TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblywoman Aura Dunn’s bill providing subsidies to childcare service providers based on their enrollment numbers, not attendance, was back in the Assembly on Monday to concur with the governor’s recommendations permitting such payments through the end of fiscal year 2022 and approving a study to report on its impact.
Dunn noted this is a historic shift in how New Jersey prioritizes child care. She said the legislation is essential to the economy, caretakers, and business owners.
“Most childcare centers are operated by women of color, and those who depend on them the most are women and children,” Dunn (R-Morris) said. “This ensures that the doors stay open, benefiting everyone.”
The bill (A4746) approves basing subsidy payments to child care centers on enrollment through the end of next fiscal year, because the federal Child Care and Development Block grant funds are available until that time. It also appropriates $400,000 to the N.J. Department of Human Services to conduct a study on subsidy payments based on enrollment, attendance, or other measures in one year.
“The government-imposed Covid lockdowns ravaged the day care industry in this state,” Dunn added. “This bill offers much-needed, consistent economic relief for small business owners who have been hit hard by high operating costs and low attendance during the pandemic. And it also helps working moms who have been forced to leave their jobs so their children have adequate care.”