In August 2024, Count on Mothers examined mothers' views on two bipartisan, bicameral childcare bills introduced by Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) — the Childcare Availability and Affordability Act and the Childcare Workforce Act. Drawing on a nationally representative sample of mothers across regions and the political spectrum, the survey evaluated proposed increases to the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, expanded Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and employer tax credits — alongside firsthand experience using these benefits and assessments of which policy mechanisms would most effectively support families.

From January through July 2024, Count on Mothers identified the issues mothers most want federal policymakers to address related to their children's health and safety. The two-stage study began with an open-ended question to mothers over six months, then tested the emerging themes through a structured follow-up survey of mothers across regions and the political spectrum. Five issues consistently rose to the top — substance use, abortion and reproductive health, healthcare access and cost, food access and nutrition, and childcare affordability — with striking consistency across geography, education, and ideology in both what mothers prioritize and the underlying stresses shaping family life.

In May 2024, Count on Mothers examined how childcare costs and access shape U.S. families' financial security — including effects on savings, work hours, net income, career advancement, and long-term earning potential. Drawing on a national sample of mothers across regions and the political spectrum, the survey combined eight quantitative measures with an open-ended question inviting mothers to propose solutions. Findings show that childcare costs exert significant pressure on family finances, employment decisions, and long-term economic security — with patterns largely consistent across the political spectrum.