New American Policy Ventures–Bipartisan Policy Center Action Poll: High Costs of Raising Family Crosses Party Lines

23 Sep 2026 New American Policy Ventures–Bipartisan Policy Center Action Poll: High Costs of Raising Family Crosses Party Lines in Children, Paid Parental Leave

A new poll from American Policy Ventures and BPC Action finds that voters across party lines want policymakers to work together to address the rising cost of raising a family. Two-thirds of voters (67%) say the federal government is doing too little to help American families, with majorities across every partisan group.

The survey of 1,500 likely 2026 general election voters, fielded September 1-2, arrives as voters name inflation and the economy their top priority for Congress (27%), well ahead of every other issue tested.

Topline takeaways:

Caregiving is a mainstream voter experience: 4 in 10 voters (41%) say they are caregivers—for a child, an aging parent, or a relative with a disability—rising to 51% of voters under 55 and 57% of voters ages 30 to 44.

Voters say the federal government is falling short on families: 67% say it is doing too little for Americans raising families, including 83% of Democrats, 69% of Independents, and 50% of Republicans. Just 15% say the government is doing the right amount.

Everyday costs drive the squeeze that caregivers feel: Health care or insurance costs (19%), groceries and food (18%), and housing (17%) top the list of routine expenses voters say cause them the most stress.

Paid leave is still out of reach for many workers. Nearly one in five voters (19%) say they would not have access to paid leave from their employer if they needed it.

“This poll underscores an important point for Washington: the cost of raising a family is not a partisan issue,” said Michele Stockwell, president of BPC Action. “Two-thirds of voters say the federal government is doing too little, and majorities of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats want solutions. That is a mandate to act. Thanks to the work of bipartisan groups of members, such as Sens. John Boozman (R-AR) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) who are championing the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act, the momentum is there.”

The costs voters named—health care, groceries, and housing—are the ones that hit every household budget, regardless of who they voted for. That is the opening for policymakers willing to work across the aisle, and BPC Action stands ready to help move solutions forward.

Explore the poll toplines and crosstabs for more information.