The Unseen Crisis: How Lack of Caregiver Support Harms America's & Colorado's Economies

Our nation, and particularly our beloved state of Colorado, face a growing crisis that impacts millions of citizens, stifles economic growth, and strains public resources: the lack of adequate support for working caregivers. Over 53 million Americans, including over 600,000 Coloradans, provide essential, unpaid care for loved ones—a contribution valued at an astounding $600 billion annually nationwide. These are our neighbors, our colleagues, and often, our most dedicated employees.

As a full-time employee juggling care for my mother with dementia, I know firsthand the profound personal cost. But the impact extends far beyond individual households, translating into a significant economic drain:

• Businesses Suffer Billions in Hidden Costs: Across the nation, companies lose an estimated $44 billion annually in lost productivity due to caregiving responsibilities. Businesses face significant costs from high turnover (caregiving employees are 70% more likely to leave their jobs) and increased absenteeism. This undermines profitability and workforce stability.
• Caregivers Pay an "Invisible Tax": Caregivers face substantial personal financial burdens, spending an average of $7,200 out-of-pocket annually—often representing 26% of their income—forcing them to sacrifice their own well-being. This systemic erosion of financial security and health affects primarily women (60% of Colorado caregivers) and disproportionately impacts communities of color.
• Public Systems Under Strain: When caregivers are forced to reduce hours or leave the workforce, it increases reliance on public assistance programs and pushes individuals into more expensive formal care, placing a heavier burden on state and federal coffers.

Outdated policies at both federal and state levels fail to recognize the realities of modern families and a rapidly aging population. This isn't just a social issue; it's a critical economic challenge. The Federal CARE Act and the Colorado CARE Act are fiscally smart, revenue-neutral solutions that recognize working caregivers not as a burden, but as a vital, undervalued part of our workforce and economy.

The CARE Act: A Strategic, Fiscally Positive Investment

The Federal CARE Act and Colorado CARE Act are comprehensive, fiscally responsible legislative solutions designed to address these critical challenges and transform them into opportunities for growth across the nation and within our state. By providing targeted support to caregivers, these Acts are projected to yield substantial returns, ensuring long-term prosperity, a robust workforce, and a compassionate society.

Key Pillars of the Federal and Colorado CARE Acts:

• Modernized Definitions & Accommodations: Expanding the legal definition of "caregiver" to reflect today's realities. This includes enabling a framework for flexible work arrangements (telework, flexible scheduling) and a clear right to request accommodations without fear of retaliation.
• Strong Anti-Discrimination Protections: Implementing robust safeguards against workplace discrimination based on caregiving responsibilities. This protects employees and significantly reduces businesses' legal risks.
• Smart Business Partnerships & Support: Establishing programs that educate employers on the robust business case for caregiver support, highlighting best practices for caregiver-friendly workplaces, and providing technical assistance for implementation. This is about fostering partnership and growth, not just mandates.
• Compliance through Education and Assistance: A framework built on providing resources and support to help businesses comply, with protections for small employers and partnership incentives for those who lead the way.

The Colorado CARE Act: A Net-Zero Solution for Our State

The Colorado CARE Act is designed for implementation within existing state agency resources and appropriations, with no new fees, taxes, or revenue-generating mechanisms. It is a fiscally responsible solution that complies with TABOR. Economic projections estimate potential statewide employer savings from reduced turnover at $17.4M - $69.4M annually, substantially offsetting any minimal state costs.

• Expanded Protections: Adds "family caregiver status" and "association with a person with a disability" as protected classes under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act.
• Remote Work Presumption: For remote-eligible positions, telework is a rebuttable presumption of reasonableness, requiring employers to provide a written explanation for denial.

The Federal CARE Act: A Fiscally Positive National Framework

The Federal CARE Act is a landmark proposal designed for net-zero implementation, meaning it requires no new federal appropriations, fees, or taxes. Instead, it leverages existing federal agency infrastructure and is projected to generate a net positive federal fiscal impact of $5.3 billion over 10 years.

• Federal Savings: This positive impact is achieved through $3.5 billion in federal program savings (from reduced SSDI, UI, Medicaid, and SSI utilization) and $1.8 billion in increased federal tax revenue from improved workforce retention.
• Phased Implementation: The Act would be implemented in stages, starting with large employers and expanding over three years, allowing businesses to adapt smoothly.

Join Us: Invest in America's & Colorado's Future!

This is a pivotal moment for our nation and for Colorado. By supporting the Federal and Colorado CARE Acts, we are not just helping families; we are making a smart investment in our economic vitality and social well-being.

Your voice matters! Please take action now:

• Sign this petition: Show your support for the Federal and Colorado CARE Acts and tell our national and state leaders that supporting caregivers is a strategic imperative.
• Share widely: Post this petition on your social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram) and email the link to friends, family, and colleagues who believe in a stronger America and Colorado.
• Get involved: We are currently engaging with interested parties to advance the Federal CARE Act and actively championing the Colorado CARE Act in the General Assembly. Your support is crucial to this process.

Together, we can create a supportive and equitable environment that recognizes and values the critical contributions of working caregivers, benefiting all Americans and building a model for the world.