Author: Katie Fleischer

Katie Fleischer (she/they) is a Ms. editorial assistant working on the Front and Center series and Keeping Score.
Build Back Better Is in Peril. Low-income Families Can’t Afford To Lose It

Build Back Better Is in Peril. Low-income Families Can’t Afford To Lose It

As families hope Democratic leadership will find a different path to pass Build Back Better policies like childcare or paid leave, another revolutionary policy is just beginning to enter mainstream awareness: guaranteed income.

Guaranteed income involves regular payments directed to specific marginalized groups, as a way to address economic inequities caused by systemic racism and sexism. Economic justice organizations like the Magnolia Mother’s Trust argue that a federal guaranteed income program would not just help low-income families pay their bills, but also reduce financial stress and set their families up for long-term success. 

Investing in Social Infrastructure Provides a Recovery Path for All—But Especially Low-Income Families

Investing in Social Infrastructure Provides a Recovery Path for All—But Especially Low-Income Families

Too often, policies that are perceived to be “feminine” or unequally benefiting women are dismissed in favor of more “serious” policies. The two infrastructure bills working their way through Congress are no exception.

In reality, policies like the child tax credit, paid family leave and guaranteed income result in better outcomes for everyone.

Stimulus Payments and the Child Tax Credit Are Transforming U.S. Families—What Happens When They End?

Stimulus Payments and the Child Tax Credit Are Transforming U.S. Families—What Happens When They End?

Neither the COVID-era stimulus payments nor the child tax credit were designed to be permanent solutions—but if they were, they would especially help working moms, low-income women and women of color.

The Magnolia Mother’s Trust puts this into action, demonstrating that giving women an economic safety net leads to families escaping poverty and having the ability to set themselves and their families up for success.

Returning to Schools Without Mask and Vaccine Mandates, Moms Must Choose: Their Jobs, or Their Kids’ Health

Returning to Schools Without Mask and Vaccine Mandates, Moms Must Choose: Their Jobs, or Their Kids’ Health

Despite children under 12 being unable to get vaccinated and the Delta variant surging across the country, most schools are reopening in-person this month, presenting parents with a tough choice—especially in states and localities without mask and vaccine mandates.

Moms—particularly Black and low-income moms—are bearing the brunt.

The Power of Unrestricted Cash: Advocates Call for Permanent Policy to Support Low-Income Families

The Power of Unrestricted Cash: Advocates Call for Permanent Policy to Support Low-Income Families

A permanent child tax credit and guaranteed income would give low-income mothers of color more opportunities to provide for their children without financial stress, and invest in their personal goals.

By getting cash into the hands of people who need it, these policies would make a huge difference for struggling Americans, and would be a step towards creating an economic system that values the lived experiences and unique perspectives of marginalized people.