By Gongwer Access article
Policymakers should boost state support for child care if they hope to adequately address pandemic-related workforce challenges, according to a public policy group.
That assessment stems from a recent poll commissioned by Groundwork Ohio and conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, which found nearly 60% of non-working or part-time working moms with children under five indicated they would return to full employment if provided more child care options.
"Even strong Republicans or conservative Republicans – the most conservative voters in the state – believe Ohio should spend much more on early childhood education," said Neil Newhouse, a partner with the polling firm.
"In an era of labor shortages, the issue of child care has become a key economic issue," he continued. "If we want to increase the workforce we've got to make early childcare education more accessible, more affordable for moms and dads so they can go to work and boost the economy."