As a married couple of 27 years, where one of us identifies as a Republican and the other as a Democrat, we understand better than most the idea that politics shouldn’t make it to the dinner table. During the last election, we were a split Trump and Biden household — and even put dueling yard signs in front of our house.

But this year, with so much at stake for families like ours who are still recovering from the financial shock of the pandemic, we think it’s important to share a lesson from our home: When you take the politicians out of politics, what you have left are issues that affect everyday people. So while politics may divide us, our issues and values bring us together.

And no matter your political background, we can all agree that right now, people are hurting, and they need a little help.

That’s why we have a message for our representatives in Congress: This holiday season, put yourselves aside and think about the people who are struggling. Listen to our communities and do something to help. Pass the Build Back Better Act, because we all — Republicans, Democrats and independents alike — need the bill’s policies that will lower costs, create jobs and support families and seniors in living healthy lives.

We’ve been able to set aside our different political viewpoints in our marriage and with our children successfully for many years. It’s not always easy, but at the end of the day, we choose to focus on the love and shared values that bring us together.

We don’t get why politicians can’t try to do the same. Instead of taking action to help people, they get caught up in little personal fights.

Some Republicans voting to pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill was a good start. But the fact those same Republicans who put personal issues aside to vote for what was right for our roads and bridges won’t do the same to help families and seniors by voting for the budget is just plain wrong and downright disappointing.

Whether it’s the policies to lower the soaring cost of prescription drugs and energy bills or the investments in home care, hardworking people all need this legislation. We were all impacted by the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic. Even before covid, we could all relate to poring over the bills at the end of the month, and those feelings of anxiety you face when raising a family. The fact is, there’s no blue or red when it comes to putting food on the table for your kids.

On Thanksgiving, we decided we would do something we’ve never done before, and provide Thanksgiving meals to 30 of our neighbors and friends. We’ve always been involved with the local food bank, but this year, we decided to take it up a notch.

This is the season of giving. And people should use the gifts that they are given to serve others. We haven’t been unaffected by this pandemic — Clyde lost his job last year, and Lucy had a small stroke from the stress of lockdown — but if we can do something to build up people’s spirits during this difficult time, we’re going to do it fully.

And we’re not doing it alone. As we spread the word about our intention to help people in need, friends, family members, neighbors and our community members at church all chipped in — even bringing by a hatchback full of canned and non-perishable foods that we’ve been distributing.

People say our country is hopelessly divided. But right now, the differences between us feel less important than ever. Our common need for the policies in the budget bill are bringing people together. Politicians ought to take a lesson from the hardworking communities in Pennsylvania like ours that are coming together, and get this bill signed into law.

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