Young Oak Kim: “I rise today because every single one of us in this Chamber knows someone who relies on home and community-based service…”

“I rise today because every single one of us in this Chamber knows someone who relies on home and community-based service workers to maintain their quality of life. Maybe they are someone with a disability who needs an aide to help with essential tasks. Maybe they are a senior who requires a home health worker to keep them safe and healthy. Maybe they are a constituent you have met or a family member you love. All of them are dependent on someone who works hard every day because they care. We owe them the same level of care they give to those we love. That is what this amendment does. It strikes language that makes it harder for them to advocate for their own pay and conditions by adding the burden of needless redtape. It strikes language that makes it harder for them to ensure that they can provide the best care possible. Mr. President, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of home health and personal care aides will increase by more than 20 percent--nearly 1 million people--by 2033. Millions of people will be working to help those we care about the most. I urge my colleagues to pass this amendment and stand with those who serve the people who need it most.”