Child Care Bills Advance In NJ Senate; Tax Credits, Subsidies Proposed – Newark, NJ Patch

NEW JERSEY — Several bills that aim to make child care cheaper and more accessible in New Jersey recently advanced in the state Legislature.

Last week, the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee unanimously advanced legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz and Senator Joe Vitale.

The bills, which supporters say will assist parents, providers and employees, are part of a larger package that Ruiz unveiled earlier this year. Read More: Sweeping NJ Bill Package Would Make Child Care More Affordable

Ruiz and Vitale, both Democrats, released the following details about each of the proposed laws:

• S.1099 – “The bill allows a gross income tax credit for child care staff members who have been employed by the same provider for a continuous six-month period during the taxable year.”
• S.2476 – “The bill would provide funding for the expansion of infant and toddler seats by 1,000, reimbursed at $22,000 per spot. The grant program would prioritize providers in communities identified as child care deserts, areas with high percentage low-income families, as well as those that align their child care center with high quality preschool.”
• S.2478 – “The bill would extend the enrollment-based payment model currently set to expire on June 30, 2022. The bill would extend the program for three years, with a report on the impact at the end of this year and the end of the three years.”
• S.2480 – “The bill would extend child care subsidies to families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty line. Currently, families earning up to 250% FPL are eligible.”

Ruiz, who represents the state’s 29th district, said the bills wouldn’t only benefit parents and children – they’d also be good for the entire state.

“Access to affordable, high-quality child care improves outcomes and pays dividends, every dollar invested offers a $4 to $9 return in individual and community benefits,” Ruiz said. “As we face worker shortages across industries, reducing the cost of child care will allow more parents to return to the workforce at a time when we need it most.”

Vitale said that “high-quality and affordable child care” should be accessible to every family in the state.

“These bills will help provide that accessibility by expanding the state’s child care subsidy program to reach more families in need, while also increasing the number of spots available for infants and toddlers,” said Vitale, who represents the state’s 19th district.

“Additionally, by providing tax credits for staff members we can help our child care providers retain the employees they need to ensure a sustainable, high-quality workforce,” the senator added.