SUMMIT, N.J.— Former federal and state prosecutor and recently sworn-in Assemblyman Andrew Macurdy announced three Assembly bills designed to increase the number of childcare providers in New Jersey and ultimately to reduce costs.  Childcare is a major expense for many New Jersey families and there is a significant need throughout the State for affordable, high-quality childcare.  These policies reflect Assemblyman Macurdy’s commitment to addressing the root causes of problems like rising costs.

The “Childcare Loan Fund” Act, to be introduced by Assemblyman Macurdy, would establish a $10 million fund used to issue no-interest loans for building new childcare facilities or expanding existing centers.  Access to capital is a significant barrier to new childcare providers entering the market.  This proposal would help bridge that gap through the provision of loans to be repaid to the fund over time.

The “Childcare Tax Credit” Act, to be introduced by Assemblyman Macurdy and co-sponsored by Assemblyman William Sampson, would create a tax credit of up to $50,000 for employers who invest in childcare facilities for their employees.

A third bill to expand family childcare facilities, introduced by Assemblyman Gary Schaer and co-sponsored by Assemblyman Macurdy, and introduced in the Senate by Senator Shirley K. Turner, would allow home-based childcare providers to increase capacity from five children under current law to up to ten children, with an additional qualified adult present to provide care.  This move would bring New Jersey in-line with other states and increase childcare slots, while maintaining child safety.

“Families can spend months on the waitlist for a childcare spot in New Jersey, and the cost is like having a second mortgage or rent payment,” Assemblyman Macurdy said.  “I have experienced this firsthand as a father.  Making more high quality, affordable childcare available in our State will improve the well-being of our children and enhance the productivity of parents.  These three bills are common-sense mechanisms to increase the number of childcare providers in New Jersey and ultimately drive down costs.“

“Rising childcare costs are making it increasingly unaffordable for parents to raise their children in New Jersey,” said Assemblyman Schaer. “Home-based childcare gives working families access to a more affordable, high-quality alternative while supporting trusted providers in their own communities.  These providers are part of NJ’s working families and A592 will ensure a more stable income to adjust for the rising costs of taxes and utilities, allowing them to serve more children and expand access to care for working-class families across the state.”

“Too many New Jersey families are being priced out of childcare, and the consequences ripple through our workforce, our economy, and children’s development,” said Senator Turner.  “Our bill expands access to more affordable family childcare options while strengthening health, safety, and oversight requirements so parents can have confidence in their children’s care.  This legislation recognizes that we can lower costs, protect children, and support home-based providers at the same time.”

“Affordable high quality child care is essential for working families and our economy,” Assemblyman Sampson said. “The child care loan fund, the child care tax credit, and expanded family child care facilities will support parents, strengthen providers, and make it easier for families to thrive here in New Jersey.”

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Before becoming a member of the State Assembly in District 21 representing parts of Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, and Union Counties, Andrew Macurdy served as a federal prosecutor in Newark and a county prosecutor in Jersey City. At the Attorney General’s Office, he worked on public safety initiatives related to gun violence and auto theft, as well as designing and building the Arrive Together program, which pairs mental health workers with law enforcement officers to jointly respond to mental health crisis calls for service and currently operates in municipalities around the state.  Macurdy’s Assembly Office website is assemblymanandrewmacurdy.com.