Jobs and Economy
Information regarding my stance on Jobs and Economy issues.
"It will help the senior citizen in Seaside who needs a vaccine but doesn't have access to the internet," Bonamici said in a statement. "It will help the new mom and her husband, both paramedics, who don't have access to paid family leave and can't afford child care.
Reps. Suzanne Bonamici of Beaverton, Earl Blumenauer of Portland and Peter DeFazio of Springfield voted yes on both versions of HR 1913. Republican Rep. Cliff Bentz of Ontario voted no. Bonamici was outspoken in her support of the $39 billion that the bills sets aside for childcare subsidies to families and support to providers.
"If families and parents are ready to go back to work and they do not have access to child care, we are not going to solve our economic crisis. That is true for parents, for caregivers and especially for mothers," Bonamici told reporters on Tuesday, March 2. "This is a first step in stabilizing the child care system — and it is a good investment in our children and our future."
The conference, hosted by California congressman Ted Lieu, also included John Garamendi and Suzanne Bonamici, all of whom spoke in favor of approving the legislation.
Reps. Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici both support the measure. "This bill has massive support," Blumenauer said, noting it is "getting aid to people who need it." Bonamici took note of the "urgent need" for this bill. The Senate could debate the bill beginning Wednesday.
"Some schools in Northwest Oregon have been able to reopen, but many have not," said Bonamici, who represents much of the metro area's west side, including Newberg and Dundee. "We all want students and educators back in schools, but they need resources to make sure everyone is safe."
Bonamici represents the First Congressional District of Oregon. She answered voters' questions for more than 45 minutes. One caller asked how small business owners could afford the proposed minimum wage of $15 an hour, especially in the wake of the pandemic. The caller said the minimum wage was never meant to support families.