Libs Won't Believe This: Child Care Crisis Has Moms Yearning for Trump

Christina Parker should be living the high life in sunny Mill Valley, California, earning a sweet six figures at a real estate gig. Instead, she's watching her bank account dwindle like a melting snowflake.

“I’m busting my chops and I’ve got less than $100 in the bank,” Parker, 42, lamented.

Blame it on the little one's day care—a whopping $3K a month, matching her rent! And get this, next year, little Timmy's preschool tuition is gonna be even higher.

“I’ve got a great job,” Parker grumbled, “but I’m barely scraping by.”

Child care's the real inflation monster, folks. Costs are soaring at nearly twice the rate of inflation, leaving families scrambling.

In all 50 states, child care for two kids is pricier than rent, and more than mortgages in 45 states, says this report.

No wonder nearly 9 out of 10 parents told Care.com they'll vote based on child care promises.

Parker's one of 'em. She even signed a petition for the first presidential debate. (Psst, Trump ignored it, and Biden rambled about tax credits.)

“I was so over it, I turned off the TV,” Parker sighed. “Why isn’t this a priority?”

Child Care: The Bank Account Drainer

Even before COVID, parents struggled to find good, affordable care. Today, half of America's in “child care deserts," with too few providers.

Parents shell out nearly a quarter of their income on child care, some forking over $18K+ a year, Care.com reports.

To cover the costs, parents work multiple jobs, cut hours, move, or go into debt. One-third drained their savings last year.

Barbara Grant Boneta’s monthly tab in Austin, TX, is $1,300—half what she paid in DC, but still a gut-punch. Day care for Christine O'Hare Barringer’s munchkin costs $1,800, nixing plans for baby number two.

Voters to Trump and Harris: Fix This Mess!

“I have been surprised at how little this has been discussed,” said Brenda Shields, a Missouri rep pushing for child care tax credits. “We have to think about child care as infrastructure.”

Lisa Gray, a Kansas City mom, wants answers. Her youngest’s care costs $22K—nearly 20% of her income. “Child care is a primary economic issue,” she insisted.

A whopping 89% of voters want candidates to tackle this, says First Five Years Fund. But neither Trump nor Harris has a solid plan, says Javaid E. Siddiqi of the Hunt Institute.

Trump doubled the child tax credit and wants to expand it. Harris pledged a permanent increase and a $6K credit for newborns, but who’s footing the bill?

Parents Split: Tax Credits or Tax Cuts?

“The cost of child care is crushing families,” said Reshma Saujani, board member of the Economic Club of New York. Her group, Moms First, pushed the issue into the spotlight.

Gemma Hartley, a Reno mom of three, supports Harris’ tax credit plan. Others, like Patrice Onwuka from the Independent Women’s Forum, prefer tax cuts.

“It’s not just about child care,” Onwuka said. “It’s about families keeping more of their money.”

Kelsey Bolar, also from the Forum and pregnant with twins, opted for an au pair instead of day care. Subsidizing one type of care won’t help families choosing alternatives.

“There’s no easy solution when it comes to child care,” Bolar noted.

So, folks, as we gear up for the election, let's make sure our candidates know—it's time to get serious about child care! 🍼💼