74% of New Yorkers support universal child care [Video]

Access to affordable child care was a topic of conversation at this week’s Democratic National Convention, and a new poll conducted by Cornell University’s School of Industrial Labor Relations asked New Yorkers about the issue.

Seventy-four percent of respondents questioned as part of the 2024 Empire State Poll said they would support public funding to create a universal child care program in New York. The poll described it as a free public service similar to K-12 education.

More broadly, among the top concerns for individuals and families were the cost of living, crime, immigration and health care costs. 

Dede Hill, director of policy at the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, said the result was not surprising given the ongoing child care crisis.

“Child care is one of those costs that families are just drowning under,” she said. “For many families with young children, child care is the highest cost. …