In a move that will leave many locals disappointed, Senate Republicans on Thursday blocked a bill that would have provided an additional $28 million in funding to support hardworking families in Lakewood. The legislation, which was passed by the House in January with bipartisan support, aimed to increase the child care credit from $1,600 to $2,000 per child and included provisions for inflation adjustments.
The bill had received widespread support in the House, with 169 Republicans and 188 Democrats voting in favor, and only 47 Republicans and 23 Democrats opposing. However, Senate Republicans refused to pass the bill, effectively denying Lakewood families the much-needed financial support.
Lakewood, which has the highest number of children under 18 in the state, would have greatly benefited from the additional funding. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), who had supported the bill, expressed his disappointment at the Senate’s decision.
“We need to focus on making life more affordable. Last year, New Jersey was ranked the second most expensive state in the country for child care, forcing parents to cut work hours or leave the workforce entirely to care for their children. That’s unacceptable,” Gottheimer said. “I’m pleased that the Problem Solvers Caucus came together to support the bipartisan Child Care Investment Act, which aims to help hardworking families manage child care expenses.”
Thank you to our senators!!
Enough with the tax-and-spending.
It is better not to rely on the government for handouts. Hashem provides not the government.
Is it any wonder that people must resort to relying on programs? They make it almost impossible to subsist on a salary. The sad truth is it’s more affordable to live on government programs then on an honest days work
Does no one understand what a child tax credit is? All the comments talking about handouts. Do they not realize how many credits and tax brackets there are? This is not a handout. It actually helps middle class working families from going into handouts.