#5SmartReads - February 22, 2021

On caregivers, figure skating, and the woman behind NASA's Perseverance landing

Katie Porter, one of Congress’ only single moms, has a plan to help caregivers (The 19th*)

“Do I stretch the budget and try to get the amount of child care that would really represent my need? Or do I live with less and juggle? I think I’ve definitely been doing the live with less and juggle because I don’t have the resources. And I think that is really, really common.”

Katie Porter’s Family Savings for Kids and Seniors Act is one of the pieces of legislation (along with Lauren Underwood Momnibus Bill) that I’m geeking out over.

I’m very heartened to see our leaders tie these laws to the economy - both in terms of ROI or the hit to GDP and tax revenue - as a way to demonstrate their need.

Increasing the ceiling for pre-tax dollars that families can use for childcare and senior care, summer camps, and afterschool care makes sense - especially when you consider the last time it was changed was 1986.

But don’t take my word for it. Go read up on it yourself.