Accessible, affordable care is essential to the well-being of families and the strength of the economy. But for many, it remains out of reach. High costs force families to make difficult tradeoffs, while limited availability leaves many without reliable options for children, older adults, or people with disabilities. At the same time, the care workers who provide this critical support are often paid too little to achieve basic economic security, contributing to high turnover and persistent workforce shortages, which also impact the quality of care.
These challenges have broad economic consequences. When care is unaffordable or unavailable, many—especially women—are pushed out of the workforce or forced to reduce their hours, limiting family income and slowing economic growth. Expanding access to affordable care and improving job quality for care workers would not only support families but also strengthen labor force participation and boost overall productivity.
We need sustained public investment in the care economy to build a more equitable, stable system that works for both those who give and receive care.
Featured Policy Solutions
Invest in a publicly funded child care and early learning system
That helps children learn and grow in a safe and stimulating environment and is staffed by a supported and well-compensated workforce. As part of efforts to ensure that child care is affordable for all families, policymakers should enact a cap on child care costs at no more than 7% of income.
Invest in the child care workforce.
Policymakers must strive to ensure that the child care workforce can earn a living wage, access good benefits, enjoy workplace protections, and have opportunities for career advancement.
Promote access to care for older adults and adults living with disabilities through public investments in community-based care.
This includes policies that promote better pay, job quality, and opportunities for advancement to recruit and retain professionals in this critical workforce.
