Dear Colleagues,
The stakes could not be higher. As funders and advocates committed to gender equity and justice, we face a critical moment in protecting decades of progress for women, children, older adults, people with disabilities, and workers. In my recent article, Saving Medicaid – And Our Democracy, I detail the stark choice we face between tax cuts for wealthy individuals and corporations and devastating cuts to Medicaid and other vital care programs.
Medicaid is essential to women’s health and economic security. It covers 41% of all births and provides health insurance for one-third of all children. Home care workers – mostly women of color – would be doubly impacted. Medicaid is the largest payer of home care workers’ already low wages, and a quarter depend on Medicaid for their own health care coverage. Furthermore, cuts to the program will make it harder for older adults and people with disabilities to find and retain the care they need to live independently with safety and dignity.
The Care for All with Respect & Equity (CARE) Fund community stands at the forefront of organizing against these massive tax giveaways. I am heartened by the solidarity of our grantees joining forces to defend justice and envision a future where we can all thrive with respect and equity. We refuse to let children’s needs be pitted against those of older adults or care workers against care recipients. Unity is our strength, and our diverse and growing partners are joining forces to build the capacity, cohesion, and power needed to win care for all.
We were thrilled to collaborate with WFN on this webinar featuring the care movement’s organizing against federal tax and budget cuts. The overwhelming response from 400 diverse funders signals this is truly an all-hands-on-deck moment for philanthropy. No matter your organization’s focus, these budget and tax debates are mission critical.
In solidarity,
Anna Wadia
The CARE Fund
Executive Director