Working families have been stretched thin over the years, with some working two or more jobs to get by. This economy isn't working for ordinary Americans.  Nearly 59% of families do not have enough savings to cover a $1,000 emergency expense. Just 4 out of 10 student loan borrowers are current on their loans, with 35% of borrowers 60 days delinquent or longer. Families are spending more on groceries than they have in over three decades. Child care and rent are skyrocketing, and home ownership costs are growing out of reach. 

Congress must prioritize solving the issues that make a difference for working and middle-class families, like affordable housing, child support, and healthcare. Focusing on these issues establishes the foundation for a fairer economy and develops the opportunity for every family to get ahead. 

Housing:

The American Dream of owning a home feels further out of reach than ever before. That is why I authored the Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Act, which would give first-time homebuyers between $25,000 and $50,000 towards a downpayment and help incentivize developers to build more starter homes instead of unaffordable McMansions. 

We also need to address the skyrocketing rents across Los Angeles. That's why I am working to pass legislation to increase federal rental assistance, expand the supply of affordable housing, and remove barriers that prevent people from finding and keeping affordable homes. 

Raising a Family:

No family should be overburdened by the cost of child care. That's why I introduced the Child Care Infrastructure Act and the Child Care Workforce Development Act, two bills that address America's child care crisis with robust investment in early learning facilities and early educators. The bills would build more classrooms, hire more teachers, and decrease costs for providers and parents. Affordable child care helps working parents keep their kids safe while they go to work to provide for their families.  

Lowering the Cost of Groceries:  

Food prices continue to grow through the roof, with families spending more on groceries for the first time in over thirty years. Now, more than eighteen million households are food insecure, with many more struggling to get by. I'm not afraid to call out and take on large corporations that use unfair business practices to drive our food costs higher. Our food industry needs more competition to lower prices. In addition, I strongly support expanding food assistance for families who need help and increasing support for schools so that no student goes hungry.