This morning, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Build Back Better Act. The Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research applauds the House’s historic actions today that will support a more equitable economic recovery for low-income people and families in the United States, including the one-fifth of LGBTQI+ households who live in poverty.
The Build Back Better framework includes several important investments that will benefit LGBTQI+ people and their families, such as:
- Expanding access to affordable childcare and free preschool for all 3- and 4-year old children that will help LGBTQI+ people with children.
- Reducing the cost of home-based care for older adults and people with disabilities that will help LGBTQI+ people access the care they need to stay healthy in their homes.
- Paid family leave provisions that are inclusive of LGBTQI+ people’s chosen family would enable LGBTQI+ workers to take time to care for their loved ones without fear of losing their job or struggling to provide for their families.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where additional debate and changes to the bill’s framework may occur. We urge Senate Democrats to resist proposals that would eliminate crucial investments–such as paid leave, that would dramatically help LGBTQI+ people and their families–and swiftly vote to pass the Build Better Act.