Larson: Republicans Say, “You’re on Your Own” to Working Women
Washington, D.C. - During today’s Ways and Means Committee hearing, “Burnout Epidemic and What Working Women Need for A Stronger Economy,” Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) criticized Republicans’ calls for inaction while highlighting the need for affordable, accessible, and quality childcare.
You can watch Rep. Larson's remarks here.
“It must feel a little odd for you being here sharing testimony about your personal experiences and be told by the Republicans the problem is really Biden, gasoline, and inflation,” said Larson. “God forbid government step in and try to help you. Instead, we get the ‘YO-YO’ policy: You’re on Your Own. What I heard today is a number of you giving compelling, real-life situations that require government doing something to assist the people we’re sworn to serve. You’ve heard empathy from the other side, but they’re basically saying, ‘You’re on your own.’ We think there’s a better approach.
“Rugged individualism may be a great value but through no fault of your own, you find yourself with a global pandemic and inflation caused by a war, but you’re here talking about what’s going on in your household and how you have to deal with the very real problems. You’re asking your government for help,” Larson continued.
During the hearing, Rep. Larson asked Nija Phelps, of Milford, CT, to share her experience finding and paying for childcare for her toddler. Last year, Rep. Larson voted for guaranteed universal access to childcare and paid family and medical leave. During his time in the Connecticut State Senate, he worked with Dr. Ed Zigler to create Family Resource Centers for school-based childcare and family support services designed to promote the optimal growth and development of children.
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