Booker Calls for Renewal of Childcare Funding During Visit to Childcare Center in Passaic County

NEWARK, N.J. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) visited the Children’s Day Preschool in Passaic to bring attention to the critical need for renewing federal childcare funding. During his visit, Senator Booker engaged with childcare providers to discuss the upcoming funding cliff that threatens the stability of childcare centers and the well-being of countless families.

Beginning September 30, states are set to face a drastic reduction in federal childcare investment, a “childcare cliff” that experts warn will have dire consequences—unless Congress takes swift action to renew childcare funding. More than three million children nationwide are projected to lose access to childcare, with an estimated 70,000 childcare programs at risk of closing their doors. This impending crisis threatens to disrupt the lives of families and harm the nation’s economy.

“The looming childcare cliff threatens the well-being of our children, the livelihoods of working families, and the stability of our communities,” said Senator Booker. “We must not allow childcare providers to close their doors and families to lose access to essential services at a time when many Americans are struggling to meet ends meet. This is why I’m committed to fighting for the renewal of childcare funding in Congress so we can support our children and working parents, and ensure our economy can thrive.”

“Childcare was deemed ‘essential’ during the pandemic, and it remains that way for every parent relying on care to go to work,” said Cynthia C. Rice, Esq., Senior Policy Analyst at Advocates for Children of NJ. “Its future, however, is in jeopardy as we face a steep drop off in critical federal funding. Inadequate federal support will likely result in child care centers throughout our state closing, which will mean fewer care options for parents. Right now, we are facing the working families’ version of ‘too big to fail.’ Congress must recognize that child care is a public good that benefits us all and should be treated and funded that way.”

In July, Senator Booker signed on to a letter urging President Joe Biden to work with Congress and “utilize every possible tool” to provide $16 billion a year to avert a childcare crisis. The letter emphasizes the importance of sustaining the investments made during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect children, families, and the economy.

Research conducted by The Century Foundation highlights the potential fallout if the childcare cliff is not averted:

1. Over 3 million children could lose access to childcare nationwide.
2. Approximately 70,000 childcare programs are at risk of closure.
3. Parents may be forced out of work or to reduce their work hours.
4. Businesses could lose valuable employees due to childcare disruptions.
5. State economies may experience reduced tax revenue and job losses in the childcare sector.

Today’s visit to the Children’s Day Preschool in Passaic was part of Booker’s 2023 Jersey Summer Road Trip, a series of stops highlighting New Jersey’s 21 counties. The road trip will focus on Booker’s efforts to secure congressionally directed funding for critical projects in the state; his legislative priorities, including his work to address the opioid epidemic, counter the scourge of gun violence, and serve New Jersey veterans; and his support of local businesses and organizations.