February 26, 2025

State Issues

Governor Delivers SFY 26 Budget

Yesterday, Governor Murphy delivered his final budget address. The SFY 26 budget appropriates $58.1 billion and has a $6.3 billion surplus. The budget includes flat funding for Energy Tax Receipts/CMPTRA and no appropriation for the Municipal Relief Fund.

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.

Assembly Committee Reports PTSD Protection Bill from Committee

On Thursday, the Assembly Labor Committee favorably reported A-2145 from committee. The legislation provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions.

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

League Opposes Bill Regarding Privatization Contracts Guidelines

Over the opposition of the League and other local government organizations, the Assembly Labor Committee favorably released A-919, which establishes procedures regarding public service privatization contracts.

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Election-Related Legislation Advances

The Senate advanced two election-related bills regarding changes to election ballot design and the timeframe for early voting. The Assembly is scheduled to hear both bills on Thursday.

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, x116.

Bill to Establish Heat-Stress Standard Scheduled

On Thursday, the Assembly Labor Committee is scheduled to consider A-5022 which establishes the “Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program” and occupational heat stress standard in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Legal Notice Extension Passes Senate and Scheduled in Assembly

On Tuesday, the Senate passed S-4136/A-5343, which authorizes public bodies to continue using newspapers for required public notices and legal advertisements until March 1. The Assembly is scheduled to consider it at their voting session on Thursday.

Contacts: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112, and Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program

The Department of Environmental Protection has announced the National Park Services’ Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, a five-year program to fund new parks or substantial renovation of parks in disadvantaged communities.

Contact: Ciara Bradley, Research Associate, cbradley@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x128.

Federal Issues

Federal Budget Update

The Federal Budget expires on March 14. Last Friday, the Senate passed a budget resolution and on Tuesday, the House passed its own budget resolution. Since the documents need to be identical to proceed, they need to negotiate an agreement to proceed.

Potential Elimination of Tax Exemption for Municipal Bonds

As Congress considers changes to the tax code in 2025, there have been discussions about the elimination of the tax exemption for municipal bonds.

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Also of Interest

Municipalities Eligible for T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant Opportunity

Municipalities are eligible to apply for T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant. They are investing $25M in 500 rural towns (municipalities with populations less than 50,000) over the next 5 years to jumpstart community projects.

Contact: Ciara Bradley, Research Associate, cbradley@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x128.

CMFO, CTC, and QPA Fall 2025 Exam Date and Location Change

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has rescheduled the fall 2025 CMFO, CTC, and QPA exams. They will now be held on November 17, 2025, at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, x116.

Lunch & Learn: The Garden State C-PACE Program

On Wednesday, March 5, the League hosts a Lunch & Learn with the NJEDA on the Garden State Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program.

Contact: Ciara Bradley, Research Associate, cbradley@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x128.

NJ ELEC New Reporting Requirements for IEs and SuperPACs Webinar

On Friday, February 28, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., the League is hosting a Professional Development webinar on New Jersey ELEC New Reporting Requirements for IEs and SuperPACs.

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Nominations for Emergency Manager of the Year & NJEPA Scholarship

The New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association (NJEPA) is seeking nominations for the Emergency Manager of the Year, student scholarships, and scholarships for emergency managers working on their NJ Certified Emergency Manager certification.