This week the Mamas' Caucus hosted several events to recognize the importance of centering mothers in policy and bringing them to the table in policymaking. We welcomed Mothering Justice back to Washington, D.C. for their annual Mamas' Movement March. We also hosted a White House briefing with the Democratic Women's Caucus to discuss the 50+ Executive Order actions signed by President Biden.

The Mamas' Caucus is committed to advocating for all mothers that have been excluded from policymaking for so long. We know that the costs of raising a child in our country are among the highest in the world, and that our policies and social safety nets too often leave behind families of color. We must build childcare policies that support every family, and ones that ensure providers are paid a living wage. We know that we are one of the only major nations in the world that does not offer a single day of paid family and medical leave. More than 30 million workers, including 67% of low-wage workers, do not have access to a single day of paid leave.

Michigan is in the midst of a Black infant and maternal health crisis. Our state has one of the highest death rates among Black women in the country, because our systems and institutions have failed to provide our Black neighbors with the comprehensive, high-quality care they deserve. And we are on the front lines of the fight for reproductive justice. We will not allow six extremist, unelected activists wearing robes to bring us back to 1931 and continue to target our fundamental human rights. As a mama, I refuse to accept this status quo – for my neighbors, for my residents, and for mamas across the country. It was an honor to be among such powerful women last week, including the women of Mothering Justice, uplifting the issues that many of us face.