Public News Service: Affordability crisis changing voters’ views on ‘women’s issues’

September 17. 2026

Public News Service (syndicated by local public radio stations nationwide) ran a segment and article about Equal Rights Advocates Action Fund’s new survey of likely voters, including an interview with Executive Director Noreen Farrell:

“Matters related to childcare, elder care and equal pay have long been considered “women’s issues” but a new poll found a majority of voters now see them as solutions to today’s affordability crisis.

The Equal Rights Advocates Action Fund surveyed 1,000 likely midterm voters nationwide and nearly 60% said today’s economy is not working for them. More than 80% reported making difficult financial choices like reducing purchases, dipping into savings or carrying a credit card balance to cover rising costs.

Noreen Farrell, president and CEO of the fund, said voters increasingly see women’s economic security as key to their own family’s financial well-being.

“It’s not just about the cost of living, it’s about what puts money in your pocket and that’s resonating across genders and parties in this poll,” Farrell reported.

The poll showed more than 70% of voters want state and federal leaders to not just make America more affordable but to make progress within the next two years on specific policies like ensuring up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave.”

Listen to /read the full piece.