In Nevada, a state known for its bustling casinos and vast deserts, families are grappling with a crisis that extends far beyond the glittering lights of Las Vegas. The Silver State, which joined the Union in 1864, now faces a severe shortage of child care options, placing it among the worst in the nation for access to licensed care.
Nearly three-quarters of young children in Nevada lack access to licensed care facilities, according to the governor's office. This shortage spans all counties, including Washoe, home to Reno, "The Biggest Little City in the World." The situation has become particularly dire as pandemic-era federal funding, which provided $571 million for child care in Nevada, is set to expire this month.
The child care crisis is not unique to Nevada, but it has reached alarming proportions in a state that relies heavily on service industry jobs with non-traditional hours. Reno, founded in 1868, exemplifies this challenge with its 24-hour casino economy, where child care needs extend into nights and weekends.
For families like the Frosts, the struggle to find affordable, quality child care has led to desperate measures. Kayla and Ryan Frost resorted to paying their dog sitter $25 per hour to watch their infant daughter, a solution that proved both financially and practically unsustainable.
The impact of this crisis extends beyond individual families. Nearly 70,000 Americans missed work in August 2024 due to child care problems, according to Labor Department data. This trend has persisted since the early days of the pandemic, highlighting the long-term economic consequences of inadequate child care infrastructure.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, child care has emerged as a critical issue for voters, particularly in swing states like Nevada. A recent KFF poll revealed that more than one-third of mothers who are registered voters worry "a lot" about affording child care.
The political response to this crisis has varied. Vice President Kamala Harris has made the "care economy" a cornerstone of her platform, proposing to cap child care costs at 7% of a working family's income and increase child tax credits. In contrast, former President Donald Trump's approach has been less specific, though he has mentioned considering an expansion of the child tax credit.
"We believe in a future where every person has … affordable health care, affordable child care, paid leave."
The end of federal funding is expected to exacerbate the already strained child care system in Nevada. Christine McNally, a child care provider in Reno, expressed concern about the future: "The last few years have been a complete roller coaster, but government money has helped stabilize the system. But now it feels like we're going back to wondering what happens next."
As families in Nevada continue to struggle with child care costs and accessibility, many are looking to the upcoming election for solutions. Whether it's through expanded tax credits, increased subsidies, or other policy measures, the need for affordable, quality child care remains a pressing issue that could significantly influence voter decisions in November 2024.
In a state that's home to natural wonders like Lake Tahoe and man-made marvels like the Hoover Dam, the challenge of finding reliable child care has become an unexpected hurdle for many Nevada families. As the election draws near, the resolution of this crisis could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Silver State and potentially the nation.