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As a single dad racing to my construction job by 7 a.m., I struggled to find affordable, quality daycare for my son. That was around 40 years ago, and since then, I’ve heard many similar stories from hardworking men and women.

Studies have found that the first five years of a child’s life are critical in setting them up for success, which makes the selection of daycare an important choice. But too many parents are forced to choose affordable care over quality care – especially parents who work outside the “9-to-5” workday.

As we recognized National Infrastructure Week (May 14) around the country, we must take the opportunity to encourage both the work and the workers that will rebuild America.

We must start robustly investing in our aging bridges, roads, rails, ports, airports, electric grid, water pipes, broadband network and more. Not only is it critical for our national security, but it also will create high-skilled, high-wage jobs and help power our economy for generations to come. But in the next five years, there will be 68 percent more job openings in infrastructure-related fields than there are people training to fill them, according to the U.S. Department of Education. It’s clear we need to change that trend by preparing more people now.

Donald Norcross voted to fund Planned Parenthood when Donald Trump tried to shut it down. He voted to preserve cancer and healthcare screenings, and continues to lead the fight on pay equity.

We need to make college more affordable, more inclusive and more effective in preparing students for the jobs of the future, At a time when Republicans are already rewarding billionaires at the expense of hardworking families with their tax scam, they are now making college less affordable. It’s a double-whammy for the middle class.

Working families in New Jersey and across the country are struggling to make ends meet – and Democrats are fighting to raises wages, improve our aging infrastructure and focus on the jobs of the future. ... The best social program is a good job with fair wages and the dignity that comes with it.