WASHINGTON — A new poll found voters remain concerned about the high cost of living and want the government to do more to lower their expenses.
More than nine in 10 Republicans and eight in 10 Democrats said food and grocery prices are a big problem, and three quarters of parents say child care and preschool costs are too high.
Matthew Hatfield, Virginia state manager for the Save the Children Action Network, said affordability issues are impacting all corners of Virginia, especially rural areas.
“You have families who might have to travel 20-, 30-plus miles to be able to access the closest child care center, in addition to having to pay upwards of 25% of their annual income on child care,” Hatfield pointed out. “It is a tough spot to be in as a family.”
The poll was conducted by a bipartisan research team. It also found many key demographics, including swing, undecided and rural voters, would be more likely to support candidates who want to increase funding for food stamps and child care. Hatfield noted Virginia recently secured more than a billion dollars for early education programs but parents want long-term guarantees funding will continue.
A recent report found about 40% of the Commonwealth’s kindergartners still need to build literacy, math and/or social skills. Hatfield emphasized the numbers go way up in low-income communities.
About half of Virginia’s preschoolers lack access to publicly funded education and child care often costs the same or more as a degree from a local public university. Hatfield called it unacceptable.
“Being able to provide those fundamental building blocks for children while they’re young will lead to lifelong success,” Hatfield contended. “That’s one of the main reasons that we are supporting early childhood education investment in the long run.”
Many child care centers in the Commonwealth are struggling to hire and retain staff.
