Why Richard Nixon Killed National Child Care

It is not surprising that a growing number of elected officials are turning their attention to child care. At a time when more Americans are worried about affordability—from housing to education—the cost of paying a person or facility to care for children is one of the biggest challenges facing families. While average child care costs amount to about 9.4 percent of median family earnings for an infant in South Dakota, that share climbs to nearly 21 percent of annual income in New Mexico. In cities such as New York, the cost can be more than $20,000 .

The drive for government-funded child care policies is gaining momentum. New Mexico has become the first state to guarantee child care for all residents. In New York City, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani made child care a central promise of his campaign , and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has expressed her support, although the specifics of a viable plan remain unclear.

The drive for government-funded child care policies is gaining momentum. New Mexico has become the first state to guarantee child care for all residents. In New York City, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani made child care a central promise of his campaign, and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has expressed her support, although the specifics of a viable plan remain unclear.

It is not surprising that a growing number of elected officials are turning their attention to child care. At a time when more Americans are worried about affordability—from housing to education—the cost of paying a person or facility to care for children is one of the biggest challenges facing families. While average child care costs amount to about 9.4 percent of median family earnings for an infant in South Dakota, that share climbs to nearly 21 percent of annual income in New Mexico. In cities such as New York, the cost can be more than $20,000.

Child care is more expensive in the United States than in most other countries within the Organization f