We must implement a substantial child tax credit, guarantee paid parental leave, and provide Social Security credits for stay-at-home parents. No person, especially a child, should live in poverty.

I'm a 32-year-old man and I've put off the idea of having a family for many years, due to my own financial concerns. I know what it feels like to wonder whether you can afford to raise a child in today's America.

One of the biggest legislative successes of this century was reducing child poverty by almost 50% with the passage of an expanded child tax credit, which Congress (including several Democrats) then let expire, plunging millions of kids into poverty. As a start, we must bring back the expanded child tax credit.

I will introduce legislation to provide universal paid family and medical leave benefits for all Americans. I also support legislation to set a national paid sick day standard that guarantees at least seven sick days per year (in addition to vacation pay).

I also support legislation to limit the cost of childcare for working parents, address child access issues, and provide a living wage and right to organize for childcare workers.

Additionally, I support federal implementation of programs to provide stay-at-home parents with a monthly stipend, based on household size and cost of living. At a minimum, these parents should receive social security credits to guarantee a financially secure retirement.

Alternatively, I also support the institution of a Universal Basic Income for all Americans, which is an idea floated by both Democrats and Republicans. The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence creates an unpredictable future for the job market - many "white collar" workers will likely lose their jobs and be forced to transition into different work sectors. A monthly UBI stipend of at least $1,200 would allow families to weather turbulent economic times.

How do we pay for things like Medicare for All and UBI? Taxing the rich, of course.