Woman, Warrior, Mother: Claudia Zamorano

 This is the testimony of Claudia Zamorano, a parent leader with the Marin Chaper of Parent Voices, at the hearing of the California Assembly Labor Committee with the Women's Caucus on "A Woman's Nation Changes Everything" How the Shriver Report Impacts California Working Families held Wednesday, February 17th. We are honored to be able to share her words, and hope to bring you more of the courageous stories of Parent Voices members who we heard that day.

Thank you for allowing me to speak before you today. My name is Claudia Zamorano. I am the mother of two beautiful children, Alicia Daniela, age 11 and Alexander, age 4. Never in my life did I expect to be standing before you telling you my story. Just two years ago I had a family, a home, a business – the so-called American Dream but since then it has taken a 180 degree turn. Now I stand here empty handed because I lost it all in a divorce.

I did not understand how hard people really had it until I had to live it. I am not a woman that likes to just sit around, so I enrolled myself in cosmetology school and completed it. However, I have not been able to continue with my training and apply for the state board license because I spent my savings on my schooling and now I struggle to pay for the license and finish what I studied so hard for. I went to school to get us out of where we are today. But in order to complete my license I would need to attend classes that are only offered in the morning, the same time when I have to work. Even if I had my license I would have to be away from my children 40 hours a week to build a clientele and I cannot afford the cost of childcare while doing it! So right now I work 32 hours a week as a nanny to make ends meet – and it is a struggle everyday. That is the irony of it all. I work to support another family so they can have work/life balance, but I do not have that same option for myself. Since last January I have been on a list waiting to receive child care assistance. How long must I wait? If I had child care I could work more and I could pay more taxes. The money I made I would spend on bills, groceries, rent, which are all things that help my local economy. And my son would be in an environment where he can develop and be with qualified caregivers who would give him the necessities when I cannot be there.

I have been very lucky to have my parents help with my kids while I work, but it is getting harder and harder because I know they are getting older, they have their own health problems, and the money I provide to them is not enough. Recently my parents lost their home that they had for 12 years. I moved in with them after the divorce and now we are cramped in an apartment. My father lost his job due to his health problems and has not been able to find new work since. He and my mom are now taking care of my son full time and they pick up my daughter from school. I wake up every morning not knowing if my parents will be healthy enough to be able to take care of my kids or who I will be able to leave them with in order to make money to survive. The stress has made it very difficult for me, emotionally, mentally, and physically. I have somehow managed to put together a fragile puzzle to take care of my kids, but that’s just it, it could fall a part at any moment.

I do not have the option to stay home and care for my kids. My ex-husband works off and on, especially in this bad economy so he gives us support when he can, but it is not reliable. I cannot count on him for support so I must work. I’m here today to ask this Committee to consider policies that support working mothers like me. We need health care. I have gone without health care insurance for 2 years. If I have a major illness I don’t know what I would do. And we need paid sick days! Thankfully my employer now gives me sick days, but I’ve worked many jobs when I didn’t have them. And most importantly we need child care. The Governor wants to cut Stage 3 child care funding for families who have it now. I hope you will reject that cut and protect child care for those who have it. But what about me and my son? What about the other 196,000 children who are waiting for child care? Today, our federal budget is being debated and included in it is an increase in child care funding. I ask you to write a letter to our California representatives on behalf of the 196,000 children waiting, on behalf of my son, Alex and ask them to protect that increase in child care funding. We need it so we can work full time, keep our children safe, and contribute to California’s economy.

Please don’t take me wrong – I am not asking for a freebie. I am asking that child care and health care be affordable for all! I want to feel my kids are safe and I am able to work towards my career goals like everyone else. I’m very proud of my daughter because she continues to excel in school. Every week she comes home with rewards and her success continues to give me hope. I want my children to be somebody and leave a mark in this country, what is now my country that I love and respect. But I dislike the fact that my kids see me struggle. And I stand here on behalf of all those working mothers that now struggle and for the more like me to come. For all those mothers who put their kids to bed and then stay up hours stressed, nervous, scared about what they will do to give their children a better life. We all need peace of mind. One thing is for sure, I am not a leech! I am not a parasite! I am Claudia Zamorano! A woman, a warrior, but first of all a mother!

Thank you for allowing me to speak today.

Comments

[Overton Laurie]

Yes Claudia, I too was a single mother of five and all the responsibility of raising my children fell on my shoulders too! After my divorce I got Licensed by the State of CA and opened my own Home Daycare and barely scraped by every week, and often was left with nothing extra. I hear your story and applaud your strengths too! I too, cared for other families chiidren, but I always felt very lucky to be home with mine. My own daycare costs were low, because I always empathized with what it took financially to raise a family. I am hearing now from my grown children who now are parents themselves, how costly daycare is, and though it is a truly needed profession the costs are enormous to a struggling family. Faith, strength and voice. We Mother's are strong and fierce protectors. I did all I could for my children, the best I could and on my own. Hats off to you too, and contact me if you ever need more inspiration and support! God Bless!