[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 11 (Thursday, February 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E171-E172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               DAYCARE FAIRNESS FOR STAY-AT-HOME PARENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 1998

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us rightly 
acknowledges the importance of parents who are fortunate enough to stay 
at home with their children. But this is only part of the story. Had 
this resolution actually gone through committee, we would also have 
addressed the importance of working parents who do not have the choice 
to stay at home.
  All parents must be supported in their child care choices. While we 
all want to support parents who want to stay at home, we must 
acknowledge that many parents must work to keep their families out of 
poverty. More parents work than have ever before, and more families 
rely on the mother's income to make ends meet. Many mothers are 
essential in helping support their families financially. A national 
study found that 55% of employed women provide half or more of their 
household income.
  In California, the average earning of a two-parent family with both 
parents working full time at the minimum wage is about $21,000. This is 
hardly enough to put food on the table, let alone afford quality child 
care.
  Child care is a universal need. No parent must be discriminated 
against in our efforts to provide safe, quality child care for families 
who need it most. But we must work together to achieve this, not pit 
families with different needs against each other. I urge all my 
colleagues to work together on crafting a comprehensive child care 
proposal that addresses the needs of all families for safe, quality, 
affordable care for our most precious hope for the future--our 
children.

[[Page E172]]



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