NJ Governor Murphy Passes $10 Million in Childcare Aid

New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy signed into law a $10 million in federal aid for economic relief for childcare providers. The aid will be distributed through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, which provides relief to small businesses in the state. More than 3,000 childcare providers have already received grants and funding.

The bill, A-5445, is part of the $100 million package aimed at bringing financial relief and guiding New Jersey’s economic recovery. The money comes from the federal CARES Act.

The bill is expected to help childcare providers with the costs of coronavirus safety protocols and restrictions, such as testing and updating their places of business. At the heights of the pandemic, approximately half of the state’s childcare providers closed.

“Child care providers are absolutely critical to New Jersey’s workforce, and the COVID-19 pandemic has hit them especially hard,” said Murphy. “This legislation will help to ensure that these providers can continue to weather the pandemic and remain open and able to meet the needs of so many New Jerseyans who rely on them.”

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smarcus@hamodia.com