Council Member Riley speaks on Resolution 142A for Center for Fatherhood Initiatives

Councilman Riley, followed by Stevens.

Thank you, Majority Leader.

As a father of three, fatherhood is deeply personal to me, and I know the responsibility that comes with being present, being engaged, and showing up for our children every single day.

But we also know that too many fathers face barriers that can make fulfilling that responsibility harder, particularly young and new fathers.

fathers, non-custodial fathers, and fathers navigating reentry.

That is why I'm proud to bring Resolution 142A before the Council today.

This resolution supports the establishment of a statewide center for fatherhood initiatives, creating a robust framework to provide fathers with the resources, support, networks, and parenting education they need to strengthen their parenting knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficiency.

Because when we give fathers the tools to succeed, the impact reaches far beyond one individual.

We strengthen our children, our families, and our communities.

I want to thank Senator Bailey and Assemblymember Diaz for championing this legislation in Albany and my council colleagues who have joined me in co-sponsoring this resolution.

Today, I proudly urge my colleagues to vote yes, and I urge our state partners to advance this legislation and governor to sign it into law.

Fatherhood matters, showing that matters, and every father who wants to be there for their child deserves support to do so.

Thank you.