A recent poll conducted by The 19th and YouGov has found that a majority of Americans across all age groups believe the federal government should increase spending on childcare. The poll revealed that 52 percent of U.S. adults overall think federal childcare spending needs a boost. This sentiment is particularly strong among Gen Z voters, with nearly 60 percent favoring increased federal spending on childcare.
The current state of childcare in the United States is a significant concern for many families. The country spends about $12.4 billion on childcare annually, primarily to subsidize care for very low-income families. However, this leaves the vast majority of American families with an average childcare price tag of $13,000 a year, and much more in certain states. Centre-based childcare for two children is more expensive than the median annual rent payment in 47 states and the median annual mortgage payment in 39 states.
The high cost of childcare has become a key policy issue in the midterm elections, with numerous Democratic campaigns incorporating childcare solutions into their platforms. Some Republicans in Congress are also embracing the issue. The 19th's poll revealed that 38 percent of voters think Democrats are doing a better job at handling the cost of childcare, while only 19 percent said the same about Republicans.
Gen Z voters, who are beginning to have kids or thinking about it, are particularly concerned about the economy, affordability, and costs. The oldest Gen Z voters will turn 30 next year, and many are starting to consider starting a family. People under the age of 30 were among the strongest supporters of more childcare funding in every category. Gen Z voters were the most likely to say they think the government and parents should split the cost of childcare.
Gen Z women are among the strongest supporters of universal childcare, with 29 percent favoring care for children under the age of 2 that is fully paid for by the government. Gen Z men were especially supportive of the government subsidizing care for families in which one parent is employed and the other stays home to take care of children. Some 60 percent of young men favored that idea, compared with 48 percent of Gen Z women and 45 percent of voters overall.
The issue of childcare has played a significant role in recent election victories, particularly for Democratic candidates who championed childcare solutions. In New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani won 75 percent of the Gen Z vote, while New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger both ran on lowering childcare costs and making affordable care more accessible. According to research by CIRCLE, both of their gubernatorial races drew an increase in youth voter turnout.
National polling by the Associated Press and childcare advocacy organizations has found that lowering childcare costs resonates with voters across various demographics. More than half, or about 58 percent of Americans, support a tax break for families based on how many children they have. However, Americans are more split on newer ideas, such as paying stay-at-home parents who care for kids or transferring the cost of care entirely to the government.
Key points
- Gen Z voters show strong support for increased federal spending on childcare, with nearly 60 percent favoring it.
- The current state of childcare in the United States leaves many families with a significant financial burden, with an average childcare price tag of $13,000 a year.
- Childcare has become a key policy issue in the midterm elections, with both Democrats and some Republicans embracing the issue.
