Thread by @BuffyWicks

2020 was a year of historic significance. A global pandemic. Economic hardship. Racial reckoning.

But it’s in these moments of consequence that we’re reminded govt *does* have a role to play. We need good public policy that actually *helps* people.

So what comes next? (Thread—)

First and foremost in my mind: we need policies that support our working families — who are struggling to keep their heads above water just trying to make it work. Particularly working parents.

And being hit the hardest right now? Working moms—who are having to take on so much all at once. So much that too many are finding it impossible to keep their balance, much less “lean in.” That’s why many are dropping out of the workforce. We must fix this.nytimes.com/2020/11/17/bus…

We must finally create workplaces that work for people w/caregiving responsibilities.

Where to start? W/policies that support working moms—like paid leave & affordable childcare.

More on what this could (& should) look like in my op-ed w/@tammyduckworth👇🏼marieclaire.com/politics/a3454…

Of course these family-friendly policies benefit everyone, not just women. Nearly everybody cares for family at some point. Caregiving is critical to restarting our economy— it can’t fully reopen without it. We need policies that reflect this basic reality.nytimes.com/2020/07/23/ups…

And when moms—or anyone for that matter—get forced out of the workplace, they deserve easy access to unemployment. That didn’t happen when this crisis began b/c our unemployment systems were stuck in the past. It’s time we bring them into the 21st century. marketplace.org/2020/11/18/une…

Another way to make life easier for working families? Ensuring that all our kids have the tools they need in order to do their school work at home. 14% of households with school-aged children lack broadband at home. Bridging the digital divide is essential.brookings.edu/research/bridg…

As we reopen our economy & #BuildBackBetter, we must place greater emphasis on supporting our small businesses—or we risk permanently losing the sense of community they provide us. A new federal relief package must guarantee that all small businesses who need help, can access it.

And above all these efforts is required something far more basic: that families have a roof over their head. As this @Harvard_JCHS report shows—far too many of our most vulnerable are falling behind on rent. We need policies to keep families in their homes.jchs.harvard.edu/state-nations-…

Underlying all these issues is a common thread that we *must* address: people of color—esp. women of color—are being hit the hardest. Being forced out of the workforce in greater numbers. Going w/out broadband. Experiencing job disruption due to childcare. Falling behind on rent.

We must bring a racial justice lens to all these discussions.

And as @itsafronomics writes "w/the appointment of Dr. Lisa Cook to the #BidenHarrisTransition, the admin can show how they’ll make good on rhetoric around centering Black women in econ policy.”teenvogue.com/story/economis…

Those are just a few of the many things we must begin to address. I’m committed to doing my part in the CA legislature— as are my colleagues & the incoming #BidenHarris administration.

How about you? I’d love to hear which issues & solutions are on your mind. Share them below!👇🏻