Issued May 10, 2016
WASHINGTON—SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry issued the following statement on Hillary Clinton’s newly announced plan to make quality child care affordable for working families:
“Last year, SEIU parents and child care providers met with Hillary Clinton to share their stories about the urgent need for affordable, quality child care and to raise wages for child care providers. It was clear to everyone then, as it is again today, that she recognizes the value of care work in our nation, including child care teachers who help educate our future generations.
“The RAISE (Respect and Increased Salaries for Early Childhood Educators) initiative in particular will help ensure that child care and early education teachers can work and thrive in a professional atmosphere. And this proposal rightly recognizes the impact that access to affordable child care has on our nation’s economy. Keeping child care costs to 10 percent of a family’s income will make it easier for parents to stay in the workforce, and give some relief to the already-stretched budgets of working moms and dads.
“Secretary Clinton’s child care proposal shows she is committed to ensuring that child care teachers have living wages and parents have access to a quality, affordable place where their children can thrive. Child care teachers have joined the Fight for $15 to raise their voices and make sure elected officials heed the call to raise wages. SEIU is proud to support a candidate for president who is dedicated to a better future for all Americans.”