By Merrill Truluck
The Marshall Plan for Moms is a policy concept that has been embedded in legislation (H.Res.121) that has been introduced to the House and is backed by prominent members of society and women-run organizations meant to restore mothers in the workforce. The measure can be viewed here: www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/121/text?r=2&s=2
The Plan is modelled after the Marshall Plan of 1948, which offered economic support to Europe following World War II.
What are the Measures Included in the Marshall Plan?
1. A paid leave plan.
This is important in securing families’ physical and financial health. It would include reinstating the mandate on emergency paid leave and ensuring that it includes employers with more than 500 employees. This money could be used for paid sick, family, and medical leave.
2. Rebuilding and stabilizing the childcare industry.
A vision of universal childcare and early learning are essential to economic recovery and allowing women to stay in or enter the workforce.
3. Investments in the education system.
More money in the school systems is needed in order to safely reopen schools and campuses. This funding would make sure educators, support staff, and students are protected and safe.
4. Increasing access to healthy food.
Having access to healthy and nutritious food is a human right.
5. Child poverty reduction tools.
This includes recurring child benefits and an expanded and improved child tax credit and earned income tax credit.
6. Expand the unemployment insurance program.
This benefits struggling workers and those experiencing long-term unemployment.
7. Raise the Federal minimum wage to $15 per hour.
This is a fair wage.
8. Increase access to mental health support for mothers.
This is essential to maintaining the health of the family.
Why is the Marshall Plan for Moms important?
At the beginning of 2020, amid gender and racial discrimination in the workplace, women made up the majority of the workforce. “A year later, women have lost over 5.4 million net jobs and account for 55 percent of overall net job loss since the start of the Covid outbreak,” said . According to New York congresswoman Grace Meng in a press release. Now, over 2 million fewer mothers in the workforce, and millions more are forced to cut back on work hours, triggering a financial and emotional crisis for American moms. Keep in mind; moms are already shouldering the majority of childcare, domestic work, and remote school responsibilities. Moms of color and single moms have been the hardest hit.
The Marshall Plan for Moms intends to address the needs of moms in America. It is critical to the economic recovery and well-being of families.
Who supports the Marshall Plan for Moms?
The plan was proposed by the Girls Who Code CEO.
The plan is currently endorsed by: National Partnership for Women and Families, MomsRaising, National Women’s Law Center, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, and American Association of University Women.
Also currently backing the proposal: Stephen Curry, Andrew Yang, Victor Cruz, Amy Schumer etc.
Are there current Programs that provide economic relief to mothers?
At this time, Magnolia Mothers Trust, funded by the Economic Security Project, is helping families “reach their goals in life, work, and school.” An early version of this initiative has provided around 15 Springboard families in Jackson, Mississippi $1000 cash monthly with no strings attached (families will be able to use this money however they see fit) for 12 months. For most families “who make an average of $11,030 annually, this will more than double their income.”
Several initiatives have a guaranteed income plan, but “this will be the first that specifically targets extremely low-income families headed by an African American female living in affordable housing in the United States.” In addition to the cash payments, women will also receive peer support and have the opportunity to participate in ongoing leadership opportunities. These opportunities provide “holistic” support for families.
Magnolia Mothers Trust is starting small and learning what they can improve and change about this initiative.
What are the disadvantages of The Marshall Plan for Moms?
Like all legislation there are disadvantages to the Marshall Plan for Moms. One of these disadvantages is that the legislation’s focus is solely on mothers and ignores other caregivers such as fathers and grandparents. The second disadvantage is that the legislation only benefits parents who are employed and excludes parents who are out of paid work, and individuals who are self employed. The third disadvantage is that the legislation is a response to COVID-19 and does not allot permanent equitable funding for childcare provided by parents. While this legislation is a step in the right direction, this is a complicated set of issues with many different aspects to be studied and addressed.
SOURCES:
meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-introduces-marshall-plan-for-moms
springboardto.org/introducing-the-magnolia-mothers-trust/
familyandhome.org/articles/about-marshall-plan-moms#:~:text=Family%20and%20Home%20Network%20concerns,(parents%20are%20not%20available).&text=Families%20will%20receive%2036%20weeks,the%20birth%20of%… .