Standing up for moms
With two grown children now on their own, I look forward to Mother’s Day as a time for our family take a break from our busy lives and reconnect.
For me, Mother’s Day is also a time to think about what we can do, as a country, to help mothers who are struggling to raise their children in this tough economy.
When I travel around my district, whether I’m in Portland or the rural areas, I meet moms who are doing everything right -- but are just barely making it.
These hard-working moms aren’t asking for handouts - just a fair chance for a good life for their families. That’s why, since day one as a member of the Legislature and now as a member of Congress, I’ve worked hard for policies that level the playing field for women.
Putting in place a fairer national minimum wage, starting at $10.10 an hour, and pegging it to the rate of inflation, would make a huge difference for millions of families across the country.
Passing the Paycheck Fairness Act would allow women to find out if they are being paid less than male coworkers doing the same job – giving them a powerful tool to ask for a raise, and fight back against pay discrimination. It’s unconscionable that women still earn less than men for doing the same job.
Enacting better leave policies would make it possible for moms working outside the home to take the time they need to bond with a newborn, or care for a seriously ill parent without putting their family at risk of bankruptcy.
These are some of my priorities as your representative in Congress, and I’ll continue to work hard for them every day.
I hope you enjoy a happy Mother’s Day today with your family. Thank you for all of your support over the years.
- Suzanne
