When the state raised the minimum wage to $10 an hour in July, thousands of child care centers serving low-income families feared the expense would force them to cut jobs and turn some parents away.

Thanks to “Strolling Thunder” — a rally in May drawing 200 babies in carriages and their parents and grandparents to the Statehouse — the Legislature and the Murphy administration responded by adding $24 million to the budget.

Coupled with $30 million in matching funds from the federal government, the 5,000 child care providers in New Jersey who accept subsidies will see a 10 percent increase for the coming year, the Murphy administration announced last week.

“A mother should never have to choose between paying her rent and keeping her baby in quality child care” First Lady Tammy Murphy said in a statement. “Investing in child care is a critical component to reducing maternal and infant mortality as well as a commitment to New Jersey families, gender equality, and the general well-being of our children.”

Prior to the kid-friendly protest led by the Advocates for Children of New Jersey, a nonprofit family advocacy organization, the governor’s budget anticipated spending $15 million more on subsidized child care.

“ACNJ’s advocacy efforts, in collaboration with its partners, led to the $24 million increase in child care funding in the state budget,” said the organization’s President Cecilia Zalkind, who thanked “the Murphy administration for continuing its strong investment in our youngest children.”

Child care subsidies have risen a total of 40 percent since Murphy took office in January 2018, after no increases for a decade.

Infant care — the most expensive to provide because more employees are required — will have increased from $724 a month to $994 by Jan. 1. For parents who select a provider with a three-star quality rating from the “Grow NJ Kids” quality improvement program, infant care is subsidized at $1,093 a month.

As many as 100,000 children may be served each year in a program that serves families on welfare, which requires parents to work, go to school or attend job training — as well as families who meet income guidelines. Parents pay a maximum of $60 a week for a service credited with helping thousands of people employed.

People who rely on government assistance saw an increase in their monthly welfare checks on Aug. 1, the Murphy administration also announced last week.

A family of three enrolled in the WorkFirst NJ welfare program will see their maximum benefits payment increase to $559 per month from $466, while a childless adult on General Assistance receives $185 per month, up from $154.

New Jersey Policy Perspective’s Senior Analyst Ray Castro thanked the governor and top Democrats in the Legislature for helping families “in deep poverty.”

“After more than 30 years of neglect - with not even one cost of living increase - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families grants have increased by 30 percent in the last two years alone, representing the largest increase in the nation during that time," Castro said.

"This is not only the right thing to do for families living in poverty, but it is one of the best investments the New Jersey can make as these funds are spent immediately and locally in communities across the state.”

This is the second hike in the welfare grant in as many years. Raising the welfare grant this year cost the state $20 million, Human Services spokesman Tom Hester Jr. said.

“The Murphy Administration is committed to helping families get on the strongest possible financial footing,” Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson said. “Providing increased income assistance to our neighbors in need is the right approach.”

The welfare program is time-limited to 60 months over a recipient’s life, and enrollment in a work program or holding down a job has been a requirement of the program since 1996.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.