Bill > A2242

Introduced Session

This bill establishes the "Health Care for Child Care Program" to provide State funding for health benefits plans for employees of child care centers licensed in the State. Pursuant to the bill, any employee of a child care center licensed in the State is eligible for health benefits coverage at the gold level through the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage Program. Premiums for the health benefits plans are to be paid from the Health Care for Child Care Fund also established under the bill. The bill appropriates $10 million from the General Fund for deposit into the Health Care for Child Care Fund to effectuate the provisions of the bill. Investing in the child care workforce is essential to the economic stability and well-being of New Jersey's families and communities. Child care centers, many of which are women or minority owned, form a critical component of our local economy and societal functioning. Though heavily regulated, child care providers often operate without any supplemental public assistance. These providers enable parents to work while supporting the early development of children. Despite the indispensable role they play, these providers, who are predominantly women of color and immigrants, are often among the lowest-paid workers in the State, with limited access to health insurance, retirement plans, and other essential employment benefits. Underinvestment in the child care infrastructure threatens the sustainability of an industry that is vital to the State's economic growth. Without sufficient public support, these small businesses struggle to maintain operations, directly impacting parents' ability to participate in the workforce and the availability of quality early education for children. By increasing public investment in the child care sector, the State can stabilize the critical child care workforce, reduce economic inequality, and promote long-term prosperity. A robust child care system not only benefits children and working families, but also strengthens the broader economy, making the investment in child care a crucial step toward economic equity and sustainable growth for the State.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Shama Haider (D)*,  Shanique Speight (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document