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NJ SR72
NJ SR72Calls upon federal government to permit use of SNAP and WIC benefits to pay for diaper purchases.
summary
Introduced
02/08/2024
02/08/2024
In Committee
02/08/2024
02/08/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Diapers are critical to the health of infants and toddlers and the economic and emotional health of families. One in three mothers report that at times they do not have enough diapers to keep their child clean, dry, and healthy. Without enough diapers each day, infants and toddlers are at risk of skin infections, open sores, urinary tract infections, and other conditions that may require medical attention. Purchasing diapers also creates an additional economic barrier for working families as most child care providers require parents to provide diapers. Diapers alone can consume six percent of the salary of a full-time working parent earning a minimum wage. Even if the family receives a child care subsidy, parents may not be able to afford enough diapers to enroll their child, forcing them out of the job market. Many families struggle to meet their diaper needs. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) benefits cannot be used for diapers. This resolution calls upon the federal government to permit the use of SNAP and WIC benefits to pay for diaper purchases in order to reduce diaper need and help to promote better health outcomes for children and economic outcomes for their families.
AI Summary
This resolution calls upon the federal government to allow recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) to use their benefits to purchase diapers. The resolution highlights the critical importance of diapers for infant and toddler health, noting that one in three mothers sometimes lack sufficient diapers to keep their children clean and healthy. Currently, SNAP and WIC benefits cannot be used to buy diapers, creating a significant economic burden for low-income families. The resolution points out that diapers can consume up to six percent of a minimum wage worker's salary, and the lack of affordable diapers can prevent parents from accessing child care and participating in the workforce. By allowing SNAP and WIC benefits to cover diaper purchases, the resolution aims to reduce diaper need, prevent health risks such as skin infections and urinary tract infections, and improve both children's health and families' economic opportunities. The resolution also calls for copies to be sent to the President, the Department of Health and Human Services, and New Jersey's Congressional delegation to raise awareness and encourage policy change.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 02/08/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/SR72 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/SR/72_I1.HTM |
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