We’ve all heard some version of the following: My parents bought a house, raised a family, and retired on one paycheck. Why does that feel so hard now?

It’s a fair question. You work, pay your bills, and try to get ahead financially. Then the car needs tires or your child needs something for school, and getting ahead gets pushed back again.

The past wasn’t easy for everyone. Our parents and grandparents faced hardships, and plenty of people were denied a fair chance. But many of us grew up believing that hard work would give us a shot at a decent life.

I still believe it should.

People want a home they can afford, a doctor when they need one, good schools, and enough left over to save. They want to retire while they still have some life left to enjoy.

Young adults wonder whether they can afford children. Their parents wonder whether they can retire. Oftentimes they’re at the same kitchen table, figuring it out together.

Families are doing what they can. Grandparents are watching the kids because daycare is too expensive. Parents make room for adult children. Grown children care for aging parents. There’s a lot of love, but there should be more support as well.

That’s why I’m fighting to protect Social Security without cuts or a higher retirement age, strengthen rural healthcare, and support education that gives children a good start and young adults choices.

I want our children to be able to build a life here, work hard, and have something to show for it. And someday, I hope they can look back and say finally their representatives helped.