Gallego Introduces Bill to Give Children a Strong Financial Start

New Legislation Would Provide Direct Financial Support to Parents, Start Building Wealth for their Child
WASHINGTON –Today,Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)introduced theStrong Start Actto help relieve the financial burden on parents and set kids up for success. The bill would provide a one-time, direct payment of $3,000 to parents to pay for upfront costs like purchasing a crib, stroller, and car seat. It would also create an American Dream Account for each newborn.
“As a father of three, I understand just how expensive it is to welcome a child. From the crib and car seat to the seemingly endless diapers and wipes, the costs add up fast. And those costs are just the beginning of what kids need to grow up financially secure,”said Senator Gallego.“This bill is about ensuring every American child gets a strong start in life. It’s about getting us one step closer to making sure every kid, no matter their circumstances, can achieve the American dream. I’ll fight for this bill because it what kids and their parents deserve.”
TheStrong Start Actwould:
Read the full legislative textHERE.
While the New Child Tax Credit is one-time targeted support to help parents during the difficult and expensive newborn stage, long-term investments are needed to set children up for success in the long run. TheStrong Start Actis just one piece of Senator Gallego’s larger push to better support American families.
In June, shortly afterannouncingthat he would take paternity leave following the birth of his son, Cooper, Senator Gallego introduced thePostpartum Lifeline Actto require 12 months of full postpartum health coverage for new mothers under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Gallego has also backed the:
Senator Gallego has also repeatedly pushed back against the Trump administration’s fundingdelays,freezes, andcutsto Head Start programs in Arizona and across the country.