Childcare affordability and access are significant concerns for New Jersey's workforce and businesses, as discussed at the NJBIA’s Public Policy Forum. Five gubernatorial candidates shared their views on improving these challenges.
NJBIA Vice President of Government Affairs Althea D. Ford emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions to find solutions: “As we always say, childcare is the industry that supports all industries.” She noted that New Jersey faces amplified issues due to a lack of affordability.
The NJBIA's 66th Annual Business Outlook Survey revealed that only 9% of businesses offer childcare benefits. When asked if tax incentives would encourage them to provide such benefits, responses varied.
Meghan Tavormina from the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children questioned candidates about addressing early care compensation disparities compared to K-12 educators.
Senator Steve Sweeney highlighted funding priorities: “No one can disagree about childcare. It’s just not affordable." He advocated for early education from birth, citing developmental benefits.
NJEA President Sean Spiller supported expanding early education: "When we invest in our students at an early age...it is way less expensive."
Radio Host Bill Spadea opposed taxpayer-funded universal daycare: "We ought to be incentivizing work-at-home parents who want to make that decision to raise their kids."
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop described childcare as a national crisis needing local solutions. He proposed increasing minimum wages and streamlining state incentives.
Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli suggested childcare tax credits and voucher systems over universal Pre-K expansion: "I think that’s another approach that we should consider."
Ford recommended analyzing existing investments announced by Governor Phil Murphy for effectiveness in aiding the struggling sector. She stressed evaluating beneficiaries' efficacy could guide future investment decisions.
“Governor Murphy noted that the Administration has invested more than $1 billion in the childcare sector to date,” Ford stated, urging further analysis to ensure effective use of state funds.
