John, no child in the United States of America — no matter their race or ethnicity — should be growing up in poverty.

But the statistics on the racial wealth gap for families with children are staggering.

The median Black family with a child turning 18 has 94% less wealth than the median white family.

The median Hispanic family with a child turning 18 has 88% less wealth than the median white family.

It isn’t right. It isn’t just. And it doesn’t have to be this way.

That’s why I’m asking you to sign on as a citizen cosponsor of Rep. Ayanna Pressley and my legislation, the American Opportunity Accounts Act, to create “Baby Bonds” that will help every child in America build wealth from the moment of birth. Add your name today:

Our legislation would create savings accounts of $1,000 at birth for every child in the country, with additional deposits each year based on family income, which every child can access when they turn 18 years old.

At about $60 billion per year, this legislation would represent a fraction of government spending to subsidize wealth-building through the tax code. At less than 10% of the cost, we can lower the racial wealth gap between Black, Hispanic, and white families by over 20%.

Bipartisan groups of legislators in state capitols across the country are already buying into this program, but we need to do more to keep the idea in the national conversation.

Add your name to my petition calling on the Senate to take up my legislation to pass Baby Bonds and help every child and family in America build wealth, close the racial wealth gap, and strengthen our economy.

Thanks for adding your voice and speaking up on this important issue.

With love and gratitude,

Cory