New Jersey Assembly Bill A4943

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/8/22
• Refer: 12/8/22

Caption

Prohibits DHS from deeming certain teachers and school employees ineligible for child care subsidies due to number of hours worked when school is not in session for students.

Impact

If enacted, this bill is set to address a significant hurdle for teachers and school employees in the state, whom the existing eligibility criteria penalize during non-school weeks. By allowing these individuals to retain eligibility for child care subsidies not dependent on their fluctuating work hours throughout the year, the legislation aims to support low- and moderate-income educators, thereby promoting equity in access to child care resources. Moreover, it allows for the continuance of subsidies for educators involved in after-school or summer programs as long as other eligibility criteria are met.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4943 aims to amend the criteria for eligibility regarding subsidized child care services in New Jersey, specifically impacting teachers and school employees. The bill seeks to prohibit the Department of Human Services (DHS) from classifying certain educators as ineligible for child care subsidies based solely on the number of hours they work when school is not in session. This amendment is crucial for teachers who may not meet the required 30 hours per week during school breaks, as they often work reduced hours during these periods due to the nature of their employment.

Contention

The main points of contention surrounding A4943 focus on its long-term implications for state-funded child care programs and budget allocations. Proponents of the bill argue that it simply rectifies an injustice faced by educators and ensures that they have continued support for child care, while critics may express concerns over potential cost increases for the state budget and whether this could set a precedent for further modifications in eligibility criteria. It also raises questions about how the DHS will implement these changes in practice, including the logistics of the redetermination process stipulated in the bill.