Like many others, my 2022 is off to a rocky start. I am writing this as I scramble to find a COVID-19 test appointment for my feverish two-year-old and my son is home with his school closed. I know I am far from alone. Families need a lifeline, but just when we need help the most, the U.S. Senate failed to act before the new year to extend the monthly Child Tax Credit payments and pass key policies like paid family and medical leave and child care that would have helped families, businesses, and our economy weather this COVID-19 surge.

Sen Manchin's announcement that he will not support the current version of the Build Back Better Act is a stinging, heartbreaking, disappointment to families in his state. Join us in urging him to come back to the negotiating table.

By sharing our stories, we help lawmakers who have the power to make the changes we need understand what we’re facing each and every day; we also let people with similar experiences know they’re not alone (which builds a powerful movement!); and we shift the media narrative to build pressure for change.