New Jersey Assembly Bill A1340

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Establishes child care costs reimbursement grant program in DCF; appropriates $500,000.

Impact

The bill allocates $500,000 from federal block grant funds provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to support this initiative. Eligible recipients must be employed either full-time or part-time and have a child enrolled in a licensed child care center affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency. This measure aims to maintain accessibility to child care resources even during challenging times, thereby underscoring the state's commitment to supporting families in maintaining their employment and managing child care needs during the pandemic.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1340 establishes a grant program within the New Jersey Department of Children and Families aimed at reimbursing eligible parents or guardians for child care tuition costs incurred as a result of school closures or the implementation of virtual or remote school instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program seeks to provide financial support during an emergent period where conventional schooling has been disrupted, facilitating access to licensed child care centers that adhere to state regulations. This can ease the burden on working families who need child care coverage while adapting to new educational formats.

Contention

During discussions around this bill, potential points of contention could include debates over funding adequacies, administrative processes for grant allocation, and the overall effectiveness of the program in addressing the needs of parents in varying socio-economic circumstances. Critics may argue that the stipulated funding may not sufficiently cover the extensive child care costs that many families face, while supporters would advocate for the necessity of immediate action to alleviate child care burdens caused by the pandemic.