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Steps to Achieve this Part of Gayle's Plan

6. Better City For Families and Children

The diversity of Richmond families, from single parents and couples to multi-generational families living under the same roof, must be supported by City Hall. I will champion change that allows a more sustainable city with a stronger economy, a healthier environment, and a better future for all of Richmond's families. Richmond must also become a more child-friendly City, by making sure that all of our City agencies and policies address the needs of children, and that the city programs complement school district programs for the benefit of our kids. The future prosperity of our City lies in our City's future leaders. By investing in their safety, education, health, and environment, we improve the prospects for a better Richmond for all of our residents.

As mayor, I will:
Address poverty of families by promoting an increased minimum wage in Richmond of
$8.75 per hour. Studies have shown that 30% of the children living in the United States live
in poverty.
Advocate for the strictest environmental controls for the local refinery and related
industry. The health impacts from the refinery operations disproportionately affects families
and children in the northwest sector of the City.
Create family-friendly neighborhoods by supporting a West Contra Costa Unified
School District small school policy, assisting small businesses, reducing traffic speeds,
and making public venues and activities affordable for families.
Support non-traditional families by advocating for full domestic partnership rights for
same-sex couples, including health benefits, bereavement leave, right to survivorship,
family sick leave, child custody, and adoption.
Support families with special needs children by ensuring that the City continues to help
with maintaining the programs of the Disabled People’s Recreation Center (DPRC),
NIAD Art Center, and other programs assuring well-rounded opportunities for our
disabled population.
Increase child-care options by offering City contractors bonus points or tax credits if they
offer onsite child care and by supporting residential child care facilities.
Promote a holistic education system by expanding after-school and before-school
programs, providing fun and educational summer programs, expanding the bookmobile
program, and promoting the idea that non-citizens have the right to vote in school board
elections.
Provide health care for all children by supporting universal health coverage for children,
opening youth health clinics in schools, and supporting public and private health clinics in
our City.
Supply families with adequate and affordable housing by preserving and increasing
the stock of family-oriented affordable housing units and ensuring that new housing
construction includes a variety of floor plans.

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