Dear President Trump,
I am writing to you as a dedicated mother and a proud New Yorker who has always valued hard work and strategic planning. At the age of 26, my husband and I, through perseverance and careful management, purchased our first home at an age that is very unlikely in the current economy and market. I share this achievement with you not to boast but instead to create an understanding that you are receiving this proposal from one of the many young Americans who have remained resilient during the economic recession while still holding true to their traditional values. While economic achievements are significant, it is the well-being of my family that I hold most dear. Like many mothers across our nation, I face the challenging decision between returning to work and spending crucial time with my newborn child. I am here to present you with a proposal for a bill that I believe fits perfectly into the heart of Agenda47, which aims to strengthen and uphold American families and traditional family values.
The decision to return to work often means grappling with the high costs and emotional strain of childcare. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, nearly 60% of children under age 5 in the U.S. are cared for by non-relative childcare providers (Administration for Children & Families, 2021). The average cost of full-time infant care can exceed $15,000 per year, creating a significant financial burden for many families (Child Care Aware of America, 2023).
Research underscores the benefits of parental care during a child’s first year. The American Academy of Pediatrics highlights that children who are cared for by a parent during their early developmental stages exhibit better cognitive, emotional, and social outcomes compared to those in non-family childcare settings (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2019). This early, direct parental involvement supports secure attachment and promotes healthier development, establishing a solid foundation for future success.
To address these concerns, I propose a new bill that would provide up to one year of maternity leave at 60% of a mother’s reported taxable income from the previous year. This leave could be taken in full or in part, allowing flexibility for mothers to balance their work and family commitments. It is important to note that employers would not be obligated to hold the employee’s position for the entire year; this arrangement would need to be negotiated between the mother and her employer based on her specific situation and needs.
Eligibility for this maternity leave would be limited to women who have reported a taxable income and are actively working. In cases of multiple consecutive pregnancies, the same leave provisions would apply. If a mother does not return to work at some point between the end of her leave and the beginning of a new taxable income year, she would not qualify for further government maternity leave benefits, as eligibility is tied to reported taxable income.
I urge you to consider this proposal, which aligns with our shared values of family support and economic stability. By implementing this bill, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless families across our nation.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Dominique Raccuglia
References:
Administration for Children & Families. (2021). Child Care Data. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Link
Child Care Aware of America. (2023). The Child Care Landscape. Link
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Policy Statement: Parenting and Child Development. Pediatrics, 144(6), e20193309. Link