New Jersey Democratic Assemblywomen Shanique Speight and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson spent some time earlier this week visiting Newark Day Center on Hill Street to highlight the increased Child Tax Credit in the budget. That spending plan was recently passed by the state legislature. The Child Tax Credit is doubling from 500 dollars to one-thousand dollars. Assemblywoman Speight (29th District) says the increase is especially crucial when it comes to helping low to moderate income families in cities like Newark….
"One of the things is it gives parents and residents in Newark and other cities is breathing room. I've actually faced the hardship that we have here in our state when it comes to the economy going up, childcare and transportation. This will definitely help with parents under the age of six to just pay off some bills."
Fellow Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (15th District) says she also knows first-hand what its like to be mom and how costly child care can be...
"Earlier in my career I worked at a day care center. Loved the children. You think about the socialization for children, meeting new friends, learning how to play, learning how to listen, singing, dancing, we need those social skills. I think during the pandemic that wasn't there. Now we're all back together. These child tax credits are extremely important for families to be able to make ends meet. Now that we're doubling it, it gives them more opportunities to pay some bills and get prepared for school and life."
Marie Holley is the family advocate at Newark Day Center...
"This tax credit gives parents more saving for things they didn't plan. Some of them may run out of food for the month. When the children grow and they have new clothes that they have to buy. We don't really plan those things. They can have money to buy the kids new shoes and clothing. Sometimes when they have to take them to the doctor, they need more transportation. Not everybody has a car, so you have to pay for transportation to get to those doctor visits."
Last year, New Jersey became the seventh state to enact a refundable state-level Child Tax Credit to help families meet the high costs of raising kids.
