On April 14, both the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) gave testimony before the Assembly Budget Committee. DOE Acting Commissioner Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillian's testimony highlighted that the Governor’s proposed budget would invest $19 billion dollars into New Jersey education. Acting Commissioner Allen-McMillian expressed that New Jersey is on the correct path when it comes to recovering from COVID-19 pandemic and the Department has undertaken a multi-pronged strategy to bolster the teacher workforce. The strategy includes implementing a five-year Limited Certificate of Eligibility and Limited Certificate of Eligibility with Advance Standing pilot program; a partnership with Rowan University for the Men of Color Hope Achievers program; and the launching of a new online certification system.
Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher’s testimony highlighted the Department’s goals, promoting New Jersey’s agriculture industry, ensuring healthy plants and animals for the state's agriculture, preserving farmland and helping farmers conserve natural resources, and supporting food access and security. Secretary Fisher noted that the NJDA continues to combat climate change with a focus on farm resiliency. He also noted the fight against the invasive Spotted Lantern Fly, as well as prevention of the introduction in New Jersey of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza, which has wreaked havoc in the poultry industry in nearly two dozen other states.
Secretary Fisher also highlighted that the Department would like to continue to strive to provide New Jersey students with healthy meals and to continue support for community feeding operations which Governor Murphy’s proposed FY 2023 budget includes.
We will continue to provide weekly updates as the departmental hearings continue. Next week the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee will host another public hearing on Governor Murphy’s proposed FY 2023 budget.
Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.