A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO ENCOURAGE ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS TO JOIN WITH THE SENATE IN CELEBRATING AND RECOGNIZING HOW CRITICAL THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CARE WORKERS ARE TO THE HEALTH AND OVERALL WELL-BEING OF OUR STATE AND TO DECLARE THE MONTH OF APRIL AS "CARE WORKERS RECOGNITION MONTH" THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

 

Whereas, across our great State of South Carolina, 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; and

 

Whereas, despite their essential contributions, care workers-including childcare, home care, and long-term care workers-remain among the lowest-paid workers in the nation, forcing many to juggle multiple jobs or leave the profession altogether; and

 

Whereas, because the majority of care workers are women and a disproportionate share are people of color, chronic underpayment widens gender and racial wealth gaps, and ongoing workforce shortages since the COVID-19 pandemic have made it harder for families to find care, resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars in lost wages and increased strain on more than 50 million family caregivers; and

 

Whereas, as many have said, care is the work that makes all other work possible. The message of this month to care workers across our State is simple: The work you do matters. You are there for families when they need you most, providing comfort, strength, and compassion that inspires 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; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate call upon all South Carolinians to celebrate the contributions of care workers to our State with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, encourage all South Carolinians to join with the Senate in celebrating and recognizing how critical the contributions of care workers are to the health and overall well-being of our State and declare the month of April as "Care Workers Recognition Month" throughout the state of South Carolina.

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