Menendez and Omar Lead Effort to Lower Childcare Costs and Empower Working Families

Representatives Rob Menendez (NJ-08) and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) have introduced the Parental Workforce Training Act, legislation establishing a $10 million federal pilot program to help parents afford childcare while enrolled in workforce training. This legislation would provide grants to local workforce development boards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to subsidize childcare for training participants.

“Expanding access to affordable childcare and giving parents the ability to pursue workforce training are vital for working families and for our economy,” said Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08). “At a time when the Trump Administration is increasing costs for our communities, I’m grateful to Rep. Omar for partnering with me to strengthen early childhood development and support the families and communities that power our nation.”

“Affordable childcare can be the difference between getting trained for a better job and being pushed out of the workforce entirely,” said Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05). “This bill gives parents a fighting chance to skill up, re-enter the workforce, and build stability during an incredibly uncertain time. I’m proud to join Rep. Menendez in ensuring working parents aren’t left behind.”

“Parents in workforce training shouldn’t have to choose between caring for their child and building a better future for their families,” said Melissa Boteach, Chief Policy Officer at ZERO TO THREE, a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring babies and toddlers have a strong start in life. “That’s why we applaud Rep. Menendez and Rep. Omar for introducing the Parental Workforce Training Act, which expands child care access for parents pursuing employment training through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs. This bill is a practical, high-impact solution that helps parents complete the education and training they need to succeed in the workforce, while ensuring their young children have the care they need.”

The Parental Workforce Training Act directs the United States Secretary of Labor to award grants to local workforce boards to help individuals cover the costs of childcare services. It also tasks the Secretary with submitting a report to Congress on the impacts these grants have on enrollment and completion rates in workforce training programs.

Congressman Rob Menendez also introduced this legislation during the 118th Congress.

The legislation was co-sponsored by Reps. Andre Carson (IN-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), and Rashida Tlaib (MN-12).

For full text of the bill, click here.