Elections are over, but their impact is far from behind us. Every vote cast has shaped the policies now being debated and implemented—policies that affect healthcare access, worker protections, and funding for essential programs. At the Early Kidney Detection Foundation (EKDF) and My Character References (MCR), we continue to advocate for policies that benefit kidney health, domestic workers, and caregivers.
Decisions made by elected officials influence everything from kidney disease research funding to labor laws protecting domestic workers and caregivers. The fight isn’t over just because the ballots have been counted—now is the time to hold leaders accountable and stay engaged in shaping our future.
How Elections Shape Kidney Health Policies
At EKDF, we push for early kidney disease detection, equitable healthcare access, and community support. Many of the issues we fight for depend on policies determined by those in office:
Protecting Healthcare Access: Programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are lifelines for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Keeping pressure on elected officials ensures these programs are preserved and expanded.
Funding Kidney Disease Research: Bills like H.R. 5027, which supports early detection initiatives, need ongoing advocacy. Federal and state funding decisions will directly impact organizations like EKDF that work to combat kidney disease.
Addressing Environmental Factors: Poor air quality and pollution worsen kidney disease. The leaders now in office must be pushed to enforce Clean Air Act policies and support environmental justice initiatives that protect vulnerable communities.
Why Elections Matter for Domestic Workers and Caregivers
At MCR, we fight for fair wages, legal protections, and recognition for caregivers and domestic workers. The results of the election will shape how these issues are addressed moving forward.
Ending Worker Misclassification: As the only worker to testify for California Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), I stood up against the misclassification of gig workers, caregivers, and domestic workers. With elections over, we must now demand that lawmakers enforce these protections and expand them nationally through the National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights.
Strengthening Worker Protections: Many caregivers and domestic workers still lack basic benefits like sick leave, overtime pay, and fair wages. We must continue advocating for leaders to push stronger labor laws and enforcement.
Fighting Wage Theft and Exploitation: Even with new representatives in office, wage theft and workplace abuse remain rampant. Staying politically engaged ensures these leaders prioritize action against employer exploitation.
Holding Elected Officials Accountable
The power of our votes doesn’t end on Election Day—it’s just the beginning. Every level of government plays a role in shaping policies that affect kidney health, caregivers, and domestic workers:
Local Government: City councils and mayors allocate funding for community health programs, environmental regulations, and local labor protections.
State Government: Governors and state legislators control Medicaid expansion, minimum wage laws, and nonprofit funding for health initiatives.
Federal Government: Congress determines Medicare funding, kidney disease research grants, and labor protections.
What You Can Do Now
Stay Informed: Follow up on your elected officials’ healthcare and labor policies. Advocate for Change: Contact representatives, join advocacy efforts, and push for stronger protections. Prepare for the Next Election: Every election—whether local, state, or federal—matters. Staying engaged ensures continued progress.
At EKDF and MCR, we remain committed to the fight for justice, healthcare access, and fair labor protections. Elections may be over, but our work continues. When we stay engaged, we shape the future we want to see.
🔹 #StayEngaged
🔹 #KidneyHealthMatters
🔹 #CaregiverRights
🔹 #DomesticWorkersMatter
🔹 #YourVoiceYourPower