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S 4785

Increases Work First New Jersey Child Care appropriation by $28 million in FY2026 annual appropriations act to ensure full funding of child care subsidy program.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gordon Johnson and 3 co-sponsors

Bill S 4785 boosts New Jersey's child care funding by $28 million, ensuring subsidies for low-income families and resuming applications for assistance.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4785

Summary of Bill S 4785

Overview

Bill Number: S 4785
Title: Increases Work First New Jersey Child Care appropriation by $28 million in FY2026 annual appropriations act to ensure full funding of child care subsidy program.
Introduced: October 27, 2025
Status: Introduced in the Senate, referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
Sponsors:
- Senator Britnee N. Timberlake (District 34, Essex)
- Senator Angela V. McKnight (District 31, Hudson)

Purpose

The primary intent of Bill S 4785 is to increase the funding for the Work First New Jersey Child Care program by $28 million for the fiscal year 2026. This increase aims to ensure the full operation of the child care subsidy program, which provides financial assistance to lower-income families for child care expenses.

Key Provisions

  • Funding Increase: The bill raises the appropriation for the Work First New Jersey Child Care program from $565.8 million to $593.8 million.
  • Resumption of Applications: It mandates the Commissioner of Human Services to resume accepting applications for child care assistance, reversing a previous pause that was implemented due to funding shortfalls.
  • Family Copayments: The bill stipulates that family copayments for child care assistance must not exceed the rates that were in place on June 30, 2025, thereby preventing increases that were previously enacted.
  • Removal of Suspension Language: The bill removes language from the FY2026 appropriations act that allowed the Department of Human Services to pause or terminate the acceptance of applications for child care assistance if expenditures exceeded appropriated amounts.

Impact

  • Families Affected: The bill primarily benefits lower-income families who rely on child care subsidies to help cover their child care costs. By ensuring full funding, it aims to prevent further disruptions in service and increased costs for families.
  • Child Care Providers: Increased funding may also support child care providers by ensuring that subsidies are available for families, thus maintaining demand for their services.
  • State Budget: The bill addresses a projected funding shortfall of approximately $25 to $30 million identified by the Commissioner of Human Services, which had led to the suspension of new applications and increased copayments.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee on October 27, 2025.
  • It is part of the annual appropriations act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and is expected to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Related Legislation

  • A 6065: This bill has a companion in the Assembly, which may address similar issues regarding child care funding.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of Bill S 4785, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on families and the child care system in New Jersey.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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