TRENTON, NJ – Assemblywoman Aura Dunn is spearheading a legislative effort aimed at averting a crisis in New Jersey’s child care sector, set to worsen after federal pandemic support ends on September 30.
Dunn warned that without action, the state could face mass closures of child care centers, affecting working families and disproportionately impacting women and minority business owners. Estimates suggest that 104,000 children could lose access to care and 1,300 child care programs could shut down due to lack of federal funds.
“The loss of affordable child care will force parents out of the workforce, and women will bear the brunt of it,” Dunn said. According to federal data, infant care in New Jersey averages nearly $15,000 a year, and preschool costs average about $12,000 a year.
Dunn’s legislative package includes a bill to increase the state child tax credit, raising the income and age limits from $80,000 to $100,000, and from 5 years old to 11 years old. Other bills aim to restore the federal child tax credit to 2021 levels and to make permanent a provision allowing child care subsidies to be based on enrollment rather than attendance.
“My goal is to gain bipartisan support to combat child poverty and to help keep women in the workforce,” said Dunn. She cautioned that the issue is time-sensitive and immediate action is necessary to prevent further strain on New Jersey families and businesses.
Dunn continues to collaborate with industry and education leaders to develop a long-term strategy for affordable and available child care in the state. “We’re approaching a cliff. These bills are critical first steps to ensure stability as we work on more comprehensive solutions,” Dunn concluded.