A group of Democratic lawmakers is pushing to expand access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as part of a broader effort to support working mothers and strengthen what they call the nation's "Mom Economy.” “The Mom Economy Resolution is about building an economy that works for working moms and their families. It calls on Congress to advance commonsense policies that make childcare more affordable, expand the Child Tax Credit, protect SNAP, raise the minimum wage, and guarantee paid leave,” Representative Grace Meng of New York told Newsweek in a statement. Yet women still earn just 84 cents for every dollar earned by men, even though many women are the primary—or sole—breadwinners for their families.
That must change.” First lady Melania Trump has talked about the importance of supporting mothers in the labor force, warning that a failure to do so could reduce the number of doctors, engineers, bankers and lawyers available to the U.S. economy. Mothers play a critical role in the labor market and in family finances. According to the resolution, mothers' labor force participation rate is 73.9 percent, compared with 93.7 percent for fathers.
Still, nearly 45 percent of mothers contribute at least half of household income while mothers remain disproportionately responsible for caregiving and household work. Lack of paid leave and affordable childcare can often push women out of the workforce after having children. Three out of 10 women without access to paid leave exit the workforce after giving birth, according to lawmakers.
The House resolution, introduced by Meng, is co-sponsored by Democrats Judy Chu of California, Yvette Clarke of New York and Frederica Wilson of Florida. The Senate version was introduced by Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and co-sponsored by Ron Wyden of Oregon, both Democrats. The law specifically would strengthen support systems for working mothers through investments in childcare, paid leave, tax credits and food assistance programs.
While also boosting SNAP’s minimum and maximum benefits while removing barriers such as time limits and additional work requirements,” Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, told Newsweek. A stronger safety net could help families stay financially stable and make it easier for parents to remain in the workforce.” The resolution includes a call to expand access to SNAP and school meal programs. The idea is that strengthening nutrition assistance could help reduce financial pressures on families and support mothers who are balancing work and caregiving responsibilities.
The resolution also endorses the following policies: “If the policies it presents eventually become law, families could see expanded childcare assistance, paid family leave, and greater tax benefits, but Americans shouldn't expect those changes simply because this resolution passes,” Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek. If passed, the joint resolution would not directly increase SNAP benefits, but there could likely be future legislation to expand nutrition assistance and other support programs for working mothers.
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