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 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
APRIL 18, 2022
The legislature is officially on “budget break,” a bill to end the edTPA as a requirement to get a teaching certificate passed in the full Senate, and a bill to make the NJGPA (the 11th grade exit assessment) a field test passed in the full Assembly.
In this update:
* Take action (please share!)
* State budget
* Desegregation lawsuit
* Session day results
TAKE ACTION
* Ask the Senate to make the NJGPA a field test: https://actioncenter.
* Ask the Assembly to end use of the edTPA as a requirement to get a teaching certificate: https://
* Ask your Assembly members to co-sponsor a bill to add transparency to our community college boards of trustees: https://secure.
STATE BUDGET
The legislature is officially on “budget break.” This means that regular legislative operations have ceased while budget committees hear from members of the public and department heads about the governor’s proposed budget. Budget break, which started at the beginning of April, lasts about a month, with multiple days of hearings.
The public hearings are usually first. Each house has two public hearings, conducted on zoom this year. Members of the public and organizations talk about what they would like to see in the budget. For the rest of the month, cabinet members talk about how the governor’s proposed budget will meet their departmental goals. Departmental hearings are kicked off with the treasurer and the Office of Legislative Services (OLS) sharing their revenue forecasts, then updating them as the last budget hearing in May, after regular legislative business has resumed.
A reminder about Murphy’s budget: he emphasized affordability, economic opportunity, health and safety, and planning for the future. It’s a good budget for public education. The budget
* Fully funds the pension.
* Increases K-12 formula aid by an additional $650 million dollars — for a total of $9.9 billion.
* Expands access to pre-K with an additional $68 million. $40 million goes towards creating 3,000 new pre-K seats.
* Includes $20 million for Stabilization Aid to assist schools losing State Aid, and $13.5 million for Military Impact Aid.
* Invests a total of $430 million in school construction and renovation:
* $80 million for the Schools Development Authority (SDA) and DOE to award for capital maintenance and emergent needs ($50 million for SDA districts, $25 million for non-SDA districts, and $5 million for charter schools.)
* $350 million appropriated for the SDA to reduce the State’s planned debt issuance.
* Creates a sliding scale for Community College Opportunity Grants (CCOG), so over 7,000 more students with household incomes up to $80,000 can benefit.
To kick off this year’s departmental hearings, Treasurer Muoio and OLS presented their budget forecasts. As you can read, OLS suggests that the state will collect $3 billion more between this year and next year. Read more about it here: https://www.
After the treasurer and OLS, the next hearing of note was the Department of Education in the Assembly. This hearing also included the School Development Authority and the Department of Agriculture (mostly because of school meals) but we did get to hear a little about the state’s plan to handle stink bugs and spotted lantern flies. The budget committee spent a lot of time asking the commissioner how the department was helping ensure students would be able to catch up on any learning they missed because of Covid-19. John Mooney covered the hearing here: https://www.
Regular business resumes May 9; budget hearings will continue until mid-May. Then the governor and the legislature will negotiate, and (hopefully) a budget will be voted on before the end of June. Sometimes it’s close, and there’s a lot of talk about possible shutdowns as we approach June 30, the deadline by which the state must have a new budget.
DESEGREGATION LAWSUIT
At the beginning of March, a NJ Superior Court Judge heard arguments in a lawsuit claiming that New Jersey’s schools are segregated, and the state needs to take action to end school segregation. Plaintiffs argued that New Jersey’s policy of having students enroll in school based on their zip code perpetuates the segregation in New Jersey’s schools. The state countered that the plaintiffs did not prove that fixing the problem falls to the state, pointing out that the plaintiffs focused on demographics from 23 districts, while New Jersey has close to 600. Read more about the court hearing: https://www.
At the end of March, the Joint Committee on the Public Schools (JCPS), a bipartisan committee made up of members from both houses of the legislature, heard from school officials and activists about how New Jersey could integrate its schools, which include school choice, magnet schools, and regional schools, but will require more funding. The New Jersey Monitor (newjerseymonitor.com) highlighted the issue in an article today: https://
RESULTS FROM. MARCH 24
* A2067 – Requires Department of Education to annually report use of federal COVID-19 relief funds. (Monitor) (Passed in Assembly)
* A3196 – Requires State Board of Education to administer New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment as field test for class of 2023. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
* AJR33 – Designates March 31 of each year as “Cesar Chavez Day.” (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
* S525 – Enhances, and allocates funds for, pre-apprenticeship programs. (Support) (Passed in Senate)
* S713 – Requires school districts to include information on events of September 11, 2001 as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies; requires public schools to hold annual events commemorating September 11, 2001. (No Position) (Passed in Senate)
* S896 – Prohibits State Board of Education from requiring completion of performance-based assessment as a condition of eligibility for certificate of eligibility with advanced standing. (Support) (Passed in Senate)
* S1731 – Establishes New Jersey Higher Education Student Advisory Commission. (Support) (Passed in Senate)
* S1929 – Makes FY 2022 supplemental appropriation to provide State military impact aid to certain school districts. (No Position) (Passed in Senate)
* SR69 – Urges Congress to pass a resolution condemning violence against historically Black colleges and universities. (Support) (Resolution passed; Filed with Secretary of Senate)
RESULTS FROM. MARCH 21
* S1800 – Establishes “Purple Star Schools Program” in DOE to recognize public and nonpublic schools which emphasize importance of assisting children of military families. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
WHEN IS THE LEGISLATURE MEETING AGAIN? (subject to change)
* Monday, May 9: Assembly and Senate Committees
* Thursday, May 12: Assembly and Senate Committees
* Monday, May 16: Assembly committees at the call; Senate Committees
* Thursday, May 19: Assembly committees at the call; and Senate Committees
* Thursday, May 26: Assembly and Senate Voting Session
* Thursday, June 2: Assembly and Senate Committees
* Monday, June 6: Senate Committees
* Thursday, June 9: Assembly and Senate Committees
* Monday, June 13: Assembly committees at the call; Senate Committees
* Thursday, June 16: Assembly committees at the call; Assembly and Senate Voting session
* Monday, June 20: Assembly committees at the call; Assembly and Senate Voting session
* Thursday, June 23: Assembly committees at the call; Assembly Voting session
* Monday, June 27 Assembly and Senate committees at the call; Assembly and Senate Voting session
* Tuesday, June 28: Assembly committees at the call; Assembly Voting session
* Wednesday, June 29: Assembly committees at the call; Assembly Voting session
* Thursday, June 30: Assembly committees at the call; Assembly and Senate Voting session
[New Jersey Education Association]<https://www.njea.
Francine Pfeffer
Associate Director
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
180 W. State Street
Trenton, NJ 08607-1211
p: 609-599-4561 x 2326
c: 732-280-8324
f: 609-394-3355
— Patricia Robbins
Office Manager , Somerset County Education Association
1140 Route 22 East, Suite 100
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Telephone: (908) 393-9000 Cell: (908) 419-7911
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Legislative Update January 12th, 2022
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In this update:
* Legislature
* State of the State
* Emergency powers/mask mandate
* Other stuff
* Action on bills
LEGISLATURE
That’s a wrap! The 221st legislative session wrapped up Monday evening. Any bills that did not pass by the end of the session on Monday have to be reintroduced and go through the legislative process again. The governor has seven days to sign any bills passed on the last day of the session, or they are “pocket vetoed.” (He vetoes the bill by putting it in his pocket and not taking action on it. Any such bills would also have to be reintroduced and go through the legislative process again.)
Yesterday was the first day of the 222nd legislative session, the reorganization (“reorg”) where members are sworn in. This year’s reorg was different than in previous years. The Assembly reorg was limited to family members; only new members and a few leading the ceremony were on stage; the rest were spread out throughout the Trenton War Memorial. The Speaker was not presiding, as he has Covid. The Senate had limited guests and conducted their reorg in the Assembly Chamber. In both chambers, some members participated from home.
This new legislative session comes with many changes to leadership and the houses: new Senate President (Scutari), new Senate Minority Leader (Oroho), new Assembly Minority leader (DiMaio), and 17 new members of the legislature. Not in the count of 17 are four former Assembly members who took Senate seats yesterday. With this change, the Senate Democratic majority is 23-17, a net loss of one seat, while the Assembly Democratic majority is now 46-34, having lost 6 seats.
You can watch both ceremonies.
* Assembly: https://fb.watch/
Interested in just hearing what the leaders had to say?
* Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio: begins at 1:05 on the Assembly link
* Senate Minority Leader Steve Oroho: begins at 1:22 on the Senate link
* Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin: begins at 1:18 on the Assembly link
* Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald: begins slightly after 51 minutes on the Assembly link
* Senate President Nicholas Scutari: begins just before 51 minutes on the Senate link
* Senate Majority leader Theresa Ruiz: Spbegins at 1:10 on the Senate link.
You can read more about the new legislature
GOVERNOR’S STATE OF THE STATE
The start of a new legislative session is also when the governor addresses the legislature with the State of the State. As with the reorg, this is normally a day filled with pomp and circumstance. Typically, lobbyists and party and elected officials cram into the Assembly chamber, probably violating fire code limits. Other than legislators and a select number of special guests, the majority of people attending on the floor stand through the entire speech. The gallery is also packed, with many standing there as well. With Covid, Governor Murphy again recorded the State of the State, released at 5 pm yesterday.
In his speech, he talked about New Jersey’s resilience facing Covid and asked residents to get vaccinated. He talked about making health care and prescriptions more affordable, pledged to not raise taxes, pledged to sign a bill protecting reproductive freedom, pushed for gun safety, discussed his plans for economic growth, and how his budget will focus on affordability and fairness for all New Jerseyans. He also talked about continuing to invest in New Jersey’s best-in-the-nation public education system. Murphy asked all residents to work together to ensure a fairer future for all.
Governor Murphy will get another chance to address the state when he is inaugurated for his second term on January 18. The budget address is scheduled for February 22.
Watch Murphy’s State of the State: https://www.youtube.
Read reports about his speech:
EMERGENCY HEALTH POWERS
Last Thursday, an article surfaced that then-Senate President Sweeney did not want to renew the school-wide mask mandate, set to expire on January 11. This set off a flurry of activity to ensure student and staff safety moving forward. Thank you for your work!
On Monday, both houses of the legislature were set to vote on a resolution which would have extended many of the governor’s emergency powers for 45 days. When Governor Murphy announced at his press briefing that he would make sure the mask mandate stayed, Sweeney and declared that as the governor had not informed the legislature of his intentions, they were not going to renew any of his emergency powers.
Yesterday (Tuesday) Murphy declared a new health emergency, continuing the mask mandate and other requirements, such as vaccination or testing for school employees, as well as a host of other rules that don’t directly affect education, but impact all of us as people who live and /or work in New Jersey.
* Watch the governor’s announcement: https://youtu.
* Read about the new health emergency: https://www.nj.com/
OTHER STUFF
* The Senate Education Committee heard from education advocates, including NJEA President Sean Spiller and member Kevin Parker about the difficulties of school this year: https://
* In other news, the State Board got its first look at statewide results from the Start Strong assessment: https://www.
* John Mooney at NJ Spotlight looks at the difficulties of school this year: https://www.
* The NJ DOH updated its quarantine guidelines to align with the CDC. These apply to schools, but not child care settings. The DOE just sent them out today: https://www.nj.gov/
BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW
* A1662/S1790 – Revises provisions required in school district’s anti-bullying policy; provides for civil liability of parent of minor adjudicated delinquent for cyber-harassment or harassment; and increases certain fines against parents. (Monitor) (P.L.2021, c.338)
* A2286/S1823 – Requires institutions of higher education to provide graduating students with information on income-contingent student loan repayment programs. (Monitor) (P.L.2021, c.357)
* A4838/S2811 – Requires school report card to include information concerning number of mental health professionals and school safety specialists employed by each school district.
* A5367/S3416 – Codifies same-sex marriage in the statutes. (Support) (P.L.2021, c.339)
* A5380/S3683 – Requires institutions of higher education to provide certain student loan information. (Monitor) (P.L.2021, c.349)
* A5727/S3726 – Ensures student well-being during school security drills. (Support) (P.L.2021, c.365)
VETOED
* A2300/S3129 – Requires apportionment of membership on certain regional district boards of education to be based on amount of district costs apportioned to each constituent municipality. (Monitor)
CONDITIONALLY VETOED
* A4434/S2716 – Establishes Student Wellness Grant Program in DOE (Support) (Passed in both houses to concur with Governor’s recommendations and sent to Governor)
* A5950/S4004 – Establishes database of certain appointed positions and elected offices. (Support) (Passed in both houses to concur with Governor’s recommendations and sent to Governor)
* A6000/S4074 – Allows alternative evaluation in place of basic skills testing requirements for certain teacher certification. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
RESULTS FROM JANUARY 3
* A3012/S2162 – Requires public schools, and nonpublic schools which receive federal funding, to provide students with information on rights afforded under Title IX, and provide contact information for Title IX coordinator. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* A5576/S3685 – Permits teacher and professional staff member who provides special services retired from TPAF to return to employment for up to two years without reenrollment in TPAF if employment commences during 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee)
* A6226 – Extends period of time for filing special education due process petitions related to COVID-19 school closures and periods of virtual, remote, hybrid, or in-person instruction. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee)
* A4698/S412 – Expands requirement of health insurers and Medicaid program to cover prescriptions for contraceptives for up to 12 months. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee)
* A5603/S991 – Requires owner or operator of certain trains to have discharge response, cleanup, and contingency plans to transport certain hazardous materials by rail; requires DEP to request bridge inspection reports from US DOT. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee)
RESULTS FROM JANUARY 6
* A2271 – Requires certain additional school district personnel to complete training program on suicide prevention. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* A4698/S413 – Expands requirement of health insurers and Medicaid program to cover prescriptions for contraceptives for up to 12 months. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* A5292/S2835 – Requires compilation of data and issuance of annual reports on New Jersey teacher workforce. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* A5576/S3685 – Permits teacher and professional staff member who provides special services retired from TPAF to return to employment for up to two years without reenrollment in TPAF if employment commences during 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* A5603/S991 – Requires owner or operator of certain trains to have discharge response, cleanup, and contingency plans to transport certain hazardous materials by rail; requires DEP to request bridge inspection reports from US DOT. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly and Senate)
* A6258/S4309 – Awards school security project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for certain school districts; appropriates $5,150,531. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* S49 – Codifies constitutional right to freedom of reproductive choice. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly and Senate)
* ACR223/SCR165 – Expresses approval of Legislature for a 45-day extension of certain administrative orders, directives, and waivers issued in response to COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. (Seek amendments) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly and Senate)
* A3007/S3127 – Requires institutions of higher education to provide students with access to mental health care programs and services and to establish a hotline to provide information concerning the availability of those services. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S4245 – Extends period of time for filing special education due process petitions related to COVID-19 school closures and periods of virtual, remote, hybrid, or in-person instruction. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
RESULTS FROM JANAUARY 10
* A2271 – Requires certain additional school district personnel to complete training program on suicide prevention. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
* A3007/S3127 – Requires institutions of higher education to provide students with access to mental health care programs and services and to establish a hotline to provide information concerning the availability of those services. (Support) (Passed in Senate and sent to Governor)
* A3369/S3764 – Establishes Commission on Asian American Heritage in DOE. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A3392/S1219 – Requires student representative be appointed to each board of education of school district and board of trustees of charter school that includes grades nine through 12. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A4434 – Establishes Student Wellness Grant Program in DOE. (Support) (Passed in both houses to concur with Governor’s recommendations and sent to Governor)
* A4698/S413 – Expands requirement of health insurers and Medicaid program to cover prescriptions for contraceptives for up to 12 months. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A4856/S3094 – Requires Internet websites and web services of school districts, charter schools, renaissance schools, and the Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf to be accessible to persons with disabilities. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5292/S2835 – Requires compilation of data and issuance of annual reports on New Jersey teacher workforce. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5576/S3685 – Permits teacher and professional staff member who provides special services retired from TPAF to return to employment for up to two years without reenrollment in TPAF if employment commences during 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5814/ S3851 – Creates Office of School Bus Safety in Department of Education; appropriates $200,000. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5867/S4020 – Expands bonding authority of New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority to permit financing for general funding needs of New Jersey’s institutions of higher education. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A6000/S4074 – Allows alternative evaluation in place of basic skills testing requirements for certain teacher certification. (Support) (Passed in both houses to concur with Governor’s recommendations and sent to Governor)
* A6207/S4222 – Eliminates requirement for DOE to set certain tuition rates for approved private schools for students with disabilities in certain cases. (Monitor) (Passed in Senate and sent to Governor)
* A6258/S4309 – Awards school security project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for certain school districts; appropriates $5,150,531. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to governor)
* A6260/S49 – Codifies constitutional right to freedom of reproductive choice. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* ACR223/SCR165 – Expresses approval of Legislature for a 45-day extension of certain administrative orders, directives, and waivers issued in response to COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. (Seek amendments) (Bill held)
* S49/A6260 – Codifies constitutional right to freedom of reproductive choice. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* S969 – Establishes loan redemption program for teachers in certain fields to redeem loan amounts received under New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students Loan Program through employment in certain low performing schools. (Support) (Passed in Assembly and sent to governor)
* S1020 – Requires school districts and charter schools to report discipline data on their websites and to Commissioner of Education; requires DOE to establish database and complete annual report concerning student disciplinary actions. (Support) (Passed in Senate and sent to Governor)
* S2160 – Creates special education unit within the Office of Administrative Law; requires annual report. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* S2830 – Requires educator preparation program to report passing rates of students who complete certain tests and to disseminate information on test fee waiver programs, and permits collection of student fee for certain testing costs. (Monitor) (Passed in Senate and sent to Governor)
* S3488 – Modifies certain procedures pertaining to school district regionalization; establishes grant program for cost reimbursement of conducting regionalization feasibility studies; and provides financial incentives for regionalization. (Support) (Passed in Assembly to concur with Governor’s recommendations and sent to Governor)
* S4004 – Establishes database of certain appointed positions and elected offices. (Support) (Passed in both houses to concur with Governor’s recommendations and sent to Governor)
* S4021 – Requires school districts to provide instruction on history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies. (Support) (Passed in Senate and sent to Governor)
* S4074 – Allows alternative evaluation in place of basic skills testing requirements for certain teacher certification. (Support) (Passed in both houses to concur with Governor’s recommendations and sent to Governor)
* S4203 – Eliminates requirement for State residency of public school employees for period of three years. (Support) (Passed in Senate)
* S4206 – Requires Department of Education to annually report use of federal COVID-19 relief funds. (Monitor) (Passed in Senate)
* S4245 – Extends period of time for filing special education due process petitions related to COVID-19 school closures and periods of virtual, remote, hybrid, or in-person instruction. (Monitor) (Passed in Senate)
WHEN IS THE LEGISLATURE MEETING AGAIN?
Only the Senate has released its calendar so far:
* Thursday, January 27 Senate Committees
* Monday, January 31 Senate Voting Session
* Thursday, February 3 Senate Committees
* Thursday, February 10 Senate Committees
* Thursday, February 17 Senate Committees
* Tuesday, February 22 Governor’s Budget Address
* Monday, February 28 Senate Committees
* Thursday, March 3 Senate Voting Session
* Monday, March 7 Senate Committees
* Thursday, March 10 Senate Committees
* Monday, March 14 Senate Committees
* Monday, March 21 Senate Voting Session
Questions, comments? Let me know! 🙂
[New Jersey Education Association]<https://www.njea.
Francine Pfeffer
Associate Director
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
180 W. State Street
Trenton, NJ 08607-1211
p: 609-599-4561 x 2326
c: 732-280-8324
f: 609-394-3355
fpfeffer@njea.org<mailto:fpfef
njea.org<https://www.njea.org> | vCard<https://dynasend.com/
[https://oos.njea.org/
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Patricia Robbins
Office Manager , Somerset County Education Association
1140 Route 22 East, Suite 100
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Telephone: (908) 393-9000 Cell: (908) 419-7911
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Legislative Update December 21, 2021
TAKE ACTION!
It is almost the end of the 219th legislative session. When we return in the new year, there are two scheduled committee days and one voting session before the new legislature takes its seats on January 11. So, before the new year, I’m asking you to take action on two bills we would like to see passed in this session.
* A-5011/S-3284 would give an accidental death benefit to family members of school and community college employees in TPAF or PERS who worked in-person and died from COVID-19 during the health emergency. We have been working with NJPSA to get this bill, which unanimously passed in the Senate, to make its way through the Assembly.
* S-4203 would eliminate the residency law for school employees for three years. The bill passed out of committee in the Senate, where Senator Ruiz is championing it, but has yet to be introduced in the Assembly.
So, what can you do?
* Call the office of Assembly Speaker Coughlin, (732) 855-7441. Ask him to move both bills in his house before the end of the session. When you call, give your name and tell them you are an educator and NJEA member. Here are suggested talking points:
* A-5011/S-3284, the accidental death benefit bill, is a matter of fairness. It will support the families of educators who served as essential employees and died from COVID-19 in service to their community. The legislature passed a similar bill for emergency responders and educators deserve the same treatment.
* S-4203, the residency bill, may help alleviate educator shortages in our schools. There is a shortage of educators across many areas – teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, cafeteria employees – which is hurting students. Allowing school districts to hire employees from out-of-state will expand the pool of potential employees, help schools operate during this difficult time, and ultimately help stu
* Ask at least three educator friends to do the same.
STATEHOUSE STAND, PART 2
Assembly Republicans did not engage in a standoff this time, but they did take a stand. You may recall from my last update that on December 2, the first voting session following a new vaccine or test mandate, a group of Assembly Republicans entered the Assembly chamber and wouldn’t leave, in defiance of the mandate. The standoff ended with the Assembly conducting a truncated voting session of approximately 10 bills. That left a whopping 118 bills to consider yesterday.
Six of those Republican members refused to either show proof of vaccination or get a rapid test (which was available to legislators right outside the statehouse) yesterday and could not enter the statehouse. Some of them joined the anti-vaccination rally outside the statehouse. As the voting session began at 1:15 pm, many seats were empty in the chamber with members of both parties voting remotely.
To protest the vaccination policy, the six Republicans, who were together at the Republican State Committee Office for the voting session, slowed it down by talking about every single bill until sometime around 11:00 pm. When the marriage equality vote happened at 11:15 pm, there were still over 20 bills on the agenda. The voting session concluded soon after midnight. By my count, the Assembly took action on 105 of the 118 bills on their list. I could editorialize about how awful it was, but who needs that? If you’re interested, Brent Johnson at nj.com has a full retelling. The only comment he didn’t recount that I really enjoyed was when Speaker Coughlin said to Assemblyman Peterson, “Please, go ahead and tell us how this bill affects you in Hunterdon County.” https://www.nj.com/
OTHER NEWS
* QUARANTINE CHANGES
Districts have been expressing concern about students quarantining and missing school. https://www.njspotlightnews.
* SAME SEX MARRIAGE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATURE
Both houses of the legislature approved a bill to codify same sex marriage in NJ. https://newjerseymonitor.com/
* RESIDENCY LAW
Please take action as noted above. A bill to suspend the residency law for school employees has begun to move in the Senate. https://newjerseymonitor.com/
RESULTS FROM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16
* A4789/S3123 – Establishes Safe and Equitable Remote Learning Program in DOE to support provision of mobile broadband Internet access service and remote learning safe havens by certain school districts. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* A4808/S3086 – Establishes office in EDA to assist in provision and expansion of broadband Internet service in State to address inequities in accessing broadband service. (Support) (Bill removed from committee agenda)
* A4856/S3094 – Requires Internet websites and web services of school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools to be accessible to persons with disabilities. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
* A5814/S3851 – Creates School Bus Safety Ombudsman position in, but not of, Department of Education. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S372 – Requires firearm owners who become New Jersey residents to obtain firearm purchaser identification card and register firearms acquired out-of-State. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations)
* S3416 – Codifies same-sex marriage in the statutes. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S3757 – “New Jersey Safe Storage of Firearms Act”; establishes certain requirements and penalties regarding firearm storage; repeals law governing minor’s access to firearm; requires AG to establish public awareness campaign regarding firearm storage; appropriates $500,000. (Support) (Bill removed from committee agenda)
* S3764 – Establishes Commission on Asian Heritage in DOE. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S4203 – Eliminates requirement for State residency for public school employees. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S4206 – Requires Department of Education to annually report use of federal COVID-19 relief funds. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S4222 – Eliminates requirement for DOE to set certain tuition rates for approved private schools for students with disabilities in certain cases. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S4245 – Extends period of time for filing special education due process petitions related to COVID-19 school closures and periods of virtual, remote, hybrid, or in-person instruction. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
RESULTS FROM MONDAY, DECEMBER 20
* A1184/ A4414/S1020 – Requires school districts and charter schools to report discipline data on their websites and to Commissioner of Education; requires DOE to establish database and complete annual report concerning student disciplinary actions. (Support) (Passed in the Assembly)
* A2300/ S3129 – Requires apportionment of membership on certain regional district boards of education to be based on amount of district costs apportioned to each constituent municipality. (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A2455 – Establishes pilot program in DOE to support FIRST Robotics Programs in school districts. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor to concur with CV)
* A3686 – Requires firearm owners who become New Jersey residents to obtain firearm purchaser identification card and register firearms acquired out-of-State. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
* A4168 – Provides for student recipients of educational opportunity funds to be exempt from 20 hour weekly work requirement ordinarily required for student SNAP participation. (Monitor) (Passed in Assembly)
* A4433 – Creates grant program to encourage school districts to partner with institutions of higher education in training school-based mental health services providers. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A4434 – Establishes Student Wellness Grant Program in DOE. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A4435 – Requires DCF to give priority to certain school districts with student mental health counseling centers in awarding grants under School Based Youth Services Program. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A4838/S2811 – Requires school report card to include information concerning number of mental health professionals and school safety specialists employed by each school district. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5306/S3761 – Allows certain voters residing overseas to vote in certain elections in this State depending on overseas residency or intent to return. (Monitor) (Passed in Senate)
* A5367/S3416 – Codifies same-sex marriage in the statutes. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5727/S3726 – Ensures student well-being during school security drills. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5950/S4004 – Establishes database of certain appointed positions and elected offices. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A6000/S4074 – Allows alternative evaluation in place of basic skills testing requirements for certain teacher certification. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A6001 – Provides for postponement of New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum review for certain school districts for 2021-2022 school year. (Support) (Passed in the Assembly)
* A6100/S4021 – Requires school districts to provide instruction on history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
* S108 – Concerns speech rights of student journalists at public schools and public institutions of higher education. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor to concur with CV)
* S1715 – Requires new flooring for schools and child care centers to be certified mercury free. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor to concur with CV))
* S2559 – Revises requirements for health insurance providers and Medicaid to cover services provided using telemedicine and telehealth; appropriates $5 million. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor to concur with CV)
* S2834 – Mandates training on culturally responsive teaching for all candidates for teaching certification. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor to concur with CV)
* S3488 – Modifies certain procedures pertaining to school district regionalization; establishes grant program for cost reimbursement of conducting regionalization feasibility studies; and provides financial incentives for regionalization. (Support) (Passed in the Senate to concur with CV)
* S4069 – Removes Selective Service registration as requirement for eligibility under State student financial aid programs. (Monitor) (Passed in the Senate)
* S4077 – Requires DEP to develop and implement electric school bus program; provides for $15 million in first year and $15 million annually in subsequent two years to DEP, subject to availability, to provide grants. (Seek amendments) (Passed in the Senate)
* S969 – Establishes loan redemption program for teachers in certain fields to redeem loan amounts received under New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students Loan Program through employment in certain low performing schools. (Support) (Passed in the Senate to concur with CV)
WHEN WILL THE LEGISLATURE MEET AGAIN?
* Monday, January 3, Assembly Committees at Call of the Speaker
* Thursday, January 6, Assembly Committees at Call of the Speaker; Senate Committees
* Monday, January 10, Assembly and Senate Voting Sessions
* Tuesday, January 11, Reorganization of the legislature
Have a relaxing and safe break. See you next year!
[New Jersey Education Association]<https://www.njea.
Francine Pfeffer
Associate Director
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
180 W. State Street
Trenton, NJ 08607-1211
p: 609-599-4561 x 2326
c: 732-280-8324
f: 609-394-3355
fpfeffer@njea.org<mailto:fpfef
njea.org<https://www.njea.org> | vCard<https://dynasend.com/
[https://oos.njea.org/
Classroom Close-up, NJ <https://classroomcloseup.org/>
Legislative Update November 10,2021
They’re baaaaack! The legislature, that is, and thus legislative updates! Monday was the first legislative session day of the lame duck session. While I know we have all been focusing on election results, state elections also mean it’s time for the legislature to reconvene and finish their work by January 10, the last day of this legislative session.
Before we talk about bills, let’s go back to those election day results. Governor Murphy declared victory over Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli, who has not yet conceded as of this writing. When I first started writing this, Senate President Steve Sweeney had not yet conceded, but by the time you read this, he may have to his Republican opponent Ed Durr.
With Senator President Steve Sweeney’s unexpected election day loss, Trenton held its breath waiting to see how legislative leadership would shake out. It appears there is an agreement, and the vote will take place on Friday, with Senator Nicholas Scutari, from the 22nd district in Union County, poised to become the next Senate President. The retirement of Majority Leader Senator Weinberg also leaves her leadership position vacant. Senator Teresa Ruiz, from the 29th district in Essex County, was in line to be Majority Leader under Sweeney; rumor has it she may still get that post.
Assembly leadership did not change, with Craig Coughlin re-elected as Speaker and Lou Greenwald re-elected as Majority Leader. However, eight committee chairpersons will not be returning to the Assembly, due to election losses and movement to the upper house. At the same time, with a change in the Senate Presidency, expect changes to committee chairs there as well.
Republican leadership will also see changes, as Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean did not seek reelection and Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick won a senate seat. In the upper house, Senator Steve Oroho, from the 24th district in Sussex County, will become the new minority leader, while Assemblyman John DiMaio from the 23rd district in Warren County will become the new minority leader in his house. While the Senate contest seemed peaceful, the Assembly minority leadership was contested. Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz appeared to have clinched the position until Assemblyman Brian Bergen entered the race as well, resulting in DiMaio emerging as a consensus candidate.
Assembly Speaker Coughlin has announced his priorities for the next legislative session: hunger, homelessness, mental health, child care issues and providing more aid to small business owners. With new leadership and smaller majorities in both houses, dynamics between the houses, legislative leadership and the governor may look entirely different in the new session. We will have to see what priorities emerge from the Senate, and see what Sweeney prioritizes in lame duck.
John Mooney does a nice job looking at what will happen from an education perspective here: https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2021/11/nj-legislature-education-issues-murphy-conditional-veto-ruiz-leadership-change/
With all the hubbub, it was unclear whether there would be a session day on Monday, but there was. The legislature coming back into session also meant the governor had to sign bills that had been waiting on his desk.
RESULTS FROM MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8
* A1626/S228 – Requires EDA to establish loan program for certain costs of electric-powered school bus purchases by local school districts and school bus contractors. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee)
* A2300/S3129 – Requires apportionment of membership on certain regional district boards of education to be based on amount of district costs apportioned to each constituent municipality. (Monitor)
* A3392/S1219 – Requires student representative be appointed to each board of education of school district and board of trustees of charter school that includes grades nine through 12. (Support)
* A4856/S3094 – Requires Internet websites and web services of school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools to be accessible to persons with disabilities. (Support) (Reported out of committee; Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee)
* A5694 – Permits dependents of military member to enroll in school district in advance of military member’s relocation to district. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* S1066 – Establishes Prescription Drug Affordability Board; appropriates $1 million. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee; Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee)
* S1530 – Establishes a joint legislative and executive branch New Jersey Revenue Advisory Board to provide consensus revenue forecasting advice for State budget purposes. (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S2835 – Requires compilation of data and issuance of annual reports on New Jersey teacher workforce. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S3464 – Requires instruction on information literacy in curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through 12. (Seek Amendments) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S3726 – Ensures student well-being during school security drills. (Monitor)
* S4021 – Requires school districts to provide instruction on history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies. (Support)
* S4073 – Provides supplemental appropriations of $20 million for loan redemption program and tuition reimbursement program for certain teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. (Support) (Reported out of committee; Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee)
* S4074 – Allows alternative evaluation in place of basic skills testing requirements for certain teacher certification. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S4075 – Eliminates requirement for three years that school districts receive DOE approval for non-instructional or non-educational school facilities or capital maintenance projects. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S991 – Requires owner or operator of certain trains to have discharge response, cleanup, and contingency plans to transport certain hazardous materials by rail; requires DEP to request bridge inspection reports from US DOT. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW
* A1616/S550 – Requires certain student identification cards to contain telephone number for suicide prevention hotline. (Monitor)
* A2311/S356 – Establishes study commission to examine development of mutually beneficial relationships between institutions of higher education and municipalities. (Support)
* A2619/S3253 – Establishes alternate route to expedite certification of teachers at early college high school programs. (Oppose)
* A3027/S793 – Commits $3 million from Supplemental Workforce Fund for Basic Skill to NJ Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development. (Support)
* A4544/S3150 – Permits school nurse who is retired from TPAF to return to employment for up to two years without reenrollment in TPAF. (Oppose)
* A4836/S3313 – Establishes task force to evaluate quality, efficacy, costs, and educational outcomes of online courses offered by public and independent institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions during COVID-19 pandemic. (Support)
* A5817/S3852 – Revises violation and fines for approving or assigning unauthorized individuals as school bus drivers. (Support)
* A5818/S3849 – Provides for debarment of school bus contractors for certain violations; requires certain information in pupil transportation contract bid. (Support)
* A5896/S3948 – Authorizes supplemental State aid to school districts receiving certain federal Impact Aid; makes appropriation. (Monitor)
* AJR208/ SJR109 – Condemns hate and violent extremism and commits to defense of safe and just democracy. (Support)
BILLS CONDITIONALLY VETOED
* A169/S108 – Concerns speech rights of student journalists at public schools and public institutions of higher education. (Support)
* A5701/S2160 – Creates special education unit within the Office of Administrative Law; requires annual report. (Support)
* A4179/S2559 – Revises requirements for health insurance providers and Medicaid to cover services provided using telemedicine and telehealth; appropriates $5 million. (Monitor)
* A5312/S2834 – Mandates training on culturally responsive teaching for all candidates for teaching certification. (Support)
* A5537/S3488 – Modifies certain procedures pertaining to school district regionalization; establishes grant program for cost reimbursement of conducting regionalization feasibility studies; and provides financial incentives for regionalization. (Support)
* A2455/S2204 – Establishes pilot program in DOE to support FIRST Robotics Programs in school districts. (Support)
* A4433/S2715 – Creates grant program to encourage school districts to partner with institutions of higher education in training school-based mental health services providers. (Support)
* A4435/S2717 – Requires DCF to give priority to certain school districts with student mental health counseling centers in awarding grants under School Based Youth Services Program. (Monitor)
BILLS VETOED
* A2687/S969 – Establishes loan redemption program for teachers in certain fields to redeem loan amounts received under New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students Loan Program through employment in certain low performing schools. (Support)
WHEN WILL THE LEGISLATURE MEET AGAIN?
* Monday, November 15, Assembly Committees at Call of the Speaker; Senate Committees
* Thursday, December 2, Assembly and Senate Voting Sessions
* Monday, December 6, Assembly and Senate Committees
* Thursday, December 9, Assembly and Senate Committees
* Monday, December 13, Assembly Committees at Call of the Speaker; Senate Committees
* Thursday, December 16, Assembly Voting Session
* Monday, December 20, Senate Voting Session
* Monday, January 3, Assembly Committees at Call of the Speaker
* Thursday, January 6, Assembly Committees at Call of the Speaker; Senate Committees
* Monday, January 10, Assembly and Senate Voting Sessions
[New Jersey Education Association]<https://www.njea.org/ >
Francine Pfeffer
Associate Director
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
180 W. State Street
Trenton, NJ 08607-1211
p: 609-599-4561 x 2326
c: 732-280-8324
f: 609-394-3355
Results From The Legislature June 24, 2021
Following yesterday’s lengthy legislative session the legislature approved the FY2022 budget, detailed more below, as well as a number of bills which impact NJEA members and which were supported by the organization. This budget is historic in the amounts of money dedicated to pre-k-12 education, higher education and the pension system as starters. Remember that Governor Murphy’s initial budget proposal introduced the first full actuarial required pension payment in 25 years and a year ahead of the law requiring him to submit a budget with a 9/10th payment. As you will see below following that announcement and that the state would have greater than expected revenues Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Coughlin worked to agree on additional funds to pay down the unfunded liability by an addition $505 million dollars.
As you can see below the budget is required to be completed by June 30th each year, but again this year the Governor, Senate President and Speaker working together have moved forward with a state budget in advance of the June 30th deadline.
NJEA supported A-5870 (Pintor Marin, Burzichelli)/S-2022 (Sarlo, Cunningham), the FY 2022 budget bill, which appropriated $46,380,012,000 in State funds and $21,026,030,082 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2021-2022. This budget will help strengthen our state, communities and schools as we move into the future.
The budget demonstrates the state’s support of our schools, students, their communities and school employees through its inclusion of the following:
.
* A full actuarial payment to TPAF a year ahead of schedule. In addition the legislature and Governor added another $301,509,00.00 to TPAF alone. This payment will help ensure the solvency of the pension fund. The TPAF payment, along with funding to support post-retirement medical benefits for retirees who qualify, show the state’s commitment to hard-working public school employees.
* Over all the Governor and legislature are adding an additional $505 million dollars to the pension system beyond what actuaries have required making the total being contributed to the pension system this year $6.9 Billion. THAT’S RIGHT!!
* Significant funding for pre-k-12 education. This additional investment in our schools puts us on the path to fully funding the school funding formula. However, we note that districts affected by S-2 should be given consideration for additional aid moving forward.
* Increased extraordinary special education aid by $125,000,000, which will help our K-12 schools meet the high costs of special education while delivering needed services to our students.
* More funding for our county colleges, $5,000,000.00, which have been chronically underfunded over the years, through operating aid, as well as additional money to the Community College Opportunity Grant program.
* Additional funding for meeting student needs, including food programs, school linked services, and the community schools pilot program. The pandemic only underscored the importance of meeting students’ social, emotional, and physical needs. Some of these increases are:
* Breakfast After the Bell – $5,000,000
* School Linked Services Program – $5,000,000
* Community Schools Pilot Program Fund – $5,000,000
* SNAP & School Meals Dual Enrollment Pilot Program – $600,000
Ultimately, a strong investment in public education is an investment in our communities and our future. NJEA thanks the legislature and the governor for making this investment in New Jersey’s public schools and working to keep the promises the state made to its education employees, who ensured students continued learning through the pandemic. The state’s investment today will continue to ensure our education system remains strong and grows stronger into the future.
Additionally, as the Governor and legislature worked out the details of the FY 2022 budget the agreement on A13 (Freiman, Armato, Pintor Marin, Mazzeo, Houghtaling, Coughlin) / S4000 (Sarlo, Sweeney) to establish a “New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund,” in the amount of $3.7 billion helps create a sound fiscal approach to improve the state’s long term financial situation. Reducing the overall debt burden in future years by drawing from this fund will free up more resources in the coming years to meet pressing needs such as school funding, pension and support for community colleges. Using this specific opportunity of additional resources to improve the state’s fiscal footing is a smart strategy to meet our collective obligations in school funding, pensions, and critical infrastructure needs.
Finally, we expect that the Governor will sign the budget next week, which much be completed by June 30th. It will take effect for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
For anyone interested, here’s how the budget process works:
* The governor proposes a budget, usually towards the end of February.
* The legislature goes on “budget break” and takes public comments and hears from each executive department about its budget needs.
* Budget break ends, regular legislative work resumes.
* Budget committees vote on a budget.
* The budget then moves to a floor and finally the Governor’s signature.
THE BUDGET AND BILL NEWS:
In voting blitz, lawmakers approve hundreds of measures<https://www.njspotlight.com/2021/06/lawmakers-bills-hundreds-approved-reelection-campaigns/?nbsp%3B&utm_source=NJ%20Spotlight%20%20Master%20List&utm_campaign=7426d726de-AM_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2021_06_25&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1d26f473a7-7426d726de-398832064&ct=t%28AM_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_06_25_2021%29&mc_cid=7426d726de&mc_eid=ce64a63ca7 >
COLLEEN O’DEA<https://www.njspotlight.com/author/colleen-odea/ >, MONSY ALVARADO<https://www.njspotlight.com/author/monsy-alvarado/ >, LILO H. STAINTON<https://www.njspotlight.com/author/lilo-h-stainton/ > | JUNE 25, 2021 | POLITICS<https://www.njspotlight.com/politics/ >
The budget got the headlines, but many more bills were passed by legislators eager to break before their reelection campaigns
SWEENEY STATEMENT ON SENATE PASSAGE OF FY22 BUDGET
TRENTON – Senate President Steve Sweeney issued the following statement on today’s passage by the Senate of the New Jersey State Budget for Fiscal Year 2022 (S2022<https://govnetnj.com/GOV/billinfo?s=2020&b=S2022 >):
“This budget represents an important statement to all New Jersey residents: we are primed and ready to rebound from the pandemic. This spending plan makes important new investments that bring tax relief, increase affordability, reduce debt, and enhance the health and safety of residents. It is our state’s blueprint to emerge from the ravages of COVID-19 stronger than ever.
“For those who are still struggling to pay basic bills, the budget sets aside three-quarters of a billion dollars for rental and utility assistance. For middle class families, the plan includes tax credits for families, rebates for homeowners, and investments to help both college students and retirees.
“The plan also safeguards the long-term health of New Jersey itself, with an additional $2.5 billion payment to the underfunded pension plan, more than a billion dollars for a Rainy Day Fund, and a commitment to pay off older, more expensive debt. In addition, it guarantees legislative oversight on how $6.5 billion in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan are spent. In short, this is the epitome of responsible budgeting to benefit future generations.”
SPEAKER COUGHLIN STATEMENT ON LEGISLATURE PASSING FY2022 BUDGET
(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex) released the following statement on the Legislature’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2022 State Budget (A5870<https://govnetnj.com/GOV/billinfo?s=2020&b=A5870 >) in the Assembly and Senate on Thursday:
“I’m proud of the work done in partnership with the Governor and Senate President to produce a fair and responsible budget that looks toward greater economic vitality and growth that will benefit every New Jerseyan.
“Thanks to $5 billion in unanticipated revenues, this budget builds beyond the priorities we initially set out to achieve. Our spending supports the best public school education system in the country, puts forth nine meaningful new and expanded tax relief programs for working families, seniors and college students, and fulfills our full pension obligation for the first time in 25 years.
“With a record $6.9 billion toward pensions, over $100 million in new college savings, boosts to school aid by over $650 million, $10 million for anti-hunger efforts, and $500 rebate for 760,000 hard-working families, these are not just line items. These are life-changing contributions that put money back in people’s pockets, keep property taxes in check, and protect those left vulnerable by the pandemic.
“Expanding on our commitments to put New Jersey on a stronger fiscal footing, in this budget we’ve also taken big steps toward major debt payoff with $3.7 billion locked-up for defeasance and lower cost long-term borrowing. Infrastructural capital investment projects as supported by this budget will move us forward on clean energy, safer drinking water, and healthcare access for safer, more equal communities.
“Together our budget forms an incredibly comprehensive and strategic spending plan for New Jersey, and we did it without any new taxes or fees.”
OTHER POLITICAL NEWS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:
Congratulations Governor Murphy:
[https://38golu1f1ik01c9tej2um08s-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/KBS_9812.jpg ]Arkansas, New Jersey governors to head National Governors Association<https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/559879-arkansas-new-jersey-governors-to-head-national-governors-association >
Republican governor of Arkansas: ‘Gov. Murphy showed a steady hand of leadership during the pandemic and has proven he can work across the aisle to get things done’
By David Wildstein<https://newjerseyglobe.com/author/david-wildstein/ >, June 23 2021 4:35 pm
Congratulations President Biden:
[https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/06/25/lens/25ambriefing-infrastructure2/25ambriefing-infrastructure2-articleLarge-v3.jpg ][cid:image007.png@01D769B3.15E09060 ]
President Biden and a bipartisan group of senators after an infrastructure package meeting at the White House yesterday. Pete Marovich for The New York Times
TAKE ACTION: ACCIDENTAL DEATH BENEFIT BILL
This week Senate President Sweeney moved a bill through committee to provide accidental death benefits for members of TPAF and PERS who contracted COVID while on the job.
This bill now needs to be voted on by the full Senate before moving to the Assembly. Please be sure to thank him for moving this bill on Wednesday.
BILLS THE GOVERNOR HAS TAKEN ACTION ON:
* A4004/S2410 – Establishes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic Task Force on Racial and Health Disparities. (Monitor)(Signed by the Governor P.L.2021, c.106)
* A5820/S3866 – Provides for termination of public health emergency declared by Governor to address COVID-19 pandemic, except certain executive orders, directives, and powers will remain in effect temporarily. (Monitor) (Signed by the Governor P.L.2021, c.103)
* S3434/A5366 – Requires boards of education to provide special education and related services to certain students exceeding age of eligibility for special education and related services. (Support)( Signed by the Governor P.L.2021, c.109)
BILLS ON THE GOVERNOR’S DESK:
* A13/S4000 – Establishes “New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund,” appropriates $3.7 billion. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A681/S397 – Expands scope of law prohibiting age discrimination. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A970/S2259 – Establishes Mental Health Screening in Schools Grant Program in DOE; appropriates $1 million. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A1625/S2854 – Directs DOE to develop outreach program to encourage young women and minorities to pursue post-secondary degrees and careers in STEM. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A2311/S356 – Establishes study commission to examine development of mutually beneficial relationships between institutions of higher education and municipalities. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A2455/S2204 – Establishes pilot program in DOE to support FIRST Robotics Programs in school districts. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A4433/S2715 – Creates grant program to encourage school districts to partner with institutions of higher education in training school-based mental health services providers. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A4435/S2717 – Requires DCF to give priority to certain school districts with student mental health counseling centers in awarding grants under School Based Youth Services Program. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A4544/S3150 – Permits school nurse who is retired from TPAF to return to employment for up to two years without reenrollment in TPAF. (Oppose) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A5343/S3398 – Requires public community water systems to inventory and replace lead service lines within 10 years; provides for recoupment of costs by investor-owned public water systems. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A5365/S3872 – Permits parent or guardian to request grade retention for student during 2021-2022 school year. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A5539/S3954 – Provides partial pension and retirement income exclusion for taxpayers with income between $100,000 and $150,000. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A5597/S3801 – Permits school districts to administer student health surveys after prior written notification to parents and legal guardians. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A5882/S3943 – Establishes State supplement for federal summer food service program meals. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A5883/S3944 – Establishes State supplement for “breakfast after the bell” meals. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A5886/S3959 – Awards project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for school security projects in certain school districts; appropriates $66,173,243. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A5887/S3960 – Awards project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for water infrastructure projects in certain school districts; appropriates $6,608,212. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A5888/S3961 – Provides project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for career and technical education at county colleges; appropriates $26,456,996. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* A5889/S3962 – Provides project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Fund” for career and technical education expansion in county vocational school districts; appropriates $222,904,769. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S225/A679 – Provides that student-athlete who sustains concussion must return to regular school activities prior to return to competition; requires school districts to implement six-step return-to-competition process. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S829/A2135 – Requires property condition disclosure statement to indicate presence of lead plumbing in residential property. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S854/A3394 – “Laura Wooten’s Law”; Requires civics instruction in middle school; authorizes New Jersey Center for Civic Education to provide curricula, professional development and technical assistance for middle and high school civics. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S969/A2687 – Establishes loan redemption program for teachers in certain fields to redeem loan amounts received under New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students Loan Program through employment in certain low performing schools. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S1147/A1372 – Requires lead paint inspection on certain residential rental property, including upon tenant turnover; establishes lead-based paint hazard education program; appropriates $3,900,000. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S2022/A5870 – Appropriates $46,380,012,000 in State funds and $21,026,030,082 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2021-2022. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S2160/A5701 – Creates special education unit within the Office of Administrative Law; requires annual report. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S2826/A4594 – Directs DOE to establish five-year pilot program for issuance of limited certificate of eligibility with advanced standing and limited certificate of eligibility for certain teacher candidates. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S2834/A5312 – Mandates training on culturally responsive teaching for all candidates for teaching certification. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S2924/A4663 – Creates two-year “Restorative and Transformative Justice for Youths and Communities Pilot Program” in Juvenile Justice Commission; appropriates $4.2 million in FY 2022 and FY 2023. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S3253/A2619 – Establishes alternate route to expedite certification of teachers at early college high school programs. (Oppose) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S3654/A5845 – Establishes Amistad Commission Exemplary Award Program; appropriates $10,000. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S3798/A5805 – Eliminates premiums and waiting periods for certain NJ FamilyCare enrollees and directs DHS to implement additional targeted outreach initiatives to increase enrollment. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S3881/A5834 – Extends deadline for completion and filing of annual audit report of school district for 2020-2021 school year; establishes deadline for submission of Audit Summary for 2020-2021 school year. (Oppose) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S3945/A5884 – Establishes Office of Food Insecurity Advocate. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* S3995/A5944 – Establishes School and Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program Fund in BPU. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
* SJR109/AJR208 – Condemns hate and violent extremism and commits to defense of safe and just democracy. (Support) (Passed in both houses; sent to Governor)
RESULTS FROM THURSDAY, JUNE 24:
* A13/S4000 – Establishes “New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund,” appropriates $3.7 billion. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A1372 – Requires lead paint inspection prior to home purchases and tenant turnover; establishes educational program on lead hazards. (Support)(Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A1459 – Prohibits the sale of certain children’s products containing lead, mercury, or cadmium. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
* A169/S108 – Concerns speech rights of student journalists at public schools and public institutions of higher education. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
* A192 – Establishes “New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program” in Department of Education. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
* A2134/S830 – Requires public water systems to offer drinking water tests to customers in certain circumstances. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
* A2135/S829 – Requires property condition disclosure statement to indicate presence of lead plumbing in residential property. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A2619/S3253 – Establishes alternate route to expedite certification of teachers at early college high school programs. (Oppose) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A2687/S969 – Establishes loan redemption program for teachers in certain fields to redeem loan amounts received under New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students Loan Program through employment in certain low performing schools. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A2957 – Establishes task force to examine issues and make recommendations concerning youth sports, including abusive coaching, confrontational parents, and bullying of players. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
* A3027 – Commits $3 million from Supplemental Workforce Fund for Basic Skill to NJ Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development. (Monitor) (Passed in Assembly)
* A3149/S84 – Requires institutions of higher education and public and nonpublic high schools and middle schools to adopt anti-hazing policies; expands activities encompassing criminal hazing and upgrades penalties for engaging in these activities. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
* A4434/S2716 – Establishes Student Wellness Grant Program in DOE. (Support) (Passed in Senate)
* A4435/S2717 – Requires DCF to give priority to certain school districts with student mental health counseling centers in awarding grants under School Based Youth Services Program. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A4517/S2766 – Requires Civil Service Commission establish mentoring program for certain civil service law enforcement applicants. (Support)(Passed in Assembly)
* A4542/S2765 – Requires Civil Services Commission to undertake various initiatives to increase diversity and inclusivity within law enforcement agencies. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
* A4598/S2767 – Establishes database to aid in civil service hiring process for certain law enforcement officers; requires Statewide diversity analysis of law enforcement. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
* A4663/S2924 – Creates two-year “Restorative and Transformative Justice for Youths and Communities Pilot Program” in Juvenile Justice Commission; appropriates $4.2 million in FY 2022 and FY 2023. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A4906 – Allows minors to serve as election workers between 5:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on elections days. (Monitor) (Passed in Assembly)
* A5343 – Requires public community water systems to inventory and replace lead service lines within 10 years; provides for recoupment of costs by investor-owned public water systems. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5365/S3872 – Permits parent or guardian to request grade retention for student during 2021-2022 school year. (Monitor) (Passed both houses; sent to Governor) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5539/S3954 – Provides partial pension and retirement income exclusion for taxpayers with income between $100,000 and $150,000. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5597/S3801 – Permits school districts to administer student health surveys after prior written notification to parents and legal guardians. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5701/S2160 – Creates special education unit within the Office of Administrative Law; requires annual report. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5805/S3798 – Eliminates premiums and waiting periods for certain NJ FamilyCare enrollees; directs DHS to implement additional targeted outreach initiatives to increase enrollment; revises reporting requirements; appropriates $20 million. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5814 – Creates School Bus Safety Ombudsman position in, but not of, Department of Education. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
* A5818 – Provides for debarment of school bus contractors for certain violations; requires certain information in pupil transportation contract bid. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
* A5834/S3881 – Extends deadline for completion and filing of annual audit report of school district for 2020-2021 school year; establishes deadline for submission of Audit Summary for 2020-2021 school year. (Oppose)(Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5862/S- “Responsible Collective Negotiations Act.” (Seek amendments)(No action)
* A5870/S2022 – Appropriates $46,380,012,000 in State funds and $21,026,030,082 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2021-2022. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5882/S3943 – Establishes State supplement for federal summer food service program meals. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5883/S3944 – Establishes State supplement for “breakfast after the bell” meals. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5884/S3945 – Establishes Office of Food Insecurity Advocate. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5886/S3959 – Awards project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for school security projects in certain school districts; appropriates $66,173,243. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5887/S3960 – Awards project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for water infrastructure projects in certain school districts; appropriates $6,608,212. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5888/S3961 – Provides project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for career and technical education at county colleges; appropriates $26,456,996. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5889/S3962 – Provides project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Fund” for career and technical education expansion in county vocational school districts; appropriates $222,904,769. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A5994/S3995 – Establishes School and Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program Fund in BPU. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
RESULTS FROM TUESDAY, JUNE 22:
* A1372/S1147 – Requires lead paint inspection on certain residential rental property, including upon tenant turnover; establishes lead-based paint hazard education program; appropriates $3,900,000. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee substitute, 2nd reading in Assembly and Senate)
* A2135/S829 – Requires property condition disclosure statement to indicate presence of lead plumbing in residential property. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* A5365/S3872 – Permits parent or guardian to request grade retention for student during 2021-2022 school year. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* A5539/S3954 – Provides partial pension and retirement income exclusion for taxpayers with income between $100,000 and $150,000. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly and Senate)
* A5805/S3798 – Eliminates premiums and waiting periods for certain NJ FamilyCare enrollees; directs DHS to implement additional targeted outreach initiatives to increase enrollment; revises reporting requirements; appropriates $20 million. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly and Senate)
* A5814 – Creates School Bus Safety Ombudsman position in, but not of, Department of Education. (Support) (Transferred to Assembly Budget Committee. Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* A5862 – “Responsible Collective Negotiations Act.” (Seek Amendments) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* A5870/S2022 – Appropriates $46,380,012,000 in State funds and $21,026,030,082 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2021-2022. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly and Senate)
* A5944/S3995 – Establishes School and Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program Fund in BPU. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly and Senate)
* A5886/S3959 – Awards project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for school security projects in certain school districts; appropriates $66,173,243. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* A5887/S3960 – Awards project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for water infrastructure projects in certain school districts; appropriates $6,608,212. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* A5888/S3961 – Provides project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for career and technical education at county colleges; appropriates $26,456,996. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* A5889/S3962 – Provides project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Fund” for career and technical education expansion in county vocational school districts; appropriates $222,904,769. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S793 – Commits $3 million from Supplemental Workforce Fund for Basic Skill to NJ Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S3284 – Provides for accidental death benefit if death of TPAF member and certain PERS members is caused by COVID-19. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S3617 – Establishes School Funding Formula Evaluation Task Force. (Seek Amendments) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
RESULTS FROM MONDAY, JUNE 21:
* A679/S225 – Provides that student-athlete who sustains concussion must return to regular school activities prior to return to competition; requires school districts to implement six-step return-to-competition process. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A681/S397 – Expands scope of law prohibiting age discrimination. (Support) (Passed in Senate and sent to Governor)
* A1385/S970 – Requires members of governing boards of public institutions of higher education to complete training program developed by institution in consultation with Secretary of Higher Education. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A1599 – Requires public school students with concussion to be evaluated by licensed health care professionals before return to school; requires school districts to provide restrictions or limitations to student as needed. (Support) (Passed in Assembly; referred to Senate Education Committee)
* A1971 – Directs BPU to develop and implement electric school bus pilot program. (Seek Amendments) (Passed in Assembly; referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee)
* A2311/S356 – Establishes study commission to examine development of mutually beneficial relationships between institutions of higher education and municipalities. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A3007 – Requires institutions of higher education to provide students with access to mental health care programs and services and to establish a hotline to provide information concerning the availability of those services. (Support) (Passed in Assembly; referred to Senate Higher Education Committee)
* A3149/S84/S2093 – Increases penalty for hazing; clarifies that prohibited conduct includes causing, coercing, or forcing consumption of alcohol or drugs. (Support)
* (Amended on Assembly floor, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* A4433/S2715 – Creates grant program to encourage school districts to partner with institutions of higher education in training school-based mental health services providers. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A4434/S2716 – Establishes Student Wellness Grant Program in DOE. (Support) (Amended on Senate floor, 2nd reading in Senate)
* A4436/S555/S2718 – Establishes “Student Mental Health Task Force” to study resources available to schools and parents to address student mental health needs. (Support) (Passed in Senate; received in Assembly, 2nd reading in Assembly to concur with Senate amendments)
* A4544/S3150 – Permits school nurse who is retired from TPAF to return to employment for up to two years without reenrollment in TPAF. (Oppose)(Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)
* A4517 /S2766 – Requires Civil Service Commission establish mentoring program for minority civil service law enforcement applicants. (Support) (Amended on Assembly floor, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* A4542/S2765 – Requires Civil Services Commission to undertake various initiatives to increase diversity and inclusivity within law enforcement agencies. (Support) (Amended on Assembly floor, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* A4594/S2826 – Directs DOE to establish five-year pilot program for issuance of limited certificate of eligibility with advanced standing and limited certificate of eligibility for certain teacher candidates. (Monitor) (Passed in Assembly and sent to Governor)
* A4598/S2767 – Establishes oversight database to aid in civil service hiring process for law enforcement officers; requires Statewide diversity analysis of law enforcement. (Support) (Amended on Assembly floor, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* A4906 – Allows minors to serve as election workers between 5:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on elections days. (Monitor) (Amended on Assembly floor, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* A5312/S2834 – Mandates training on culturally responsive teaching for all candidates for teaching certification. (Support) (Passed in Assembly and sent to Governor)
* A5343/S3398 – Requires public community water systems to inventory and replace lead service lines within 10 years; provides for recoupment of costs by investor-owned public water systems. (Support) (Passed in Senate; received in Assembly, 2nd reading in Assembly to concur with Senate amendments)
* A5537/S3488 – Modifies certain procedures pertaining to school district regionalization; establishes grant program for cost reimbursement of conducting regionalization feasibility studies; and provides financial incentives for regionalization. (Support)(Passed in Assembly; received in Senate, 2nd reading in Senate to concur with Assembly amendments)
* A5817 – Revises violation and fines for approving or assigning unauthorized individuals as school bus drivers. (Monitor) (Passed in Assembly; received in Senate w/o committee reference, 2nd reading in Senate)
* A5818 – Provides for debarment of school bus contractors for certain violations; requires certain information in pupil transportation contract bid. (Support) (Amended on Assembly floor, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* A5825/S3487 – Changes effective date of Garden State Health Plan; exempts certain charter and renaissance schools from certain healthcare plan requirements; requires certain negotiations over certain health care costs. (Support) (Passed in Assembly; received in Senate w/o committee reference, 2nd reading in Senate)
* A5845/S3654 – Establishes Amistad Commission Exemplary Award Program; appropriates $10,000. (Support) (Passed in Assembly and sent to Governor)
* A5886/S3959 – Awards project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for school security projects in certain school districts; appropriates $66,173,243. (Monitor) (Passed in Assembly; referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee)
* A5887/S3960 – Awards project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for water infrastructure projects in certain school districts; appropriates $6,608,212. (Monitor) (Passed in Assembly; referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee)
* A5888/S3961 – Provides project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for career and technical education at county colleges; appropriates $26,456,996. (Monitor) (Passed in Assembly; referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee)
* A5889/S3962 – Provides project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for career and technical education expansion in county vocational school districts; appropriates $222,904,769. (Monitor) (Passed in Assembly; referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee)
* S990 – Requires school district to provide information to DOE on various aspects of computer science courses. (Monitor) (Passed in Senate; referred to Assembly Education Committee)
* S1230 – Establishes “New Jersey Higher Education Funding Formula Commission.” (Support) (Passed in Senate; referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee)
* S2924 – Creates two-year “Restorative and Transformative Justice for Youths and Communities Pilot Program” in Juvenile Justice Commission focused on reducing youth involvement with youth justice system; appropriates $8.4 million in FY 2021 and FY 2022. (Support) (Passed in Senate; received in Assembly w/o committee reference, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* S3033 – Establishes School and Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program in BPU. (Support) (Bill held)
* S3213 – Establishes New Jersey Community Learning Program in DOE to provide comprehensive extended learning time programs in certain communities; dedicates portion of State cannabis revenue to support program. (Support) (Passed in Senate; referred to Assembly Education Committee)
* S3810 – “Responsible Collective Negotiations Act.” (Seek Amendments) (Amended on Senate floor, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S3849 – Provides for debarment of school bus contractors for certain violations; requires certain information in pupil transportation contract bid. (Support) (Amended on Senate floor, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S3881 – Extends deadline for completion and filing of annual audit report of school district for 2020-2021 school year; establishes deadline for submission of Audit Summary for 2020-2021 school year. (Oppose)(Passed in Senate; Received in Assembly w/o committee reference, 2nd reading in Assembly)
* S3685 – Permits teacher and professional staff member who provides special services retired from TPAF to return to employment for up to two years without reenrollment in TPAF if employment commences during state of emergency for COVID-19 pandemic. (Monitor) (Passed in Senate; referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee)
* S3943 – Establishes State supplement for federal summer food service program meals. (Support) (Amended on Senate floor, 2nd reading in Senate)
RESULTS FROM THURSDAY, JUNE 17:
* A4433/S2715 – Creates grant program to encourage school districts to partner with institutions of higher education in training school-based mental health services providers. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* A4434/S2716 – Establishes Student Wellness Grant Program in DOE. (Support)
* (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* A4436/S555/S2718 – Establishes “Student Mental Health Task Force” to study resources available to schools and parents to address student mental health needs. (Support) (S555 combined with S2718; Reported out of committee with committee substitute, 2nd reading in Senate)
* A5343/S3398 – Requires public community water systems to inventory and replace lead service lines within 10 years; provides for recoupment of costs by investor-owned public water systems. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S2924 – Creates two-year “Restorative and Transformative Justice for Youths and Communities Pilot Program” in Juvenile Justice Commission focused on reducing youth involvement with youth justice system; appropriates $8.4 million in FY 2021 and FY 2022. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S3637 – “New Jersey Retirement Infrastructure Collateralized Holdings Fund Act”; creates trust fund for conveyance of certain assets for benefit of State-administered retirement systems; requires remediation of emergent conditions for certain public assets; (Monitor) (Bill held)
* S3685 – Permits school teacher who is retired from TPAF to return to employment during public health emergency and state of emergency for COVID-19 pandemic, for up to two years without reenrollment in TPAF. (Monitor)
* (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S3881 – Extends deadline for completion and filing of annual audit report of school district for 2020-2021 school year; establishes deadline for submission of Audit Summary for 2020-2021 school year. (Oppose) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S3943 – Establishes State supplement for federal summer food service program meals. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S3944 – Establishes State supplement for “breakfast after the bell” meals. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S3945 – Establishes Office of Food Insecurity Advocate. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
* S3959 – Awards project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for school security projects in certain school districts; appropriates $66,173,243. (Monitor) (Bill held)
* S3960 – Awards project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for water infrastructure projects in certain school districts; appropriates $6,608,212. (Monitor) (Bill held)
* S3961 – Provides project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for career and technical education at county colleges; appropriates $26,456,996. (Monitor) (Bill held)
* S3962 – Provides project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for career and technical education expansion in county vocational school districts; appropriates $222,904,769. (Monitor) (Bill held)
WHEN IS THE LEGISLATURE MEETING AGAIN? (The Senate says they’re back on June 30th and they have indicated they will not be back until November.)
* Wednesday, June 30 Assembly/Senate Voting
[cid:F4C3CC71-3DF1-4AAF-BF12-A50893188981]
Al Beaver
Director – NJEA Government Relations
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
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p: 609-310-4363
f: 609-394-3355
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Patricia Robbins
Office Manager , Somerset County Education Association
1140 Route 22 East, Suite 100
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Telephone: (908) 393-9000 Fax: (908) 393-9007
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