Mercer Times

Governor Phil Murphy has enacted a new bill to establish the State Work First New Jersey Menstrual Hygiene Benefit Program and the State Work First New Jersey Diaper Benefit Program. The legislation, known as A2027/S2330, includes a $2.5 million allocation from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development for program administration.

Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) is a cash assistance initiative offering monthly financial aid, child care, job search support, and temporary housing for eligible residents. The new programs will provide additional benefits through electronic benefits cards. Adults aged 18 to 50 participating in WFNJ can receive a $14 monthly benefit for menstrual hygiene products like tampons and sanitary napkins. Similarly, participants with dependents under 36 months will receive a $30 monthly benefit for diapers.

Governor Murphy emphasized the importance of this financial relief: “Work First New Jersey provides essential assistance to residents facing financial hardship and I am proud to extend this financial relief to cover costs of menstrual products and diapers.”

First Lady Tammy Murphy supported the initiative by stating: “Menstrual and baby products are not luxuries–they are necessities.”

The legislation aligns with ongoing efforts by the Murphy Administration to enhance reproductive, maternal, and child health services in New Jersey. For instance, school districts must offer free menstrual products in public schools from grades six through twelve under P.L. 2023, c. 147.

Lisa Asare, President/CEO of Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority praised the bill: “Ensuring all mothers across our state have the financial means to purchase these fundamental products is one of the most basic and direct ways we can improve the health and well-being of New Jersey’s families.”

Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman acknowledged that menstrual care products and diapers pose significant expenses for many families: “This law provides additional benefits for eligible households to help individuals afford these essential products.”

Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz highlighted concerns over cost burdens on families: "The cost of diapers and period products can be a substantial portion of a family’s monthly budget."

Assemblywoman Shanique Speight described signing A2027 into law as addressing a significant community need: “The signing of this bill is a significant achievement in ensuring that residents who struggle to afford basic necessities in New Jersey have access to essential menstrual hygiene and diaper products."

Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin noted that access should not be limited by affordability: “Access to menstrual hygiene products and diapers should not be a luxury afforded solely to those that can afford them; access to these products is a basic right.”

Assemblyman Reginald W. Atkins added his support: “Everyone deserves dignity and no one should be deprived of access to basic health and hygiene products.”

Applications for Work First New Jersey are available at NJHelps.gov.