Barry D. Ford, Council For A Strong America

·26 min·2 clips

The lack of infant-toddler child care costs the U.S. economy $122 billion a year, with Nevada alone losing an estimated $1 billion.

The episode begins with host Cheri Hill introducing herself and her guest, Barry Ford, president and CEO of Council for a Strong America. Hill mentions she first heard Ford speak at a business symposium hosted by the Children's Cabinet, which focused on the child care crisis. Ford explains the organization's origin 27 years ago as Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, founded by law enforcement executives focused on prevention. He states their core belief: national strength is tied to the thriving of children and families. The discussion quickly centers on the child care crisis. Ford defines a 'child care desert' as an area with only one licensed slot for every three children aged 0-5. He reveals 50% of U.S. children live in such deserts, and in Nevada, the figure is 72%. He notes child care costs often exceed in-state college tuition. Ford then breaks down the economic impact: parents lose $78 billion annually due to work disruptions, businesses lose $23 billion from absenteeism, and taxpayers bear a $21 billion cost, totaling a $122 billion national drag. Nevada's estimated annual cost is $1 billion. After a break with ads for Sage International and Community Services Agency, the conversation resumes with Ford detailing the organization's membership groups. Fight Crime: Invest in Kids has over 5,000 law enforcement members advocating for programs like home visiting and pre-K. Ready Nation has 2,000 business leaders. Mission Readiness has over 800 retired admirals and generals motivated by the statistic that 77% of young Americans are ineligible for military service due to obesity, poor academics, or criminal records. Hill asks how listeners can get involved. Ford explains business leaders can join Ready Nation, while the other groups are selective to retired military or active law enforcement. He encourages public support through donations via strongnation.org. Ford notes the organization has members in every state and staff in ten, working in 20-25 state legislatures yearly. The discussion concludes with state-level approaches. Ford mentions this is a bipartisan issue, with efforts in both red and blue states. He highlights New Mexico's use of permanent fund money for early childhood as an innovative funding model. Hill thanks Ford and encourages listeners to visit the website.

As heard by us

A clear, grounded child care policy conversation connecting family strain, public resources, and economic pressure.

This single-episode review frames an infant-toddler child care policy discussion as a practical look at how family stress can spill into the broader economy.

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Press play when a $122 billion infant-toddler child care crisis needs a human and economic frame.

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