TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblywoman Aura Dunn’s bill basing subsidies to childcare service providers on their enrollment numbers, not attendance, was signed by the governor on Tuesday.
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 measure ensures that the doors stay open, benefiting everyone.”
The bill (A4746/S3947) approves providing enrollment-based subsidy payments to child care centers 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 law 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.”