Candidates, don’t forget about the kids

One critical issue that has strong bipartisan support is child care, which is now more expensive than housing for many Iowa families. Too many parents are struggling to provide their children with a safe, educational and nurturing environment while they go to work.

Republicans and Democrats agree that investing in early childhood education, including child care, is worth it. In fact, 74 percent of participants in a recent Save the Children Action Network poll in Iowa said they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who would change how state-funded child care assistance works.

The federal government and our state leaders must do more to invest in children and families. I encourage all candidates to discuss how they would help families afford quality child care during their campaigns. Children may be a quarter of our population, but they are 100 percent of our future.

Cathy Meyer

Cedar Rapids