On Saturday, President Joe Biden released a Proclamation declaring April Care Workers Recognition Month. Here is his decree in part:
Across America, care workers help raise our children, assist seniors as they age with dignity, and support people with disabilities — giving families peace of mind and making it possible for millions of Americans to earn a paycheck while their loved ones are safe and secure. These unsung heroes strengthen our communities and form the backbone of our Nation’s economy. This month, we honor their extraordinary contributions and commit to supporting them with better pay, better benefits, and the recognition they have long deserved.
Despite all they give to this country, care workers — including child care workers, home care workers, and long-term care workers — are among the lowest-paid workers in America. Some juggle multiple jobs, and many leave the profession altogether in search of better options. The vast majority of care workers are women, and a disproportionate share are people of color, so this chronic underpayment deepens gender and racial wealth gaps. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many care workers were forced to put themselves and their families at risk, just to do their jobs. And the care workforce continues to recover slowly, making it hard for families to find care. This leads to hundreds of billions in lost wages each year and only heightens the obligation placed on the Nation’s more than 50 million family caregivers.
Our message this month to care workers across America is simple: The work you do matters. You are there for families when they need you most — providing comfort, strength, and compassion that inspire us all. Your devotion to the people and communities you serve represents the best of America’s character, and we will always stand with you, ensuring you are seen, valued, and rewarded fairly for the work you do.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2023 as Care Workers Recognition Month. I call upon all Americans to celebrate the contributions of care workers to our Nation with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.
This month, the CB HomeCare Family of Providers are especially grateful to all of our caregivers who care for those unable to care for themselves. Thank you to them and to all the caregivers in our lives.
