Princeton, NJ – April 2, 2026 – The upcoming 12th Congressional Debate forum on April 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM is a call to action for communities across the 12th Congressional district. This forum represents an opportunity for us to hear directly from those seeking to lead, to demand accountability, and to push for the policies that will bring justice and equity to our people.

For generations, civic engagement has been the engine of progress in America. From the courthouse steps to the ballot box, coalitions of multi‑ethnic, multinational, and faith‑based organizations, often led by young people, fought so that we might all stand tall in our power to cast our vote today. It has never been more important to make sure New Jersey has representation in Washington D.C. to advocate for the best interests of our communities and the nation.

“As student organizations, we know that we are living in a crucial moment in time,” said President

Chris-Tina Middlebrooks, NAACP Princeton University College Chapter .“The fight for justice, for dignity, for the right to breathe free and prosper in this country is far from over. This forum is an opportunity for our community to stand together and demand that those who seek our votes are committed to serving our needs.”

“Civic engagement does not start at the polling station; it begins long before. As both students and community members, we must ask questions, stay informed, and show up,” said Vote100 Head Fellow Sarah Kwon. “The forum is a valuable opportunity to come together and directly engage with policymakers who have the potential to create meaningful change.”

“For over two centuries, the American Whig-Cliosophic Society has been committed to fostering rigorous debate and civic engagement. We believe that democracy is strengthened through open dialogue and active participation. This forum continues this tradition and is part of our commitment to ensure that students and community members can engage directly with candidates and the issues that shape our democracy.” Alejandra Ramos, the American Whig-Cliosophic Society

This election will determine how New Jersey’s 12th congressional district is represented in Washington D.C., a pivotal moment where our district needs federal representation to amplify our voices on all fronts. We must ensure that our voices are heard, our concerns are addressed, and our futures are secured.

We urge every student, community member, and interested individuals to attend, ask the hard questions, and make an informed decision when casting their vote.

This non-partisan 12th Congressional Debate forum sponsored by the American Whig-Cliosophic Society, NAACP Princeton University College Chapter, and Vote100. This event is open to all.

For more information on the forum or community involvement, please contact:

Alejandra Ramos at ar8603@princeton.edu, Noah Barkan at nb7360@princeton.edu, Sarah Kwon at

sk5905@princeton.edu and Chris-Tina Middlebrooks at cm7022@princeton.edu. ### END ###

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NEW YORK – The Tri-State area has some of the highest annual costs of raising a young child in the country, according to a new report.

New LendingTree analysis found that New Jersey, New York and Connecticut all rank in the top 10 states for child-rearing costs during the first five years of life — the most expensive period for families.

New Jersey ranked fifth-highest in the nation

A girll holds the hand of her mother in the courtyard at school. (Credit: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP via Getty Images)

Local perspective:

In New Jersey, families spend an estimated $31,948 per year raising a young child, the fifth-highest in the nation. 

New York ranks eighth at $30,209 annually, while Connecticut ranks 10th at $29,674.

The national average for the first five years is $29,325 per year.

Child care remains a major driver of those costs. Infant day care averages about $20,439 annually in New York, $20,213 in New Jersey and $18,492 in Connecticut, according to the report.

How much does it cost to raise a child in the Tri-State?

(Photo Illustration by Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

By the numbers:

Here’s a breakdown of annual costs in the Tri-State area according to LendingTree:

• New Jersey (#5)Rent: $3,372Food: $2,068Infant day care: $20,213Apparel: $341Transportation: $2,456Insurance: $3,581Tax credit: -$83
• Rent: $3,372
• Food: $2,068
• Infant day care: $20,213
• Apparel: $341
• Transportation: $2,456
• Insurance: $3,581
• Tax credit: -$83
• New York (#8)Rent: $2,688Food: $2,157Infant day care: $20,439Apparel: $337Transportation: $2,271Insurance: $2,372Tax credit: -$55
• Rent: $2,688
• Food: $2,157
• Infant day care: $20,439
• Apparel: $337
• Transportation: $2,271
• Insurance: $2,372
• Tax credit: -$55
• Connecticut (#10)Rent: $3,072Food: $2,057Infant day care: $18,492Apparel: $325Transportation: $2,687Insurance: $3,041Tax credit: $0
• Rent: $3,072
• Food: $2,057
• Infant day care: $18,492
• Apparel: $325
• Transportation: $2,687
• Insurance: $3,041
• Tax credit: $0

Overall, the cost of raising a child in the U.S. continues to rise. The total cost from birth to age 18 now stands at $303,418, up 1.9% from last year.

18-year costs of raising a child

Dig deeper:

Projected 18-year costs in the Tri-State area:

• New Jersey (#5): $312,295
• Connecticut (#11): $293,728
• New York (#15): $278,051

Big picture view:

Despite the increase, the report found a slight dip in early childhood costs nationwide. 

Annual expenses for the first five years fell 0.3%, driven largely by a small decrease in day care costs.

Still, the overall trend points upward. 

Since 2023, the total cost of raising a child has risen nearly 28%, with increases in housing, transportation and insurance contributing to the growth.

The analysis is based on a two-earner household making the U.S. median income of $99,999 and includes expenses such as housing, food, child care, transportation and health insurance.