Parenting, pregnancy, and the One Big Beautiful Bill

Editor's Note: This podcast reflects the opinions and perspectives of the host and guests and is not a product of our editorial staff, including Central Current's editors and reporters. The program may be edited in post-production for length and clarity. --- Navigating pregnancy and early childhood can be one of the most resource-intensive chapters of our lives. In Central New York, many families are navigating these processes while also facing increased financial strain. Nearly three out of four families with children under five struggle to pay for basic needs like housing, food, and utilities in Onondaga County, according to a recent survey by the Early Childhood Alliance and the Stanford Center on Early Childhood. In this episode of “It’s Happening Here”, host Maximilian Eyle is joined by Help Me Grow Director Summer Merrick and Planned Parenthood of Western and Central New York’s Director of Public Affairs Meredith Ouderkirk. They explore the biggest needs locally facing pregnant women and parents of young children, share the services their agencies provide, and discuss how policy changes — like the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill — will impact families here in Central New York.