New Jersey
New Jersey is 13th-most expensive state to raise a child. Just how much does it cost?
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Child drowning deaths peak in summer: Tips to keep your kid safe
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages one to four, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Scott L. Hall, USA TODAY
We all know kids are expensive. But just how expensive?
The annual cost to raise a child in New Jersey is $26,870, according to a new SmartAsset study. That includes $13,674 for childcare, $4,054 in additional housing and $2,068 for food. The total cost also includes medical care, transportation and other necessities.
SmartAsset, a financial service, compiled costs assuming two working parents and one child for its study of the cost of raising children across the United States. It used the MIT Living Wage Calculator data to compare the costs of a household with two working adults and one child with a childless household with two working adults.
The company found the median cost was $22,850, but some states cost twice as much as others.
🏖️ Looking for family fun this summer at the Shore? Here are some ideas
The most expensive state was Massachusetts, with an annual cost of $35,841, while the least expensive was Mississippi, whose annual cost was $16,151.
New Jersey came in as the 13th-most expensive in America.
Top 10 Most Expensive States to Raise a Child
- Massachusetts: $35,841
- Hawaii: $35,049
- Connecticut: $32,803
- Colorado: $30,425
- New York: $30,247
- California: $29,468
- New Hampshire: $27,849
- Washington: $27,806
- Rhode Island: $27,630
- Minnesota: $27,406
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New Jersey
NJ looks to quell crisis in care by offering student loan relief to health workers
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2-minute read
Phil Murphy talks critical workers during 2024 State of the State
Governor Phil Murphy’ discusses New Jersey’s nurses and teachers at the 2024 State of the State Address.
New Jersey announced $17 million in student loan relief for group home aides and other health care workers, part of an effort to attract and retain staff in fields fraught with turnover and vacancies.
Up to $50,000 in student loan relief is available to health care and social service professionals who commit to one year of service at designated agencies, the state said. Gov. Phil Murphy said the program should improve services for New Jersey residents with medical, mental health, and disability needs.
“This student loan redemption program further bolsters our home and community-based services workforce, and it is key in supporting qualified service providers to bring their skills and expertise to communities across the state,” he said.
Story continues below photo gallery
“In addition to alleviating the financial burdens of this workforce, this program also builds the capacity to deliver care in the community for more New Jerseyans,” Murphy said.
The New Jersey departments of Human Services and Children and Families announced the relief, along with the state’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
The program aims to assist a wide range of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and counselors, among others.
Funding comes from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is part of a $100 million effort by the state to grow a workforce that has faced significant staffing shortages due to low pay and poor benefits.
In addition to the student loan redemption program, the Murphy administration said the money will help establish recruitment, training, and certification programs for direct care staff, as well as more community-based housing options for individuals with disabilities or behavioral health conditions.
“We continue to invest in innovative approaches to strengthen and prioritize independence and person-centered care that will help individuals live in their own homes and remain active in their communities,” Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman said in a statement.
“This new student loan redemption program will benefit caregivers who provide vital supports to people with disabilities and with behavioral health needs, as well as older adults living in the community,” she said.
How to apply for NJ loan forgiveness program
The application process for the loan forgiveness program opens on July 1. Selection of recipients will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, with decisions announced by Oct. 1. Applicants must meet such criteria as being employed full-time in a qualifying role, holding the necessary certifications, and not participating in similar loan forgiveness programs.
For more information on how to apply and detailed eligibility requirements, interested candidates can visit the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority website starting July 1.
“We are proud to offer this new benefit to dedicated workers who support individuals with disabilities and older adults in the community,” said Kaylee McGuire, Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services. “Creative steps such as a loan redemption program will help attract and retain workers and build a stronger foundation for the future.”
The one-time student loan redemption program provides:
Visit here for applications.
Gene Myers covers disability and mental health for NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: myers@northjersey.comTwitter: @myersgene
New Jersey
Keith Urban explodes at booze-soaked country fest on N.J. beach | Review
New Jersey
Top New Jersey political power broker indicted | Watch Inside Story
![Top New Jersey political power broker indicted | Watch Inside Story](https://cdn.abcotvs.com/dip/images/14965534_061724-wpvi-ap-George-Norcross-img.jpg?w=1600)
Join host Brian Taff and the panel as they discuss the New Jersey political power broker George Norcross and others being indicted on racketeering charges involving the redevelopment of the Camden Waterfront.
They discuss the presidential race as former President Trump is set to rally in North Philadelphia, his appeal (or not) to Black voters, and what outcomes the panelists expect from the first televised presidential debate on June 27.
Then they talk about Mayor Cherelle Parker’s first budget being approved by City Council, and her ‘return to the office’ mandate.
Next, it was a rundown of the region’s Senate races.
Sen. Bob Casey’s GOP challenger Dave McCormick is scheduled to be at the Trump rally.
Will New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez (who is currently on trial) really run as an independent and thwart Rep. Andy Kim’s chances?
And they weigh in as Delaware’s U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester officially files for her Senate race.
The panel also discusses whether warning labels should appear on social media for kids.
Panel: Donna Gentile O’Donnell, Maureen Rush, Alison Young, Guy Ciarocchi
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