| Dear Governor Christie and Members of the NJ Legislature:
Help New Jersey’s working families afford quality child care by supporting a state child care tax credit. The proposed legislation, S-1453/A-331, would bring relief to struggling parents, helping them to afford the quality care crucial to a young child’s growth and development. It is time for New Jersey to join the majority of states that provide this financial leg-up to working parents and help ensure young children spend their early years in a safe, nurturing environment while their parents work. Thank you for your support, _________________________________ |
“Paying for child care is like having another mortgage.” –Working New Jersey mom
The average New Jersey family with two small children spends a staggering quarter of earnings on child care. Low-income families spend even more — almost half. When you factor in New Jersey’s sky-high living costs, many working parents are forced to choose between giving their kids quality child care or putting food on the table.
That’s an unacceptable choice.
Help is on the way. The proposed legislation, S-1453/A-331, would bring relief to struggling parents, helping them to afford the quality care crucial to a young child’s growth and development.
This measure provides a tax credit for child care expenses.
The credit would be available to taxpayers who are eligible for the federal child and dependent care credit and have New Jersey taxable income of $60,000 or less. A credit is better than a deduction because it reduces the amount of taxes a parent owes dollar-for-dollar up to the set limits of $500 for one child and $1,000 for two or more kids. That puts money right back into parents’ pockets to buy food and other necessities for their children.
It is time for New Jersey to join the majority of states that provide this financial leg-up to working parents.
Take a moment to sign the petition today and help give affordable, quality child care to children across New Jersey.
