New article: The $873 Billion Shadow Economy: Why Protecting Working Caregivers Makes Business Sense

Protect Working Caregivers: Amend the ADA to Create Caregiver Protections

As a full-time caregiver, I’ve witnessed firsthand the difficulties that working caregivers face, balancing their professional lives while providing care to their loved ones. My proposal to amend the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA 24-34-402) aims to create caregivers as a protected class—a critical step to ensuring caregivers receive the support and protections they deserve.

A recent report by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, sponsored by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, reveals that family caregivers in the U.S. perform the equivalent of $873.5 billion worth of labor annually—more than the revenue of top global companies. Yet, caregivers continue to face systemic barriers, such as job insecurity, lack of workplace accommodations, and insufficient support systems, which have a tangible impact on their well-being, the economy, and the health of our nation.

Why This Matters:

Caregiving costs the U.S. economy $28.3 billion annually in healthcare-related costs.
$346.6 billion of that is dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, highlighting a growing burden.
And caregivers, especially those who start their duties at a younger age, face up to 90% deficits in their retirement savings.
This proposal isn’t just a policy change; it’s a chance for practical and efficient governance to help working caregivers remain in the workforce, take care of their families, and build a stronger, more productive economy.

I need your help to bring about this change! Sign and share this petition to urge legislators to amend the ADA and CADA 24-34-402 and include protections for caregivers. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of millions of caregivers who desperately need the support they deserve.

Sign the petition now: https://chng.it/qpKRbSYYqJ

Read the full article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/873-billion-shadow-economy-why-protecting-working-caregivers-fukae-zzxqc

Thank you to the 343 signers already! Let’s keep the momentum going! #CaregiverProtection #PolicyChange #SupportCaregivers #ADA #Caregiving