As we wrap up February this weekend with Leap Day and head into spring, we can't help but notice all of the conversations regarding the coronavirus. More importantly, we are all concerned with the costs that will place burden on American families of both getting tested and in whatever vaccines Big Pharma produces. Please join us in telling Congress not to allow Big pharma to price gouge patients.

We've also included other actions of important work being done in Washington. We need your help in making sure all of our voices are heard.

Thank you for all you do, and enjoy Leap Day!

1. Quick signature: Big Pharma wants to profit off coronavirus.

BACKGROUND: Public, taxpayer dollars have led the way in developing treatments and vaccines for the coronavirus, but, President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Azar are considering giving pharmaceutical corporations monopolies to sell them at whatever price maximizes profits.

Research and investment in treatments and vaccines funded with public dollars should not be handed over to private corporations with no guardrails so they can price gouge patients and rake in profits. Click here to add your name!  

2. Help MomsRising Shine a Light on TRUTH!

BACKGROUND: We’ve all heard the story about six-year-old George Washington chopping down his father’s cherry tree, and not being able to lie about it. And, of course, Abraham Lincoln was known as “Honest Abe.” We are furious that in 2020 we could not have a more different leader in the White House. Donald Trump has verifiably lied more than 15,000 times. He and his Administration regularly twist reality, sow confusion, and hide facts in an unending campaign to gaslight America — manipulating the truth and making people question what’s real — to serve Trump’s own ends. Support MomsRising’s work to challenge the Trump Administration’s lies. Donate now and get the “Don’t Gaslight Me” button and help us shine a light on truth. | No thanks on the button, but I’d still like to donate.

3. We need Child Care for All Families Now!

BACKGROUND: Childcare and pre-K costs are sky high—in fact, in 30 states and the District of Columbia, infant care costs exceed the average cost of college tuition. Approximately half of American families live in a “childcare desert”, meaning they can’t access the quality childcare they need. Additionally, early learning providers, 94% of whom are women, are struggling significantly since childcare is one of the lowest paying industries in the United States.

This is why we are inspired and thrilled that Senator Patty Murray (WA), Senator Bob Casey (PA), and Representative Bobby Scott (VA) are taking a stand to address these issues by introducing the Child Care for Working Families Act. This legislation will address our nationwide early care crisis by lowering childcare costs for low-income and middle-income families, supporting universal pre-K programs for all 3 and 4 year-olds, and significantly improving compensation and training for the childcare workforce to ensure that our nation’s teachers and caregivers have the support they need. Sign Now!  

4. Join MomsRising for a #KeepMarching online conversation with “Dying of Whiteness” bestselling author Dr. Jonathan Metzl

BACKGROUND: Why do so many people seem to take policy positions that only end up hurting themselves in the long-run? In his bestseller, Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America's Heartland, Dr. Jonathan M. Metzl provides answers, looking at:

Why white Missourians want looser gun laws;
Why white Tennesseans opposed expanding healthcare; and
Why white Kansans agreed to dismantle a public education system that ranked among the best in the nation.

RSVP now for this powerful and illuminating conversation with Dr. Jonathan Metzl, Tuesday, March 10, 8 pm ET/5 pm PT.  

5. Tell Congress: Support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act!

BACKGROUND: Despite the Pregnancy Discrimination Act's requirement that pregnant workers receive equal treatment, the fact is that some employers are still firing pregnant workers for requesting simple, medically-necessary accommodations, like avoiding heavy lifting or being able to take extra water breaks. Discrimination is the last thing you should have to worry about when you’re pregnant, but even in 2020 pregnant workers are still being denied reasonable, medically-necessary accommodations at work (like extra water breaks or being able to sit down) because of loopholes in the 35 year old Pregnancy Discrimination Act. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would make it unmistakable: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers who need them. Tell your U.S. Representative to support the *BIPARTISAN* Pregnant Workers Fairness Act!

Thanks for all you do!