Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
Summary
Rising childcare costs are a major concern for many parents as the U.S. midterm elections approach. In Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, candidates are addressing the issue, with voters like Jenny Escolastico considering how childcare expenses affect their voting decisions.Key Facts
- Childcare costs in the U.S. grew faster than inflation from 2020 to 2024, with the average full-time childcare cost topping $13,000 in 2025.
- About 75% of U.S. adults view childcare expenses as a big problem, and 64% support government help to provide free or low-cost childcare.
- Jenny Escolastico, a mother of two young children in Pennsylvania, stays home because childcare costs are more than she would earn working full time.
- The 7th Congressional District in Pennsylvania is important for deciding control of Congress in the midterms.
- Democratic candidate Bob Brooks supports universal prekindergarten, full-day kindergarten, more funding for Head Start, and expanded federal childcare assistance.
- Republican incumbent Ryan Mackenzie supports tax breaks to help lower childcare costs and a federal tax credit expansion signed into law by President Trump.
- President Trump campaigned on lowering childcare costs using tariff revenues but has recently expressed doubts about federal funding for daycare.
- The pandemic increased urgency over early childhood care policies due to growing challenges for families.
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