Tucson, Ariz.– Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today released the following statement honoring and commemorating Mother’s Day:

“This Sunday is an especially appropriate time to recognize all the hard-working mothers around the country. My mother Rafaela, my wife Ramona and my daughter Adelita are terrific mothers who improve each life they touch, and I feel very fortunate to have all three of them in my family.

“Balancing the demands of work life and family life takes extraordinary talent and dedication, and Congress should work every day to make that balance easier. We have to provide sufficient maternity leave and job protection for new mothers. Nutrition support for parents and children who would otherwise go hungry is essential. Every federal dollar spent by the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program saves up to $3 in health care costs in the first 60 days after a baby’s birth. Making these common-sense investments is how we get stronger and healthier as a country, and how we truly show our appreciation for mothers and the hard work they do to raise families.

“Our appreciation of mothers’ hard work doesn’t end at our shores. Protecting and promoting health for mothers and women around the world is one of the most effective ways to promote peace and stability everywhere. A new ‘State of the World’s Mothers 2012’ report highlights the importance of proper nutrition in the first three years of a child’s development and shows that low-cost investments in nutrition vastly improve quality of life for children, mothers and societies as a whole. Helping young women and mothers around the world live healthier, happier lives isn’t just an investment in goodwill – it’s a tribute to our American pro-family values.

“This Mother’s Day, let’s honor mothers and children and remember the importance of supporting their wellbeing and success. Societies flourish when families are strong, healthy and able to meet their needs.”