Dear Mayor:

Here is an update on a few major developments.

I. TAX REFUND TO FAMILIES OF 9-11 VICTIMS
This law exempts from New Jersey Gross Income Tax those victims who died in the September 11th terrorist attack against our Nation. The families will receive refunds for State income taxes paid by these victims in years 2000 and 2001.

We commend the sponsors and the entire Legislature for furthering efforts to assist these families. Special thanks to Mayor Al Licata of Bernards Twp. for his steadfast vigilance on this measure. Assembly Bill No. 2233/Senate 1215 was adopted as Chapter 9, Public Laws of 2003.

II. INDIGENT BURIAL COSTS
A little noticed bill with a long legislative life finally became law and will clarify the unnecessary confusion as to which level of government is responsible for burying the indigent. It was resolved that counties are responsible to pay burial costs of indigent, unidentified or unclaimed deceased individuals who resided within their borders prior to death. Additionally, the county of residence is responsible for burial expenses of their indigent residents regardless of the county where death occurs.

Under past practices, municipalities maintained a separate account for indigent burials using funds from the general budget. This law repeals that practice and relieves municipalities of this unfair burden.

Assembly Bill No. 1751 was adopted as Chapter 121, Public Laws of 2002. It became effective immediately.

III. WORLD TRADE CENTER FEDERAL DISASTER AID
We have been notified by recovery officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that only one week remains for individuals, families and businesses affected by the World Trade Center attacks, to register for disaster assistance programs.

These assistance programs include FEMA's mortgage and rental assistance (MRA) grants and low-interest loans from the SBA for disaster-related physical or economic injury losses.

Friday, January 31,2003, is the last day registrations will be accepted. No new requests for aid will be accepted after that date. Those seeking assistance should call toll free 1-800-462-9029 by January 31st.