With President Biden proposing the American Families Plan during his Joint Address to Congress this evening, Dayenu issued the following statement from CEO and Founder, Rabbi Jennie Rosenn:
“President Biden’s address tonight demonstrated that his administration is pursuing a path toward economic recovery that addresses racial and economic inequality and confronts the clear and present danger of the climate crisis. As the coronavirus pandemic has made clear, healthcare, childcare, educational opportunities, and other social services are crucial for our families and our society. They enable people to join or return to the workforce without worrying about their own health and wellbeing or those of their loved ones at home. If we are to build a new, clean energy economy for all, we must ensure that nobody is left behind.
“Jewish tradition is clear: it is our obligation to protect the widow, the orphan, and the stranger, those who have been made most vulnerable. This certainly includes those who for too long have faced exclusion and discrimination. If we are to truly recover from the pandemic and address climate change, we will have to reimagine and rebuild our economy to include everyone.
“Together, the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan are crucial first steps to help ensure a society that is more equitable and sustainable, for generations to come. There is certainly much more to do, but it’s clear the President’s proposals align with the needs and concerns of Americans: that’s why 64% support the American Families Plan.
“A critical but often overlooked dimension of a just, green recovery is the care economy. We at Dayenu believe everyone should share in the benefits of a just and sustainable future – that means economic, gender, and racial justice must be at the core of climate solutions. President Biden’s proposal goes a long way towards making this vision a reality.
“We call on Congress to swiftly pass President Biden’s sweeping economic recovery proposals and deliver bold climate action at the scale that science and justice demand.”