I believe the biggest contributor to generational poverty is the lack of a livable wage within families. When I say livable wage, I mean it as the amount required to achieve a condition where the family isn't struggling with funds anymore. They aren't struggling day after day to get by. A family shouldn't have to sacrifice or prioritize its basic needs.

There are people out in the world who even put their own well-being at risk just so they can try to make ends meet. There's not even a guarantee that that will even happen. Some may say just to ask for more hours or a raise or find someplace better to work, but it's not as easy as it sounds. There are workers who actually have a fear that if they try and fight for improvement and demand their rights they might lose their jobs.

If was in charge of legislation, the first thing I would do to combat this is to provide job-protected sick days and leaves. It's important to assure people their jobs are not at risk when they need to let their bodies rest and recover. In due time, I'm sure we can add more paid leave and sick days. We could have something like five protected days every year or something like four days every six months.

My second act would be to make new investments in order to create not only new jobs but well-paying jobs so more people can get a chance to provide for their families.

After doing some research, I found out that low-wage and hourly jobs increasingly come with unpredictable and constantly shifting work schedules. So, for my final legislative act, I would establish a system where everyone's work schedules are accessible and flexible. No more sudden surprises, and fewer conveniences.