Welcome to the first MOMentum donor update of 2022!
We have good news! Despite many news reports of the demise of Build Back Better at the end of 2021, the negotiations between leaders are back underway and momentum is again growing. Not surprisingly, this key policy remains at the top of our list of 2022 goals. And thanks to a year-end surge of generosity from donors like you, we’re able to continue full tilt to secure passage of this much-needed legislation! Thank you!
In addition, we have more good news to share: We begin the year with an important victory for victims of sexual violence in the military (scroll down for details), huge hope for ending the pandemic (including a little Star Trek humor and a discussion with the CDC about the kids’ COVID vaccine), and steadfast resolution to win big for women and families.
We’ve also started the year by urging protection of reproductive rights on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and celebrating the extraordinary legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As we continue to push forward, we take comfort in his words on the importance of acknowledging our interconnectedness.
Keep rising. You’re making a difference.
--Kerri and everyone at MomsRising.org
The Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA) would protect the right to receive an abortion and reproductive health care throughout the United States, even if Roe v Wade were to be overturned. Sign our letter to lawmakers asking them to support and pass the WHPA. Add your name.
Your generosity powers up this campaign. Thank you!
VICTORY: VANESSA GUILLEN ACT SIGNED INTO LAW
The "I am Vanessa Guillen Act" has been signed into law by President Biden under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This law will save thousands of lives by reforming the military justice system by improving the way incidents of sexual violence are handled by military officials so that victims feel safe reporting.
This has been a fight for almost two years for Vanessa Guillen’s family, victims, and for those who have called for change for decades, including thousands of MamásConPoder members who signed our petition to Congress for justice.
KIDS COVID VACCINE WEBCAST
We’ve received hundreds of comments and questions from parents all across the country about COVID-19 and the kids vaccine. With your support, we presented a FREE bilingual webcast with experts from the CDC to get some of your questions answered. View the Kids Vaccine Webcast.
ANNIVERSARY OF ROE V. WADE
“Most people who have abortions are moms; and moms want abortion care to be accessible to all who need it, including low-income women, women of color, and immigrant women.” — MomsRising Executive Director Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner
Read the full statement: On 49th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Moms Are Horrified that Abortion Care Is Becoming Less Accessible, Less Safe, and Less Secure
IN THE NEWS
MS MAGAZINE: The U.S. Is in Urgent Need of Childcare Solutions. Build Back Better Would Be a Game-Changer
“This is not theoretical for families—the Build Back Better Act would put an end to waiting lists, impossible commutes and childcare costs that rival college tuition.” — MomsRising Early Learning National Director Nina Perez (featuring MomsRising member Julie Groce)
THE WASHINGTON POST [OPINION]: A Eulogy for Biden’s expanded child tax credit. Maybe.
“Vague hopes of future political coalitions won’t feed and clothe the millions of children falling into poverty this winter.” — The Washington Post Opinion Columnist Catherine Rampell (featuring MomsRising member Sandra Westrand)
THE NEW YORK TIMES: U.S. hiring slowed in December as employers struggled to find workers
“[MomsRising member] Dana Ewer, 42, a nurse in Salt Lake City, said she and her husband were steeling themselves for the possibility that the day care center where they send their two sons…would close because of staffing shortage or virus spread.” — The New York Times Reporters Sydney Ember and Jeanna Smialek
BUSINESS INSIDER: Biden's monthly payments to families were a 'godsend.' Now that they've ended, parents are 'a little bit terrified' about what comes next.
Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, a cofounder and the executive director and CEO of MomsRising, called the expanded child tax credit transformational for families. She said it helped lift children out of poverty and helped working parents afford care, which kept them in their jobs. Rowe-Finkbeiner said the expanded child tax credit benefited not only the millions of families receiving the payments but also the US economy.
"We can't forget that parents, and moms in particular, are the primary people making consumer purchasing decisions in our consumer-fueled economy," she added. "The temporary child-tax-credit expansion that we have had in place for the past several months is proof of concept that a permanent child-tax-credit expansion is needed into the future in our nation," Rowe-Finkbeiner told Insider.
We love to hear your feedback. Send your thoughts to donors@momsrising.org. Thank you!
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