In the larger conversation about student achievement and outcomes, one important element is the experience of students before they ever enter a classroom. The early childhood years are a crucial window for brain development and other important skills. Research conducted by The Winston Group on behalf of the Clapham Group earlier this year looked at several proposals aimed to help families with cost of living in those critical early years. (Read the full memo of findings here.)
Specifically, the survey (conducted among 1,000 registered voters with an oversample to reach 1,000 Republicans; January 8-12), assessed voter reaction to five legislative proposals. All five were received favorably, including across party and among parents. They were:
Federal government grants to states to help them establish paid family leave programs, 67-22 favor-oppose overall; Republicans, 58-30; independents, 66-23; Democrats, 79-13; parents, 79-16.
Increase funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), 67-19 overall; Republicans, 59-27; independents; 65-17; Democrats, 76-14; parents, 75-15.
Ending out-of-pocket costs for pregnancy and childbirth, 65-21 overall; Republicans, 59-26; independents, 62-22; Democrats, 74-14; parents, 76-17.
Expand eligibility for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), 62-20 overall; Republicans, 54-27; independents, 62-16; Democrats, 69-18; parents, 70-19.
A package of legislation that would increase the Child Tax Credit and establish a $2,800 tax credit for pregnant mothers, 61-21 overall; Republicans 59-26; independents, 58-21; Democrats, 65-17; parents, 72-16.
Additionally, the survey asked voters to rank a series of ten personal outcomes. The two most important: being able to have the quality affordable health care that you need and being able to effectively manage cost of living and inflation. Inflation was Republicans’ top issue, and was in the top two for independents, Democrats and parents. All five of the proposals were not just well received; they would help people achieve a key priority: managing inflation and cost of living.
Data since this survey was conducted suggest that concerns about cost of living and inflation are likely not going away any time soon. Last week, the latest Consumer Price Index Report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed inflation hit 3.8% in April, the highest it’s been since May 2023.
For more of our work on this topic, read our op-ed in the Washington Examiner, co-authored by the firm’s co-founder Myra Miller and The Clapham Group’s Mark Rodgers.
