I’ve seen firsthand the struggles of families and caregivers dealing with our broken system. I recently spent hours with the Director and Chief Program Officer at my daughter, Rachel’s day care, and the message was clear: caregivers are undervalued, and the wait for necessary services is unacceptable. I’m committed to changing this if elected to the Texas House.
Right now, caregivers for our disabled community, like those at Rachel’s day care, earn barely above minimum wage. They perform vital, often grueling work—feeding, changing, and comforting those who need it most. Yet, their wages are so low that many juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet. I will fight to raise their base pay to $15 an hour, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
Additionally, Texas remains one of the few states refusing to expand Medicaid, leaving thousands of families on waiting lists for essential services. This refusal has closed many group homes and limited access for those in need. Expanding Medicaid would bring our federal dollars back to Texas to improve service availability and wages, directly benefiting those who need it most.
While Governor Abbott and the far right argue against government support for childcare, dismissing it as a free market issue, real lives are affected. Texas needs leaders who understand the critical importance of accessible, well-funded childcare and caregiving services.
On November 7, 2023, Texas voters approved Proposition 2, helping alleviate some burdens by exempting childcare facilities from property taxes. This is a step forward, but we need more and that is why I am running to represent you in the Texas House.
With your support, I know that we can create a more just and supportive system for everyone.
Thank you,
Erin Shank
Candidate for the Texas House of Representatives - HD 56
Comments