State Issues

Affordable Housing Legislation Update

On Monday, March 11, the affordable housing bills A-4 and S-50 were amended and approved out of the Committee. Both bills may be posted for a vote on Monday, March 18. Please contact your senator and Assembly representatives with your comments and concerns.

Read more: Affordable Housing Legislation Update

Contacts: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120 and Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137. 

Bill to Reform OPRA Delayed

Yesterday, the Assembly Appropriations Committee pulled legislation that would modernize the Open Public Records Act (A-4045) from its agenda.

Read more: Bill to Reform OPRA Delayed

Contacts: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120 and Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.

TTF Bill Released from Committee

On Thursday, March 14, A-4011, which reauthorizes?the Transportation Trust Fund for five years, was favorably released from the Assembly Appropriations Committee. On Monday, A-4011 and it's companion bill, S-2931, are scheduled for a vote in their respective houses.  

Read more: TTF Bill Released from Committee

Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Legislation Advances to Increase Workers Comp Fees  

On Thursday, the Senate Labor Committee favorably reported S-2822 out of committee. The bill revises the workers’ compensation law to increase the attorney fee cap from 20% to 25%.  

Read more: Legislation Advances to Increase Workers Comp Fees  

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

DLGS Releases 2024 Financial Disclosure Statement Guidance

On Monday, March 11, the Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) issued LFN 2024-07 providing guidance on 2024 Financial Disclosure Statements. Guidance for Local Government Officers will be issued in the coming weeks.  

Read more: DLGS Releases 2024 Financial Disclosure Statement Guidance

Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Federal Issues

League President Chegwidden Attends the National League of Cities Congressional Cities Conference

This week, League President, Wharton Mayor Bill Chegwidden, along with Wharton Councilmember Paola Vasquez and League staff, attended the National League of Cities’ Congressional Cities Conference.

Read more: League President Chegwidden Attends National League of Cities Conference

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

President Biden Releases Fiscal Year 2025 Budget

This week, President Joe Biden released the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Proposal.

Read more: President Biden Releases Fiscal Year 2025 Budget

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Senator Menendez Announces Opening of Congressionally Directed Spending Application Process

Senator Bob Menendez has announced?the?Fiscal Year 2025 Congressionally Directed Spending application process is open.?The deadline to?submit an application?to his office is March 25, 2024.??

Read more: Senator Menendez Announces Opening of Congressionally Directed Spending Application Process

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Also of Interest

Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leadership Scholarship Competition Reminder

The deadline to submit your Louis Bay 2^nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition essays is April 1.
  
Please take some time to review your promotional kit and the suggested deadlines. Municipal offices should note that all applications can be delivered no later than April 1.
  
We look forward to hearing from your municipality and raising interest in future municipal leaders.
 
Contact: Ciara Bradley, Research Associate, cbradley@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x128.

Celebrate NJ Local Government Week, April 7-13

Join municipalities across the Garden State April 7-13, 2024, by planning Local Government Week events. Let residents know about municipal facilities and careers, public works equipment, and fire, police, or utility vehicles. Roll out city hall open houses, host a coffee with the mayor, or provide a tour to students through council chambers.

Municipalities are encouraged to use social media to celebrate and promote their events using the hashtag #NJLocalGovt and to share event reminders, updates, and interesting facts via Twitter and Facebook. For more information & downloadable logos, visit www.njlm.org/njlocalgovt