With her blue overalls, flexed bicep, and steely gaze, Rosie the Riveter defied stereotypes of her time. Her image exuded grit and determination, and it sent a clear message—women power America’s economy. Rosie became an iconic figure in American history, and hundreds of thousands of Rosies helped us win World War II.

For almost two years, America has been engaged in another war—this time against COVID-19. And another army of women has been waging battle to keep our communities strong and productive. Cristina the Caregiver.

Hundreds of thousands of home and community care workers have continued to feed, administer medication, and provide some of the only human contact possible for our socially isolated parents, grandparents, and loved ones with disabilities.

The pandemic has underscored the essential work that Cristina the Caregiver does to keep our families safe when doing so puts her own health—and the health of her family—at risk for exposure to the virus. Cristina is powering an economy that is still struggling to rebound.

Like Rosie the Riveter, Cristina the Caregiver does the work that makes all other work possible. And we’ll need even more Cristinas to recover from the pandemic. 

The Build Back Better Act, passed by the House on November 19 and now before the Senate, includes an historic investment in Medicaid home care. This down payment on our country’s care infrastructure reflects just how much care is now recognized as the heart of our economy, the thing we all need, and a job-enabling industry that can jumpstart our economic recovery.

Investing in home and community-based care is an economic, practical, and moral imperative. We are grateful to the Biden Administration and Congressional champions, including Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), who have worked with us to ensure that more women of color will benefit as our economy recovers, more families will have economic security, and more people will have the opportunity to work with the dignity and pay they deserve.

Cristina the Caregiver may look a little different than Rosie the Riveter. Instead of a rivet gun, she may be holding a walker or a glass of water and medicine. But just like Rosie eight decades ago, today’s Cristina is strong and proud, and she is making American families better, stronger, and healthier. 

We will continue working to ensure that Congress passes the Build Back Better Act with robust investments in the care economy, including paid family and medical leave, and continue fighting until all people can access care at every stage of life.