Build up nation’s care economy

In its April 4 editorial, “President’s bold infrastructure plan is a vision Nevadans can get behind,” the Las Vegas Sun praises the President Joe Biden’s historic achievements to rebuild through investments in traditional infrastructure.

The article left out a key point: To reach everyone, we need to rethink traditional definitions of infrastructure. That’s why the Biden-harris administration calls it “Build Back Better” and includes all the pieces that help people get to work and keep their jobs. They are finally making the investment in the care economy that our country needs, by calling for paid leave and child care — programs critical to long-lasting recovery.

These issues can’t wait. We’ve seen the harm the pandemic has caused for women, especially women of color. Unable to juggle the impossible demands of caring for loved ones and earning a paycheck, many have chosen their families and have left the workforce at historic rates.

These are the same women teaching our kids and working in hospitals. They cared for us through the worst of 2020, and the administration is finally paying them back. Prioritizing the care infrastructure creates a much-needed resolution for family and work needs. When women are supported, we all win. Tameka Henry, Las Vegas

The writer is an ambassador with Make It Work Nevada, an activist group.