CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — As Congress prepares to vote on President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better Act next week, local home and child care workers with much to lose if it doesn’t pass rallied on Monday in Federal Plaza.
With last week's passage of the physical infrastructure package expected to create 2 million jobs, supporters of "Build Back Better" said the need for childcare will increase.
Debra Murphy told WBBM Newsradio that she treats the children in her care as if they were her own, working long hours that equate to below minimum wage.
"I make less, less, less than minimum wage. Much less. That's not fair and it's disrespectful," Murphy said.
Murphy and others said that passage in Congress will mean to them some form of wage protection and, also, no longer having to buy workplace supplies out of pocket, such as toilet paper, hand soap and sanitizer.
"Treat my babies — because they all babies to me because I'm gonna treat you like I treat mine — treat my babies right. Give my babies what they need. Give me what I need so I can thrive to take care of my babies," Murphy said.