"Walk a Day in My Shoes:" Sen. Baldwin joins home health care worker to spotlight low wages

WEST ALLIS -- On Monday, November 30th, Senator Tammy Baldwin took part in a "Walk a Day in My Shoes" event with one of her constituents -- joining Fight for $15 leader and home health care worker Kelly Weishan as she cared for Derek, an adult with degenerative myopathy and hydrocephaly. It was an effort for Senator Baldwin to spotlight what she calls low wages for some health care workers.

Baldwin helped Weishan prepare a meal, and got an up-close perspective of the essential services that home care workers provide.

Weishan has been a home care worker for seven years and makes $10 an hour.

For years, she worked part-time at a bank while Derek, her son, had a series of caregivers in their home, but one of his medical crises left no good options but for her to become his caregiver. With her own surgery on the horizon, Weishan faces the challenge of losing her income while also paying for Derek’s care during her recovery.

Weishan's brothers and sisters provide a lot of support, but as Derek turns 30 and Weishan thinks about their future together, she hopes to have a shot at saving for retirement while keeping their house.

Balwin says Weishan is just one of millions who would benefit from an increased minimum wage and added benefits.

Senator Baldwin was also expected to take part in a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign on Monday night, along with 12 other senators in Washington, D.C. -- and she talked about falling poll numbers for women.

"Polls will be taken periodically for the next many, many months -- but on February 1st, Iowa will be holding its caucuses and primary season begins shortly thereafter. Those are the polls that really count," Baldwin said.

Baldwin added that she doesn't feel Hillary Clinton has a problem when it comes to attracting female voters.

Senator Tammy Baldwin