URGENT: Our Voices are Growing! Plus, New Insights & Important Privacy Update!
Dear Supporters of the Federal & Colorado CARE Act,
An enormous thank you to our incredible community! We've hit new milestones with 570 signatures and 509 dedicated supporters for the "Empower Working Caregivers: Enact Federal & Colorado CARE Act to Amend ADA & CADA" petition! Every single one of you is helping to amplify this critical message.
Understanding the WHY: New "Hidden Truths" Blog Post Released!
To further illuminate the urgent need for our advocacy, we've just released the latest installment in our "Hidden Truths" series. "Hidden Truths #3: Increasing Rates of Employed Caregiving" dives deep into the five primary societal shifts that have dramatically increased the number of working professionals who are also caregivers over the last 70 years.
These factors — from medical cost-cutting to the increasing number of women in the workforce, decreasing social supports, the aging Baby Boomer generation, and even the deinstitutionalization of psychiatric hospitals — highlight why our workplaces and policies are so far behind.
Read "Hidden Truths #3" here: [https://www.professionalswhocare.org/post/hidden-truths-3-increasing-rates-of-employed-caregiving]
The Stakes Remain High, and Your Voice is Paramount!
As we discussed in our last update, the U.S. House has passed legislation that could significantly cut vital benefits to programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), measures now being considered by the Senate. These potential cuts would place an even heavier, unsustainable burden on unpaid family caregivers and state budgets nationwide.
This is why the Colorado CARE Act and the proposed Federal CARE Act (amending Article 42 of the Americans with Disabilities Act) are not just important; they are essential, fiscally responsible investments in our collective future.
Your Story is Our Power – Share It Anonymously, If You Wish! (Privacy Update)
We are actively gathering personal stories to share with Colorado legislative committees starting this January. Your experiences are vital in showing policymakers the real human impact and the urgent need for the CARE Act.
Did caregiving impact your job? Your finances? Your health? Did you face discrimination? Do you worry about the future of care?
I want to hear from you directly! While this petition doesn't allow direct comments, you can share your story with me. I understand and deeply respect your privacy. You can choose to share your story completely anonymously. If you prefer your story to be shared without your name or any identifying details, simply let me know when you reach out.
Important Privacy Note: We are currently finalizing a comprehensive Privacy and Story Sharing Policy for our website. This policy will clearly outline how your story will be used, how your privacy is protected, and your rights regarding your submission. We will ensure this policy is available on the Professionals Who Care website very soon, and we will provide you with this policy before your story is used for any advocacy purposes. Your privacy is paramount, and your story's power lies in its truth, not in identifying who shared it.
Here's how you can connect with me and share your story:
Visit the Professionals Who Care Website: [Link to PWC website]
Connect with me on LinkedIn:Professionals Who Care LinkedIn Page: [Link to PWC LinkedIn]
CASI LinkedIn Page: [Link to CASI LinkedIn]
Mark Fukae Personal LinkedIn Profile: [Link to Mark's Personal LinkedIn]
Email me directly: mark_fukae@casiadvocacy.org
Keep Sharing the Petition – Every Voice Makes a Difference!
We need to keep this momentum going! Please continue to sign and share this petition widely with your friends, family, colleagues, and networks across Colorado and the U.S. Every new signature strengthens our collective demand for change.
Thank you for being part of this vital movement. Together, we can ensure that caregivers are seen, supported, and valued.
Kindly,
Mark Fukae
Director of Advocacy | Professionals Who Care
Concerned Colorado Citizen & Advocate (CASI: Caregiver Advocacy and Support Initiative)