Issue Position: Families are the Center of Our Social and Economic Network

Emilie's vision: Vermont families are supported by progressive taxation, strong education systems, positive recreation opportunities, accessible child care and family medical leave, functional transportation, and nutritious foods.

Families are complex arrangements, sometimes chosen, sometimes born. And however we come to them, they are the first node of our social, economic, and political networks. In the absence of specific policies to support families, women--and often children--bear the brunt. Family medical leave, minimum wage, accessible child and elder care, and flexible and supportive work arrangements are necessary if folks living in families are going to participate in social networks, including mutual aid and the democratic process. We know that growing up in poverty makes it more difficult for adults to maintain good health, graduate from high school, and make comfortable wages--and we also know that a community with strong social connections and a strong safety floor (meeting basic needs) leads to healthy adults and positive economic outcomes. Policies like subsidized child care and family medical leave, when used as part of wrap-around support for a family unit, give youth, working adults, and elders, the health, flexibility, and time to contribute to their communities.

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