A new Rutgers–Eagleton Poll conducted for Start Strong NJ reports on May 4 that most New Jersey residents believe finding quality, affordable childcare is difficult and that high costs present a significant challenge for working parents and the state’s economy.
The issue of affordable childcare is seen as widespread, with only 11% of those surveyed saying it is easy to find such care in New Jersey. In contrast, 55% describe it as somewhat or very difficult. More than half consider the lack of affordable childcare a major obstacle for parents who want to work, while nearly one-fifth see it as a minor barrier.
Concerns about childcare extend across income levels, political views, race and ethnicity, and different regions within the state. Nearly two-thirds of respondents say that the lack of affordable childcare has either a great deal or some impact on businesses and the economy in New Jersey. When asked about government action, 43% support increasing spending on childcare—one in five would like to see spending increased significantly—while 15% think it should be decreased. About one-third remain unsure.
“New Jerseyans are sending a very clear message: Affordable childcare must be a top policy priority,” said Sharon Levine, Start Strong NJ campaign director. “It’s clear that child care is a public good, not a problem parents can solve on their own. Policymakers need to see child care as essential economic infrastructure and fund it accordingly.”
Start Strong NJ’s recently released Blueprint for Affordable Child Care notes that the current crisis costs New Jersey $5 billion annually in lost wages due to working parents staying home, staff shortages for businesses, lower productivity, and reduced tax revenue needed for services.
Ashley Koning, assistant research professor at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling said: “Whether Democrat, independent, or Republican, New Jerseyans recognize child care is crucial to our state’s health and prosperity. There is broad agreement that availability and affordability are challenges — and that state government has a role to play.”
The poll was based on responses from 1,568 adults contacted through the probability-based Rutgers-Eagleton/SSRS Garden State Panel between March 27-30; its margin of error is +/-3.2 percentage points.
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association serves as the nation’s largest statewide employer association, representing employers across various sectors according to its official website. The association advances competitive excellence by providing essential information and services designed to help members succeed financially. Michele Siekerka serves as president and chief executive officer of this organization which supports private-sector employers throughout New Jersey.According to its official website, NJBIA facilitates partnerships among businesses along with government entities and academic institutions while offering advocacy initiatives plus cost-saving benefits.