SEIU Caregiver to Join Jayapal as State of the Union Address Guest
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) announced today that Brittany Williams, an in-home caregiver with SEIU 775, will be her guest for President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address. Brittany is a single mother of two who has spent her career caring for elderly and disabled adults.
“Over the pandemic, it became abundantly clear just how important quality caregiving is to people across this country. I am in awe of the work that Brittany and other caregivers do to ensure that seniors and those who live with chronic illnesses and disabilities have the opportunity to live at home with dignity,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “I am honored that Brittany will be joining me for President Biden’s address. And I will continue the fight to invest in caregiving and deliver higher wages and better protections for her and millions of other caregivers.”
“It’s an honor to be Representative Jayapal’s guest at this year’s State of the Union. Too many long-term care workers continue to struggle with low wages, inadequate benefits and no access to a union – and that’s not right. In Washington, I have a Union. I’m making over $21 an hour as an in-home caregiver with healthcare, dental, sick leave and paid time off. My mama in Arkansas has the same job, but no Union. She makes $11 an hour and has no benefits. Every caregiver deserves what I have – or really, more than I have, a real living wage. And I’m thankful Representative Jayapal is continually fighting for us,” said Brittany Williams, in-home caregiver and SEIU 775 Executive Board member.
“Representative Jayapal is a fierce champion for the rights of all people. She knows that supporting caregivers supports families and entire communities. Caregivers deserve to be treated, and compensated, like the healthcare professionals we are. Her continued fight for long-term care workers is felt around the country,” said Sterling Harders, SEIU 775 President.
President Joe Biden will deliver his second State of the Union address this Tuesday, laying out the Democratic agenda for 2023.
Issues: Health Care, Jobs, Labor, & the Economy