Progressive legislators in all 50 states will take part in the #FightingForFamilies Week of Action Feb. 5-9, 2018 to showcase progressive priorities in state capitals.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – State legislators from across the country reacted to President Trump’s first State of the Union address with a shared commitment to advance progressive policy solutions to address the concerns they hear from their constituents. They share a vision in which helping working families and growing the middle class comes before tax breaks to the wealthy and big corporations. Their constituents need economic security and an economy that works for all of us, not just the wealthy few, where families and communities can thrive. No single evening of pomp and solemnity can mask the fact that in 2017, Trump and conservatives across the country embraced an erosion of decency and democratic norms, launched an aggressive effort to strip health care from millions of Americans, and showered the wealthy and big corporations with tax cuts that will line the pockets of the wealthiest 1% on the backs of working families.
On infrastructure:
“Americans deserve a strong plan to rebuild our roads, bridges, and pipes - not another scam that sells us out to connected special interests,” said Michigan Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D-Flint). “My community has suffered through what happens when those in power don’t take infrastructure problems seriously. It’s not too much to ask for real solutions that use skilled workers making decent wages and American materials to keep our travel, water, and families safe.”
On the economy, and the need to support working families through policies including paid family and medical leave:
“Families need real solutions that will help them achieve greater economic security. President Trump says he’s a champion for working families, but he’s actually just giving tax breaks to his wealthy friends at the expense of hard working people,” said Colorado Rep. Faith Winter (D-Westminster). “Meanwhile, every worker in America, at some point, is going to have to deal with major life events that require time off from work to be with family. Supporting stronger paid family and medical leave policies across the country will prevent families from having to make an awful choice between keeping their job and their paycheck, or caring for their loved ones without pay, right at the moment when they can least afford it.”
On immigration:
“Trump’s immigration policies are hurting American children and families. As progressives, we won’t stand for a border wall, a Muslim ban, or a family ban. Fighting for families means fighting for all families, which is why it’s time to protect Dreamers, renew DACA, and stand up against hate,” said Arizona Sen. Juan Mendez (D- Tempe).
Next week, to strike a clear contrast with the Trump administration agenda, from Feb. 5-9, 2018 legislators across all 50 states will be taking part in the State Innovation Exchange’s second annual #FightingForFamilies Week of Action.
In 2017, voters made their voices heard in local and special elections across the country. The largest protests in modern history and a huge growth in grassroots activism showed that the American people want real solutions for working people. During the #FightingForFamilies Week of Action, legislators will build on that momentum and showcase their efforts to advance policies that promote opportunity and fairness and create economic security for American families by raising incomes and creating good jobs.