National Organization for Women-NYS Applauds Senator Gillibrand

ALBANY, NY (06/24/2009)(readMedia)-- The National Organization for Women-New York State applauds Senator Gillibrand for her plan to make quality child care affordable and accessible. In a press release dated June 17, 2009, Senator Gillibrand unveiled her plan and report on the need for affordable child care.

Marcia Pappas, President of NOW-NYS states, "Economic Justice for women is one of the six core issues that NOW activists work on every year. The overwhelming cost of child care adds to the economic struggles that women face every day. The majority of women in the U.S.-over 80 percent-become mothers through birth or adoption. Mothers are married and single; racially and ethnically diverse; living in cities, suburbs, towns and rural areas; poor, middle-income and affluent; heterosexual and lesbian; well and less educated. Most mothers today are in the paid workforce, but nearly two-thirds of mothers with young children work less than full time, year round, and-like other employed women-mothers in the labor force are concentrated in lower-paid occupations and professions. When women do work, they must have affordable child care."

In a press release by the Senator's office, it stated "According to a new report released by U.S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the cost of child care in New York is rising by $730 per year. County-by-county estimates show that costs are rising across age levels in every corner of the state. In response to the growing costs of child care, Senator Gillibrand today unveiled her plan to make child care more affordable and accessible for working parents."

"In this difficult economy, parents cannot afford the rising cost of child care. Families' incomes are just not keeping pace," Senator Gillibrand said. "I speak with parents all over New York State, who tell me that something must be done. In addition to making child care more affordable for parents who work and go to school, my plan will provide special assistance to businesses that help their employees with the tremendous costs."

NOW-New York State applauds our Senator for taking a bold stand on this issue. With affordable child care, women will be one step closer to economic justice.