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

Menendez and Omar Lead Effort to Lower Childcare Costs and Empower Working Families | U.S. House Representative Rob Menendez Skip to content Close Home About Meet Rob Committees Issues Services Get Help How Can We Help You? Know Your Rights Congress On Your Side Support for Veterans Traveling soon? Anti-Spam Resources What happens if the government shuts down Stay Connected With Us Email Our Team Directly Sign Up For Our Newsletter Share Your Story Nominate a Constituent of the Month 2025 End-of-Year Report Stop ICE's NJ Expansion Federal Funding and Grants Apply for a grant Submit FY27 Appropriations Requests FY27 Community Project Funding Flags and Greetings Request a U.S. Flag Commendations and Greetings Student Opportunities Internships Service Academy Nomination Congressional Art Competition Visiting D.C. Request tours and tickets News Press Releases Contact Get Help Write to Rob Close Mobile Site Search SEARCH Congressman Rob Menendez About Meet Rob Committees Issues Services Get Help How Can We Help You? Know Your Rights Congress On Your Side Support for Veterans Traveling soon? Anti-Spam Resources What happens if the government shuts down Stay Connected With Us Email Our Team Directly Sign Up For Our Newsletter Share Your Story Nominate a Constituent of the Month 2025 End-of-Year Report Stop ICE's NJ Expansion Federal Funding and Grants Apply for a grant Submit FY27 Appropriations Requests FY27 Community Project Funding Flags and Greetings Request a U.S. Flag Commendations and Greetings Student Opportunities Internships Service Academy Nomination Congressional Art Competition Visiting D.C. Request tours and tickets News Press Releases Contact Get Help Write to Rob ES Modal Search Button Mobile Site Search Submit Search MENU ES Home News Press Releases December 03, 2025 Menendez and Omar Lead Effort to Lower Childcare Costs and Empower Working Families Today, Representatives Rob Menendez (NJ-08) and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) 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 . As the father of two young kids, Congressman Rob Menendez has proudly represented New Jersey’s Eighth Congressional District since 2023. He is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is a member of the Congressional Labor Caucus and the Congressional Dad’s Caucus. To learn more about his work, click here . Print Email Share Previous Article Next Article About Services News Contact Facebook Logo Twitter Logo BlueSky Logo Youtube Logo Instagram Logo