Rep. Ellison Statement on Obama Administration Plan to Address Diaper Need

Statement

Rep. Keith Ellison released the following statement after the Obama Administration announced a cross-sector strategy to address diaper need:

"Too many families are forced to make an impossible choice between diapers for their children and food, rent or other necessities. We know that ending the struggle to afford diapers will require commitment from all of us. That's why I'm pleased about today's announcement by President Obama that he is bringing retailers, manufacturers and non-profits together to expand access to diapers for families in need.

"Not having diapers is devastating for children and parents. Just last month, I met a single mother who told me that she felt like a failure because she couldn't afford diapers for her youngest child. In the wealthiest nation on earth, it is unacceptable that 1 in 3 families struggle to afford diapers. That is why I introduced the Hygiene Assistance for Families of Infants and Toddlers Act (H.R. 4055) earlier this year with my colleague Rep. Rosa DeLauro. I also devoted an episode of We the Podcast on diaper need. With low-income families spending 14 percent of their income on diapers, this legislation would help make diapers more affordable by creating a demonstration project to allow states to provide diapers or a diaper subsidy for low-income and working families.

"Diapers are a necessity, and we must realize that making diapers more affordable to low-income and working families is good for everyone. It will take a coordinated effort, but with the Administration's new initiative, we can make diapers more affordable."

Source