To the Editor:

One problem this pandemic has exposed is that there’s little support for parents and caregivers in our country. I remember how difficult it was as a working single parent to find child care. The burden of caregiving falls primarily on women, and those who work face a constant struggle. Our children are our future; we should value them enough to provide the support parents need for their children.

It’s even more difficult for paid caregivers. These essential workers, often women of color, are entrusted with the care of our children, our parents and those with special needs, yet their pay is so low that many need food stamps to get by. They may not even have basic benefits like sick days and health insurance. No wonder there is so much turnover in these jobs!

Joe Biden has a plan to address the challenges of caregiving in our country. He has been a single parent, and knows what it’s like to balance work and child rearing. His economic recovery plan includes:

*investing in child care, making it affordable and accessible for working families;

*giving caregiving workers higher pay and stronger benefits;

*adding new child care facilities and millions of new workers;

*offering preschool to all 3 and 4 year olds;

*offering tax and social security credits to family caregivers; and

*providing families with up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave.

He plans to pay for all this by rolling back tax breaks for the wealthiest real estate investors, and by making sure the highest earners pay their fair share (https://joebiden.com/joes-vision).

These are common sense measures, an investment in our present and our future. Let’s support families, children, and workers. Let’s support Joe Biden for President.

Betsy Litt

Great Hill Road, Newtown August 1, 2020