John,

Childhood poverty is a crisis. Here in Upstate New York, the U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that nearly fifty percent of children in Syracuse are living in poverty. Alarming as they are, these reports tell only part of the story. Statistics alone don’t adequately convey the suffering kids experience when they don’t have enough food to eat, warm enough clothes to wear, or access to the support they need.

It’s unacceptable.

That is why I have laid out a detailed plan to address child poverty, and I am writing today to share it with you. You can read my op-ed here, and you can see more details on our campaign’s website here. I hope you’ll review my plan and send me your ideas to improve it because addressing this crisis will take engagement from all of us.

Childhood poverty is the consequence of decades of policy failures. I’m running for Congress to do things differently, and I appreciate your help getting there.

With gratitude & high hopes,

Josh Riley