Build a Family-Friendly New York

We call on you to take bold action to support families and make parenthood a viable, joyful choice for all. Declining birth rates are not a personal failure—they are a systemic failure to provide the basics that families need. Instead of blaming individuals, we demand that you build a state where no one has to choose between a paycheck and raising a child. We urge you to: 1. Expand financial security – Increase the Empire State Child Tax Credit, strengthen Paid Family Leave, and advance a living wage with a four-day work week. 2. Solve the housing crisis – Invest in non‑market housing (Mitchell‑Lama, community land trusts) so families can afford to put down roots. 3. Guarantee childcare & healthcare – Fund universal, accessible childcare from birth through pre‑K, and ensure every child has quality, affordable healthcare. 4. Support community‑based care – Fund parenting pods, childcare cooperatives, and mutual‑aid networks that reduce isolation and spread the work of raising children. We reject the idea that having children is too hard. We demand that you make it easier.