the economy by creating good paying jobs to make it possible for families and workers alike to thrive.

View the full text of the Care Worker Recognition Month resolution here.