FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 15, 2021

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National Survey of Potential Voters Shows Americans Support Investing in Child Care 

Poll shows voters choose lawmakers who prioritize care policies

Washington, D.C. –  A national study of likely voters indicates that Americans – regardless of whether they have young children – support investing in child care to make it affordable for families and to pay early childhood educators a living wage so they can support their own families.

The survey found that Democrats, Black voters, Latinx voters, and women voters make up the strongest base of support for the American Family Plan and expanding the child care agenda.  

Sponsored by Community Change Action and conducted by Lake Research Partners, a leading national polling firm, the survey shows that regardless of political leaning, voters agree that wages for the early care and education workforce  are too low and favor increasing compensation. The survey shows voters will choose elected officials based on how they commit to building a caring agenda. It also shows more than half of voters across demographic groups favor the child tax credit, as it will ensure tens of millions of families can make ends meet, pay their bills and have money to spend on their children. 

“American voters strongly favor a caring economy that supports all workers,” said Wendoly Marte, economic justice director from Community Change Action. “Voters agree that it is critical to help parents find affordable, quality child care and pay early childhood educators a living wage as key steps to get the economy back on track. Furthermore, these voters will reward a member of Congress who supports the American Family Plan and expands access to child care.”

“Families are experiencing financial stress and voters know we must come together and prioritize these supports to build a thriving economy and families’ economic security. In fact, COVID-19 shows that we can not rebuild our economy without valuing people who provide care,” stated Marte.

The online survey was conducted from May 6-16. It reached 900 likely 2022 voters, with oversamples of Black and Latina women and infrequent voters.

Safe, affordable, quality care makes it possible for parents to work, knowing that some of the most precious people in our lives are in good hands. And yet, it’s some of the most invisible and undervalued work. 

Community Change Action calls on Congress to invest $70 billion a year to build a caring agenda that supports every family in America by making early care and education free to low income families, covering everyone regardless of immigration status, income and employment, and improving wages so that early education providers earn a comparable wage to K-12 teachers.  

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Community Change Action is a national social justice organization that builds the power of low-income communities, especially those of color, through voting efforts and civic engagement.