Campaigning through the COVID-19 pandemic is truly all-consuming. The personal stories I have heard from voters have shifted my priorities to thinking about what needs to be done to rebuild healthy communities, shore up our broken economy, and get people back to work. If the devastating effects of COVID-19 have taught us anything, it is time to prioritize people: workers, families, students, kids, retirees, and working moms like me.
I am a full-time working mom with two young kids. My son George is four and my daughter Eleanor was born in September. Campaigning, working and parenting -- all under the same roof -- is a challenge. But our family is privileged because we have access to secure jobs, quality childcare and a comfortable home.
Even before the COVID-19 crisis, providing affordable, accessible childcare to all working families was critically needed. Very simply, it is one of the best investments we can make in our communities. This includes uplifting our childcare workers, too. Far too many childcare workers – who are mostly women, women of color, refugees, and immigrants – earn poverty wages which results in high turnover. We must pay providers a living wage and ensure they have healthcare coverage. I am proud to have earned the sole endorsement of SEIU 925 who represents over 12,000 family childcare providers in Washington state. They trust that I will be a leader on this issue in the legislature.
I am so honored to have earned the sole endorsement of the National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington. As past President of this organization, I helped to recruit and elect hundreds of women to public office in our state. Now I am taking my own advice and stepping up to the plate to serve. My purpose has never been clearer: I am running to fight for fairness, to lift up working families and children, and to rebuild an economy that works for all of us. I am excited and proud to be running for the State House to represent the 36th Legislative District. Please join our campaign at lizberry.com.
-Liz Berry, Candidate for the 36th LD, D