Strolling Thunder comes to DC, urging lawmakers to prioritize early childhood needs WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio [Video]

WASHINGTON DC — These constituents are still learning their ABC’s but they’re already taking a big stand on Capitol Hill.

Tuesday, dozens of babies and their parents visited DC as part of the ‘Strolling Thunder.’ It’s a national movement of families through the nonprofit, ZERO TO THREE, urging lawmakers to prioritize the needs of young children. This includes expanding early Head Start, better maternal healthcare and creating a national paid family leave program.

“Think about the families that are affected, think about the long-term effects of having unpaid family leave,” said Tanesha Williams, a mother from Maryland.

It all comes as recent polling shows 87 percent of parents with young children say addressing these needs should be a top priority for Congress.

“It’s real, we’re real families impacted by these policies that need to go into effect,” said Williams.

Mariah Burnley said she wants Congress to also invest more in childcare.

“These children are our future, and we have to support them now …