As the cost of living rises, families in Nevada are increasingly feeling the pressure, particularly when it comes to childcare costs.
With Nevada ranking among the highest in the country for childcare expenses relative to household income, there is growing support for expanding programs like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) to help alleviate financial burdens.
A recent survey conducted between August 17 and 29 shows that the majority of Nevadans support reinstating higher Child Tax Credit amounts and other measures aimed at supporting working families.
The Impact of the Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit has been a powerful tool in reducing child poverty in the United States. During the pandemic, temporary expansions increased the CTC to $3,600 per child under six and $3,000 for children aged six to seventeen.
This expansion helped reduce child poverty by one-third, offering significant financial relief to families during a critical time.
However, when these temporary expansions expired in 2022, families saw a reduction in the support they received. Now, many in Nevada are advocating for a return to those higher credit amounts.
According to the survey, 73% of Nevadans support reinstating the higher CTC amounts, with strong bipartisan backing: 82% of Democrats and 64% of Republicans favor restoring the credit to $3,600 per child.
For families, this credit is more than just financial assistance—it’s a lifeline that helps cover essential costs like food, clothing, and education for their children. With the cost of living continuing to rise, many view the Child Tax Credit as an essential tool in maintaining family stability.
Childcare in Nevada: A Financial Burden
Nevada faces one of the highest childcare costs in the nation, with families spending an average of 32% of their income on childcare services. This is the highest percentage nationwide, leaving many Nevada families struggling to balance the cost of childcare with other basic needs.
In response, 77% of Nevadans support the idea of subsidizing childcare costs for low- and middle-income families, ensuring they spend no more than 7% of their income on childcare.
This measure is particularly popular across party lines, with 68% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats backing the proposal. This broad support highlights the growing recognition that affordable childcare is crucial for families’ financial well-being.
Universal Preschool: A Key Investment
Another important policy area with strong support is universal preschool. Currently, Nevada has one of the lowest preschool enrollment rates in the country, with only 7% of four-year-olds enrolled in state-funded programs.
In contrast, other states have much higher participation rates, and the benefits of early childhood education—such as improved social-emotional skills and better long-term health and educational outcomes—are well-documented.
According to the survey, eight out of ten Nevadans support increasing investment in preschool programs. This support is particularly strong among Democrats (94%) and Republicans (67%), showing bipartisan agreement on the need to expand access to preschool education.
Investing in early childhood education is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring more equitable opportunities for Nevada’s children and a vital investment in the state’s future.
Bipartisan Support for Paid Family and Medical Leave
Another key finding from the survey is the strong support for creating a federal paid family and medical leave program.
Currently, Nevada lacks a state law guaranteeing paid family leave, which forces many families to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for a sick family member.
The survey reveals that 70% of Nevadans support the implementation of a federal paid leave program that would allow workers to receive two-thirds of their wages for up to 12 weeks of leave.
This policy is especially popular among Democrats (82%), though 52% of Republicans also express support.
The push for paid family leave gained momentum during the pandemic, which exposed the weaknesses of the current system and the difficulties families face when juggling work and caregiving responsibilities.
Nevadans are showing strong support for expanding the Child Tax Credit, making childcare more affordable, and investing in universal preschool.
These programs have garnered bipartisan backing, reflecting the growing need for policies that ease the financial burdens on working families.
As childcare costs continue to rise and the need for family-friendly policies becomes more apparent, it’s clear that initiatives like the Child Tax Credit and paid family leave are key to supporting families and ensuring that children receive the care and education they need.
FAQs
What is the current status of the Child Tax Credit in Nevada?
Many Nevadans are calling for the reinstatement of the higher Child Tax Credit amounts that expired in 2022. 73% of respondents support raising the credit back to $3,600 per child under six and $3,000 for children aged six to seventeen.
How much do Nevada families spend on childcare?
On average, Nevada families spend 32% of their income on childcare, making it one of the highest rates in the nation.
Is there bipartisan support for childcare subsidies in Nevada?
Yes, 77% of Nevadans, including 68% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats, support limiting childcare costs to no more than 7% of a family’s income for low- and middle-income families.
How many four-year-olds are enrolled in state-funded preschool programs in Nevada?
Only 7% of four-year-olds in Nevada are enrolled in state-funded preschool programs, one of the lowest rates in the country.
Do Nevadans support paid family and medical leave?
Yes, 70% of Nevadans support a federal paid family and medical leave program, with workers receiving two-thirds of their wages for up to 12 weeks of leave.
