Norcross Amendment to College Affordability Act Increases Access to Child Care on Campus

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross’ (NJ-01) amendment to the College Affordability Act to expand child care services for parents enrolled in higher education has been approved by the House Education and Labor Committee.

“As a young single dad working in the construction field I struggled myself to find affordable, quality child care,” said Congressman Norcross, an original sponsor of the College Affordability Act and New Jersey’s only member of the Education and Labor Committee. “My amendment ensures student parents will not face the same obstacles that I did, and will help to provide accessible, affordable child care options for students seeking a brighter future for themselves and their families.”

Norcross’ amendment expands the authorized use of Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program (CCAMPIS) – an essential grant program that makes it possible for higher education institutions to pursue campus-based child care options that support student parents – to include support for student parents who may require evening, weekend, summer, and before and after school services. The amendment also requires that an institution’s website will provide student parents with information about the availability of child care subsidies.

Norcross added: “The College Affordability Act invests in America’s future by lowering the cost of college and providing students with a higher quality education through individualized support and greater flexibility. South Jersey is a leader in higher education, and this comprehensive overhaul of the higher education system will ensure that New Jersey schools, teachers and students are all afforded the tools they need to succeed.”

The College Affordability Act, which lowers the cost of college for students and families, improves the quality of higher education and expands opportunity, is expected to be approved by the Committee on Education and Labor today.

In addition, Congressman Norcross’ contributions to the College Affordability Act include:

• A provision from Norcross’ Remedial Education Improvement Act, which makes remedial education programs more effective, fair and less expensive.

• A provision from Norcross’ Graduate Fellowships to Prepare Faculty In High-Need Areas at Colleges of Education Act, which provides fellowships for graduate students who are pursuing doctoral teaching degrees in the fields of STEM, special education and English language.
• A Norcross backed provision of America’s College Promise Act, which creates a federal-state partnership to provide for tuition free community college.
• A Norcross backed provision of the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act, which allows students to refinance their student loans.

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