Arizona voters on both sides of the political aisle support a bold COVID-19 relief package that includes investing $50b in child care and increases unemployment benefits
A new poll of Arizona voters finds that a substantial majority of voters across all demographics support bold measures to boost family incomes and the economy in the next COVID-19 relief package. A full 80% say the federal government needs to do more to make the economic downturn less severe and help people financially, rather than that the steps taken so far have been enough (20%). 85% think that boosting the economy and creating jobs is more important than preventing increases in the deficit.
The bipartisan poll, conducted by Hart Research and North Star Research on behalf of Oxfam America, surveyed 500 general election voters in Arizona on a range of relief efforts currently under discussion in Congress. The poll finds that most Democrats, Republicans, and independents support investing in child care, and there is strong support for increasing the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, boosting federal unemployment benefits, providing another round of stimulus checks, and mandating emergency paid sick leave.
The online survey, conducted from February 13-19, found resounding support for stabilizing the child care industry that cut across party lines, with 80% of voters in favor of devoting $50 billion to help providers stay open, maintain payments to child care workers, and help parents afford child care so they can continue working. The data shows that an impressive 68% of Republicans and 76% of independents agree that investing in childcare will boost the economy.
“The child care industry has been decimated by the pandemic, and losing affordable child care has dealt a huge blow to women, families, and children,” said Mara Bolis, Associate Director of Women’s Economic Empowerment for Oxfam America. “It’s not only a key reason women are losing their jobs, it’s likely to be a major barrier to women re-entering the workforce. Voters in Arizona rightly agree that stabilizing the child care industry could have a multiplying effect on our economic recovery. And it will support the wellbeing of families who are struggling right now.”
The poll found most Arizona voters support a gradual increase in the federal minimum wage over the next five years, in order to reach $15 per hour by 2025. With 59% of voters’ approval to increase the federal minimum wage, across demographics, the support holds true with 67% of Latino voters, 56% of white voters and 57% of non-college graduate voters.
Some of the most significant data from the survey reveals support for measures to increase family incomes and stimulate the economy. Voters expressed support to increase federal unemployment benefits from $300 to $400 a week. 85% of Democrats strongly support this measure, while the majority of independents and Republicans favor the expansion at 55% and 51%, respectively. In addition, 77% of Arizona voters support stimulus checks of $1,400 per person to families earning less than $150,000. This measure garnered support across the political spectrum with 93% of Democrats, 65% of Republicans, 75% of independents and 67% of Trump voters expressing support.
The Arizona poll also found strong support for a $3,000 tax credit to families with children under 17. 71% of voters expressed support, with parents supporting at 83%. A majority of voters who identify as Democrats, Republicans, and independents supported the tax credit by 85%, 59% and 67%, respectively. Trump voters expressed support for the tax credit by 59%.
Finally, Arizona voters show overwhelming support at 83% for the relief package to include emergency paid leave for workers exposed to COVID-19. Democrats showed almost unanimous support with 96% in favor, independents 88% in favor, and over two thirds of Republicans in favor (68%).
“Hard working families are struggling to put food on their tables, pay the bills and find safe affordable care for their children,” said Gina Cummings Vice President of Alliances, Advocacy, and Policy for Oxfam America. “As this poll indicates, regardless of party affiliation, age, gender or race, voters believe that Americans need help right now, and the federal government must step in with a bold plan to help this country recover and rebuild.”