In the bustling heart of New York, the old adage that hard work guarantees prosperity has become little more than a hollow promise. For countless New Yorkers, the daily grind involves not only long hours at work but also juggling the demands of raising children, caring for loved ones, and nurturing their communities. Yet, despite these efforts, life remains a relentless struggle, with the rising costs of rent, utilities, and groceries turning each month into a financial crisis. Childcare expenses have surpassed college tuition, and a single illness can drive a family to the edge of financial ruin. Meanwhile, billionaires and corporations enjoy tax breaks, often contributing less than those who keep the city functioning.

This stark reality is not a mere twist of fate or an unavoidable consequence of global economic forces. Instead, it is the product of decades-long adherence to trickle-down economics, which has systematically eroded support systems for the majority while enabling a small elite to amass extraordinary wealth. This governmental favoritism towards the affluent has left working families in the lurch, creating an unsustainable social structure. A society rife with perpetual crises and insecurity is on a path to failure. The time for change is now.

Despite New York’s status as one of the wealthiest states, it is also marked by severe inequality. Home to the highest concentration of billionaires, the state paradoxically suffers from one of the nation’s highest child poverty rates. It is imperative for our leaders to prioritize economic stability and safety for all citizens, not just the wealthy elite. This is the driving force behind the New York Working Families Guarantee, a vision aimed at transforming New York into a place where the government genuinely supports working families.

In her recent State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed measures to tackle the affordability crisis, yet she stopped short of calling on the ultra-rich to pay their fair share of taxes. This approach raises a critical question: Will we persist with trickle-down policies, or will we take decisive action to address inequality by imposing fair taxes on the wealthy and corporations? The goal must be to ensure that every New Yorker can afford a home, access reliable healthcare, benefit from universal childcare, and experience genuine safety in their communities.

Addressing the housing crisis is a crucial starting point. With rent devouring paychecks and displacing families, it is hollowing out the workforce. We need robust rent control measures that protect everyone and a committed effort to develop affordable housing for working people. Only then can New York truly claim to be a place where hard work leads to a secure and prosperous life for all its residents.

Let’s start with housing. Rent is eating up paychecks, pushing families out, and hollowing out our workforce. We need rent control that protects everyone and a serious commitment to building homes that working people can afford.

Health care isn’t any better. Congressional Republicans cut health care subsidies in order to give tax cuts to billionaires. As a result, insurance premiums are skyrocketing, and millions of people will lose their health care. This crisis requires a bold approach that recognizes that the current system is broken. Instead of Band-Aid solutions, this is the moment for New York to build a system that prioritizes health over profits and guarantees health care for every New Yorker.

Then there’s child care. Costs are crushing families and pushing parents out of the workforce, while workers are underpaid and overworked. Hochul’s recent child care announcement commits significant investments, but we must continue until we have truly universal child care that allows families to afford life in New York.

Finally, economic stability goes hand in hand with safety for all, including immigrant New Yorkers. President Trump’s mass deportation agenda is putting everyone at risk. Our state and local governments cannot be passive. They must use their power to hold ICE accountable for their rogue and dangerous tactics, and refuse to facilitate Trump’s campaign of terror. Protecting immigrant families is humane and necessary for safe and stable communities.

Our commitment to a Working Families Guarantee is about setting a vision of what New York must do to become a place where working families can afford to live, feel safe, and thrive. It sets a standard for leadership and a litmus test for elected leaders.

Some critics will say this is unrealistic. The government can’t guarantee a stable life. But our economy already runs on guarantees — they’re just reserved for the powerful. Banks get bailouts. Corporations get tax breaks, subsidies, and legal shields. When markets wobble, the government rushes to protect those at the top.

The problem isn’t that guarantees don’t work. It’s that working people are told they don’t deserve them. The question for our leaders is simple: are you serious about building a New York where ordinary people can afford to grow old with dignity, or are you content with a status quo that works only for the ultra-rich?

Working families have waited long enough for a government that has their back. Now is the moment to commit to new guarantees, backed by policy and paid for by a tax system where the rich pay their fair share. That’s what voters are asking for, what this moment demands, and what New Yorkers deserve.

Archila and Gripper are the co-directors of the New York Working Families Party.