—

With the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary focus, it seems relatively quiet here in NJ.  While there are plenty of things going on – the commission to look at the treatment of women in NJ politics is having its first meeting, the Senate passed a bill to allow college athletes to sign endorsement deals, and Senate President Sweeney is proposing a ballot question to dedicate money for NJ Transit — the statehouse seems calm.

Last week, the State Board of Education met, and although the board didn’t vote on regulations surrounding student assessment, they did approve, to publish at proposal level, changing some rules around teacher evaluation, including making all teachers, both tested and non-tested, have 15% of their evaluation based on Student Growth Objectives (SGOs).  Teachers in tested subjects would still have 5% of their evaluation based on Student Growth Percentiles (SGPs).  You can read more about it below.

Trenton always abounds with rumors, but last week the rumor about Commissioner Repollet being considered for the job of president at Kean University also surfaced in reputable journalistic sources.  No other news on that … stay tuned!

IN THIS UPDATE

  *  In the news

  *  Take action

  *  Results from Monday, February 10

  *  Bills to be considered Thursday, February 13

  *  When is the legislature meeting again?

IN THE NEWS

Today is the New Hampshire primary, but there are other stories in the education world.

  *  Teacher evaluation regulations are undergoing some changes at the State Board, as mentioned above.

https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/02/repollet-looks-to-ease-back-on-key-gauge-of-teacher-accountability/

  *  Curriculum standards are undergoing their revision process, and it’s time for the public to give its input.

https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/02/public-now-gets-chance-to-weigh-in-on-proposed-changes-to-core-learning-standards/

TAKE ACTION

  *  We have heard from legislators that we will see our subcontracting bill introduced soon.  Tell the legislature that we need Job justice for ESPs:

https://actioncenter.njea.org/tell-legislators-protect-the-jobs-of-esp-members/

and Chapter 78 relief:

https://actioncenter.njea.org/tell-legislators-we-need-ch-78-relief/

RESULTS FROM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10

  *  S960 – Requires parent to provide completed financial information to Higher Education Student Assistance Authority if parent’s dependent applies to State for student financial aid. (Monitor) (Passed in Senate)

  *  S968 – Requires public water systems to provide notice of elevated lead levels in drinking water to customers and local officials; requires landlords to notify tenants of elevated lead levels. (Support) (Passed in Senate)

  *  S970 – Requires members of governing boards of public institutions of higher education to complete a training program developed by Secretary of Higher Education. (Monitor) (Passed in Senate)

  *  S973 – Requires Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to establish apprenticeship mentoring program for women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. (Support) (Passed in Senate)

  *  SCR15 – Reconstitutes the “Joint Committee on Economic Justice and Equal Employment Opportunity.” (Support) (Passed in Senate)

BILLS TO BE CONSIDERED THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13

  *  A1040 – Requires that if a school district satisfies 80% or more of the required NJ Quality Single Accountability Continuum standards in an area of district effectiveness under State intervention, the State must return that area to local control. (Support)

  *  A1104 – “Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act”; requires certain school meal information be provided to students’ parents; establishes protocols for identifying eligible students for meal programs; prohibits stigmatizing student with bill in arrears. (Support)

  *  A1630 – Clarifies that school district is not required to restrict access to school meals if school meal bill is in arrears. (Support)

  *  A1631 – Requires school districts take certain actions to increase participation in free or reduced priced meal programs; prohibits shaming students with school meal bills in arrears; prohibits certain district actions in collecting unpaid school meal fees. (Support)

  *  A1632 Requires school district to establish “School Meal Fund” to assist students with school meal bill in arrears. (Support)

  *  A1669 – Requires health insurers to limit copayments for insulin. (Oppose)

  *  S1028 – Allocates Amistad Commission in but not of DOE; requires commission to elect chairperson and appoint executive director; requires public schools to include instruction on accomplishments and contributions of African Americans to American society. (Monitor)

  *  S1032 – Requires young children entering public schools or Head Start Programs for first time to have comprehensive eye examination completed. (Support)

  *  S108 – Concerns speech rights of student journalists at public schools and public institutions of higher education. (Support)

  *  S237 – Requires new civics instruction in middle and high schools; requires school districts to use DOE’s curriculum guidelines for civics; and requires DOE to provide funding to enhance civics instruction. (Oppose)

  *  S311 – Prohibits school district from denying admittance to student due to tardiness or violation of dress code or school uniform policy. (Under review)

  *  S316 – Establishes the Office of Dropout Prevention and Reengagement of Out-of-School Youth in DOE, and the Student Dropout Prevention Task Force. (Support)

  *  S692 – Requires school districts to provide feminine hygiene products in certain public schools and requires State to pay costs. (Under review)

  *  S854 – “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 and provides annual center funding. (Oppose) [will be combined with S237]

  *  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)

  *  S984 – Requires municipalities to share certain payments received in lieu of property taxes with school districts; informs counties and school districts of application for property tax exemption. (Support)

WHEN IS THE LEGISLATURE MEETING AGAIN?

*        Thursday, February 13      Assembly and Senate Committees

*        Monday, February 24        Assembly and Senate Voting Session

*        Tuesday, February 25        Governor’s Budget Address

*        Tuesday, March 5              Assembly Committees and Senate Voting Session

*        Monday, March 16            Assembly and Senate Committees

*        Thursday, March 19          Assembly and Senate Committees

*        Thursday, March 26          Assembly and Senate Voting Session

[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

fpfeffer@njea.org<mailto:fpfeffer@njea.org>

—

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

Unlike the national scene, it has been relatively quiet at the legislature, as the 219th session gets underway.  Legislators and staff are still in the process of reintroducing bills, including our job justice subcontracting bill.  The legislature has been in session three times, with Assembly and Senate committees both having two meetings.  Monday, February 10 is the first Senate voting session, while the Assembly doesn’t have a voting session scheduled until February 24.

Governor Murphy will give his budget address to a joint session of the legislature on Tuesday, February 25.  While we don’t know specifics yet, over the next two weeks we will probably be reading teasers about budget proposals.  Once the governor makes his budget recommendations, “budget break” usually begins.  The budget committees in both houses will meet to hear from members of the public, then will hear from executive agencies as to their budget needs.

We call it budget break because the legislature usually suspends its routine business during budget hearings.  Currently, however, there are four session days scheduled in March, and the legislature has not yet released its calendar beyond that.  Perhaps budget break will be in April this year, or maybe the legislature won’t take the usual break from routine business.  Regardless, the legislature and the executive branch negotiate the budget until the end of June, and, as we saw last year, sometimes into July.

In other news, the State Board of Education will not vote on assessment regulations at its February meeting.  Instead, that vote will probably be in March, or even April.  Someone at the DOE told us it was going to be February, but that information was wrong.  DOE staff is still compiling the hundreds of comments they received.  (Thank you to all of you who sent comments!)

IN THIS UPDATE

  *  In the news

  *  Take action

  *  Results from Thursday, January 30

  *  Results from Monday, February 3

  *  When is the legislature meeting again?

IN THE NEWS

The meltdown at the Iowa caucuses, Trump’s State of the State, and Trump’s impeachment are not the only things happening.  Here are some other stories:

  *  The Senate Higher Education Committee is continuing work it began a few years ago to encourage students to graduate “on time.”

https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/01/senate-higher-ed-committee-pushes-for-on-time-college-graduations/

At the same time, Senator Kean is asking why there is such an outmigration of NJ college students.

https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/kean-chronic-student-outmigration-will-impact-higher-education-economy/

  *  While New Jersey already has a lot of debt as a state, we are issuing bonds for libraries and schools, as approved last year, and will probably be borrowing more to replace lead lines.

https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2020/02/03/new-jersey-wants-increase-its-already-hefty-debt-burden/2831850001/

TAKE ACTION

  *  Tell the legislature that we need Job justice for ESPs:

https://actioncenter.njea.org/tell-legislators-protect-the-jobs-of-esp-members/

and Chapter 78 relief:

https://actioncenter.njea.org/tell-legislators-we-need-ch-78-relief/

RESULTS FROM THURSDAY, JANUARY 30

  *  S791 – Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)

  *  S917 – Allows gross income tax deduction for employees for amounts paid by employers for certain educational assistance programs for employees and for employee’s student loans. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate; Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee)

  *  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 failing schools. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate; Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee)

  *  S970 – Requires members of governing boards of public institutions of higher education to complete a training program developed by Secretary on Higher Education. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)

RESULTS FROM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3

  *  A192 – Establishes “New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program” in Department of Education. (Support) (      Reported out of committee, referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee)

WHEN IS THE LEGISLATURE MEETING AGAIN?

  *  Monday, February 10, Senate Voting Session

  *  Thursday, February 13, Assembly and Senate Committees

  *  Monday, February 24, Assembly and Senate Voting Session

  *  Tuesday, February 25, Governor’s Budget Address

  *  Tuesday, March 5, Assembly Committees and Senate Voting Session

  *  Monday, March 16, Assembly and Senate Committees

  *  Thursday, March 19, Assembly and Senate Committees

  *  Thursday, March 26, Assembly and Senate Voting Session

[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

fpfeffer@njea.org<mailto:fpfeffer@njea.org>

—

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

This is being sent on behalf of Government Relations

(On behalf of President Marie Blistan, the Government Relations Division periodically sends the Legislative Update to the NJEA Executive Committee, County Presidents, Full-Time Release Presidents, Delegate Assembly members, committee chairs, Higher Education presidents, Government Relations Committee members, Congressional Contact Committee members, all NJEA staff and all NJEA consultants.  Please share this information with the members you represent.)

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – JANUARY 28, 2020

It was a busy end-of-session/start-of-the-new-session two weeks ago, with the legislature passing bills on the last day of the session, January 13.  The Governor had one week to sign those bills, or they were considered “pocket vetoed.”  Most notably, Governor Murphy pocket vetoed the “Path to Poverty” commission.  The list of bills signed into law at the end of the session, as well as those pocket vetoed, is below.

On Tuesday, the 14, after the re-organization of the 219th legislature, legislators, lobbyists, and other policy makers and notable New Jerseyans gathered in the Assembly chamber to hear the Governor deliver the State of the State.  In his speech, Governor Murphy pointed out that New Jersey’s schools are number one in the nation thanks to the hard work of teachers and ESP members.  (Yes, he specifically thanked Education Support Professionals.)  He talked about the need for relief from the high costs of health care under Chapter 78 and committed to working to change that burden for all school employees.

Murphy touted the following accomplishments of his administration:

  *  Working to lower health care costs

  *  Expansion of pre-K and STEM in schools, as well as arts education in all schools

  *  Commitment to the Amistad commission and the Holocaust commission

  *  Tuition-free community college education

  *  More aid money for schools

  *  Making the state a place of inclusion all people, regardless of immigration status, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity

Going forward, Murphy plans to

  *  Create a task force on wealth disparity

  *  Remediate lead in water lines and elsewhere, through a ballot question in November

  *  Reinstate the millionaires tax

  *  Create Jobs NJ to ensure that residents skills meet needs of employers and that all NJ residents, regardless of whether they are from underserved communities, are new immigrants, or formerly incarcerated can get job training they need.

  *  Improve the culture of NJ politics to ensure women are treated fairly

  *  Continue to improve NJ Transit (OK, I know this may not relate to the work we do, but I’m sure many of us have been frustrated with NJ Transit at one point or another.)

After a not-quite two-week hiatus, the legislature had its first session day of the new session Monday, with both Assembly and Senate committees meeting.  Senate Committees will be meeting Thursday, but the agenda is light, so the next update will come out at the beginning of February.

The new session means bills start all over again.  In a prior update, I wrote that bills start all over again and all co-sponsors must sign onto the bills again.  I was partially wrong.  Bills that are pre-filed by legislators, meaning that they are introduced the first day of the new session, come back with all their sponsors.  Bills that are re-introduced after the first day of the session start all over again.  Three of our priority bills were pre-filed:  the Chapter 78 relief bills (A1137/S365) and the ESP arbitration bill in the Assembly (A631).  While the Senate arbitration bill was also reintroduced (S993), co-sponsors from the last session need to sign on again.  Sponsorship of the subcontracting bills may change, but we know they are going to be reintroduced shortly.

IN THIS UPDATE:

  *  In the news

  *  Take action

  *  Governor’s actions on bills from last session

  *  Results from Monday January 27

  *  Bills to be considered Thursday, January 30

  *  When is the legislature meeting again?

IN THE NEWS:

  *  Senator Ruiz, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, held a hearing on student nutrition and has introduced a bill package to raise the quality of food in schools.

https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/01/on-the-menu-raising-the-quality-of-njs-school-food/

  *  Governor Murphy’s administration is looking at lowering the assumed rate of return for NJ’s pension funds.

https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/01/nj-is-set-to-change-a-key-assumption-about-public-employee-pension-investments/

  *  Check out this opinion piece by NJEA member Bill Cole of Morris County as to why people don’t want to become teachers.

https://www.nj.com/opinion/2020/01/why-dont-the-best-students-want-to-be-teachers-opinion.html

TAKE ACTION:

  *  Remind the legislature that we need Job justice for ESPs: https://actioncenter.njea.org/tell-legislators-protect-the-jobs-of-esp-members/ and Chapter 78 relief: https://actioncenter.njea.org/tell-legislators-we-need-ch-78-relief/

GOVERNOR’S ACTIONS [FROM LAST LEGISLATIVE SESSION]

Bills signed into law since January 10

  *  A2431/S1865 – Requires health insurers to provide plans that limit patient cost-sharing concerning certain prescription drug coverage. (Oppose)

  *  A4147/S2744 – Requires school districts and nonpublic schools to conduct audit of security features of buildings, grounds, and communication systems and to submit audit to NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and DOE. (Support)

  *  A4150/S2742 – Requires meeting between student and appropriate school personnel after multiple suspensions or proposed expulsion from public school to identify behavior or health difficulties. (Support)

  *  AJR180/SJR112 – Designates February in each year as “Career and Technical Education Month” in New Jersey. (Support)

  *  S358/A4587 – Establishes database with certain information about individuals elected to public office in this State. (Monitor)

  *  S3685/A5345 – Establishes program to increase participation of underrepresented students in New Jersey’s science and engineering workforce. (Monitor)

  *  S3756/A6115 – Requires limited purpose regional school districts to coordinate with constituent districts regarding school calendar and curriculum. (Monitor)

  *  S4200/A5855 – Requires State to pay difference between federal allocation and total cost of reduced price breakfast or lunch; appropriates $4.5 million. (Support)

  *  SJR51/AJR189 – Establishes the “New Jersey State Commission on Urban Violence.” (Support)

  *  S700/A3836 – “Higher Education Citizenship Equality Act”; defines domicile for dependent students for purpose of eligibility for State student grants and scholarships, and resident tuition rate. (Support)

  *  S721/A1751 – Authorizes use of certain electric school buses. (Monitor)

  *  S974/A3040 – Requires newborn infants be screened for spinal muscular atrophy. (Support)

  *  S1791/A3414 – Requires employers to disclose certain wage information to employees (Monitor)

  *  S1796/A4693 – Permits school district of residence to provide aid in-lieu-of transportation to pupil attending Marine Academy of Science and Technology provided certain conditions are met. (Monitor)

  *  S1832/A211 – Establishes loan redemption program and tuition reimbursement program for certain teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. (Support)

  *  S2303/A4843 – Requires establishment of Work and Learn Consortiums by certain educational institutions to establish certificate and degree programs identified in high labor-demand industries. (Support)

  *  S2389/A5449 – Requires New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy to establish prescription drug pricing disclosure website and certain pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to provide prescription drug price information (Monitor)

  *  S2564/A3519 – Establishes “Restorative Justice in Education Pilot Program” in Department of Education. (Support)

  *  S3065/A4657 – Establishes youth apprenticeship pilot program in Department of Education. (Support)

  *  S3265/A3178 – Prohibits sale or distribution of flavored vapor products. (Support)

  *  A4151/S2745 – Requires school security training for persons employed by public and nonpublic schools in substitute capacity and for employees and volunteers of youth programs operated in school buildings. (No position)

  *  A4978/S3498 – Prohibits online education services from using and disclosing certain information, engaging in targeted advertising, and requires deletion of certain information in certain circumstances. (Support)

  *  A5500/S3809 – Expands rate review process in DOBI for certain individual and small employer health benefits plans. (Support)

  *  A5501/S3802 – Requires continuation of health benefits dependent coverage until child turns 26 years of age. (Support)

  *  A5503/S3806 – Establishes open enrollment period under Individual Health Coverage Program. (Support)

  *  A5504/S3812 – Applies 85 percent loss ratio requirement to certain large group health benefits carriers. (Support)

  *  A5506/S3808 – Repeals statute authorizing offering of “Basic and Essential” health benefits plans under individual health benefits plans and other statutes concerning basic health plans; makes conforming amendments. (Support)

  *  A5507/S3803 – Requires health benefits coverage for certain preventive services. (Support)

  *  A5508/S3804 – Revises law requiring health benefits coverage for certain contraceptives. (Support)

  *  A5248/S562 – Preserves certain requirements that health insurance plans cover essential health benefits. (Support)

  *  S626/A1733 – Clarifies prohibition on pre-existing condition exclusions in health insurance policies. (Support)

  *  S48/A5586 – Concerns juvenile incarceration and parole. (Support)

Bills that were pocket vetoed

  *  S691/A657 – Requires that if a school district satisfies 80% or more of the required NJ Quality Single Accountability Continuum standards in an area of district effectiveness under State intervention, the State must return that area to local control. (Support)

  *  S2835/A3926 – Requires public schools to administer written screenings for depression for students in certain grades. (Support)

  *  S2897/A1433 – Requires DCA to establish procedures for inspection and abatement of mold hazards in residential buildings and school facilities, and certification programs for mold inspectors and mold hazard abatement workers. (Support)

  *  S3770/A6118 – Establishes “New Jersey Economic and Fiscal Policy Review Commission” to provide ongoing review of State and local tax structure, economic conditions, and related fiscal issues. (Oppose)

  *  A5922/5923/S4223/S4224 – Revises requirements for sale of tobacco and vapor products; increases penalties for prohibited sales; increases fees for cigarette and vapor business licensure. (Support)

RESULTS FROM MONDAY, JANUARY 27

  *  A876 – Directs Secretary of Higher Education to study prevalence, cost, and quality of certain on-line courses compared to traditional classroom courses offered by institutions of higher education. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly)

  *  A952 – Permits four-year institution of higher education to award associate degrees. (Oppose) (Held in committee)

  *  A1459 – Prohibits the sale of certain children’s products containing lead, mercury, or cadmium. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly)

  *  A2311 – Establishes study commission to examine development of mutually beneficial relationships between institutions of higher education and municipalities. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly) (*This bill will be amended, as per NJEA’s recommendation, although the amendments are still in progress)

  *  S253 – Requires public water systems to develop lead service line inventories and replace lead service lines. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, transferred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee)

  *  S526 – Requires health insurers to limit copayments for insulin. (Oppose) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, transferred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee)

  *  S688 – Enhances pre-apprenticeship programs and allocates funds therefor. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)

  *  S689 – Concerns NJ PLACE program and allocates $300,000 for FY2019 therefor. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)

  *  S968 – Requires public water systems to provide notice of elevated lead levels in drinking water to customers and local officials; requires landlords to notify tenants of elevated lead levels. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)

  *  SCR15 – Reconstitutes the “Joint Committee on Economic Justice and Equal Employment Opportunity.” (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)

BILLS TO BE CONSIDERED THURSDAY, JANUARY 30

  *  S791 – Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation. (Monitor)

  *  S917 – Allows gross income tax deduction for employees for amounts paid by employers for certain educational assistance programs for employees and for employee’s student loans. (Monitor)

  *  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 failing schools. (Support)

  *  S970 – Requires members of governing boards of public institutions of higher education to complete a training program developed by Secretary on Higher Education. (Monitor)

WHEN IS THE LEGISLATURE MEETING AGAIN?

  *  Thursday, January 30, Senate Committees

  *  Monday, February 3, Assembly and Senate Committees

  *  Monday, February 10, Senate Voting Session

  *  Thursday, February 13, Assembly and Senate Committees

  *  Monday, February 24, Assembly and Senate Voting Session

  *  Tuesday, February 25, Governor’s budget address

  *  Tuesday, March 5, Assembly Committees and Senate Voting Session

  *  Monday, March 16, Assembly and Senate Committees

  *  Thursday, March 19, Assembly and Senate Committees

  *  Thursday, March 26, Assembly and Senate Voting Session

Questions?  We are here in GR to help 😊

[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

fpfeffer@njea.org<mailto:fpfeffer@njea.org>

(On behalf of President Marie Blistan, the Government Relations Division periodically sends the Legislative Update to the NJEA Executive Committee, County Presidents, Full-Time Release Presidents, Delegate Assembly members, committee chairs, Higher Education presidents, Government Relations Committee members, Congressional Contact Committee members, all NJEA staff and all NJEA consultants.  Please share this information with the members you represent.)

Legislative update, January 14, 2020

Yesterday was the last day of the 218th legislature.  In a flurry of activity, the agenda included over 400 bills for consideration, as any bill not passed by the time the legislature gaveled yesterday has to start the legislative process from the beginning in the 219th session.

Opposed by NJEA, the legislature passed A6118/S3770, which would make a permanent Path to “Progress” commission.  NJEA members lined the halls, joined by numerous vaccination activists, as well as other groups supporting banning flavored vaping and opposed to animal testing.  NJEA members also sent over 15,000 emails to legislators opposing the bills. While we were successful at raising our points with legislators, who raised their voices in caucus against the bill, it went through both houses and now heads to the Governor.  We have asked him to veto this bill.  As noted below, he can “pocket veto” the bill by simply taking no action.

The Senate finished first, unable to muster the votes to pass the bill mandating vaccinations for public school students.  The statehouse became much quieter as the vaccination activists loudly protesting went home, and the Assembly gallery emptied as those activists watching from inside the chamber declared victory.  The handful of lobbyists remaining in the statehouse silently cheered as the legislature finished its business around 7:30.

The new legislature will be sworn in at noon today, followed by the Governor’s State of the State address at 3:00.

  *  As I mentioned in a previous update, all bills need to be reintroduced with new numbers.  Any co-sponsors will need to add their names to bills again.

  *  Bills that passed between the 45th and the 10th day before the expiration of the session become law.  The Governor had until yesterday at noon to veto these bills, as he did with the 2% property tax cap (see In the News).

  *  Any bills passed between the 10th and last day of the session become law only if the Governor signs them. He has seven days after the end of the session, otherwise they are “pocket vetoed.”

Although we don’t know all the details of the Governor’s state of the state, you can read speculation and some leaked information about what he will say here: https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2020/01/14/state-of-the-state-what-to-look-for-in-murphys-speech-1249048

IN THIS UPDATE:

  *  In the news

  *  Take Action

  *  Governor’s actions

  *  Results from Monday, January 13

  *  When is the legislature meeting again?

IN THE NEWS

  *  Murphy vetoes the 2% Property tax cap exemption: https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/01/school-funding-discord-pits-murphy-against-sweeney-again/

  *  The legislature passed a new vote by mail law: https://www.nj.com/politics/2020/01/bill-would-put-money-behind-law-that-encourages-people-to-vote-by-mail.html

*        The bill to mandate vaccinations didn’t have the votes: https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/01/senate-pulls-vaccine-bill-after-backroom-wrangling-fails-to-garner-enough-votes/

  *  While the legislature didn’t ban menthol cigarettes, the bill banning flavored vaping heads to the Governor: https://www.nj.com/politics/2020/01/flavored-vapes-ban-could-soon-come-to-nj.html

  *  ‘Bridgegate’ seems like a distant memory, but it’s going to the Supreme Court (Washington D.C. Court) today: https://www.inquirer.com/news/bridgegate-bridget-kelly-bill-baroni-supreme-court-chris-christie-20200114.html

  *  Plastic and paper bag ban fails: https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2020/01/13/plastic-bag-ban-dies-along-with-other-environmental-bills-1250915

  *  Cory Booker has dropped out of the presidential race, and Jack Ciattarelli will officially be announcing his candidacy in the Republican gubernatorial race here in New Jersey.

TAKE ACTION

It’s a new day and a new legislative session.  As noted above, all bills need to be reintroduced and the process starts again with adding sponsors.  The good news is that it’s always easier to ask legislators to co-sponsor bills if they signed on in the past.  While we don’t have bill numbers, let’s start by reminding legislators about our Job Justice for ESP and Chapter 78 campaigns.

Job justice for ESPs: https://actioncenter.njea.org/tell-legislators-protect-the-jobs-of-esp-members/

Chapter 78 relief: https://actioncenter.njea.org/tell-legislators-we-need-ch-78-relief/

GOVERNOR’S ACTIONS

Bills signed into law

  *  A4710 – “Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act”; establishes school district responsibilities in educating gifted and talented students. (Support)

  *  A5509 – Requires health benefits and Medicaid coverage for breastfeeding support. (Support)

  *  S775 – Establishes Tuition Aid Grant Study Commission to examine New Jersey’s Tuition Aid Grant Program and make recommendations regarding improvements to program. (Support)

  *  S2527- Requires Department of Agriculture to promote school meal programs. (Support)

  *  S2980 – Provides that school district may not condition student enrollment in district on fact that MVC does not have name or address of parent or guardian on file. (Support)

  *  S2982 – Clarifies that child may not be excluded from public school based on membership in protected category under “Law Against Discrimination” or immigration status. (Support)

  *  S3064 – Establishes task force to develop State-wide plan to diversify apprenticeships. (Support)

  *  S3327 – Establishes Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage in DOE. (Support)

Bills vetoed

  *  S4289 – Provides tax levy cap adjustment in 2020-2021 through 2024-2025 school years for school districts that are spending below adequacy and losing State aid. (Support)

RESULTS FROM MONDAY, JANUARY 13

  *  A211/S1832 – Establishes loan redemption program and tuition reimbursement program for certain teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A657/S691 – Requires that if a school district satisfies 80% or more of the required NJ Quality Single Accountability Continuum standards in an area of district effectiveness under State intervention, the State must return that area to local control. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A1433/S2897 – Requires DCA to establish procedures for inspection and abatement of mold hazards in residential buildings and school facilities, and certification programs for mold inspectors and mold hazard abatement workers. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A1733/S626 – Clarifies prohibition on preexisting condition exclusions in health insurance policies. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A3040/S974 – Requires newborn infants be screened for spinal muscular atrophy. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A3178/S3265 – Prohibits sale of menthol cigarettes and sale or distribution of flavored electronic smoking devices and related products. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A3818/S2173 – Clarifies statutory exemptions from mandatory immunizations for students. (Support) (No action taken)

  *  A3926/S2835 – Requires public schools to administer written screenings for depression for students in certain grades. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A4147/S2744 – Requires school districts to conduct audit of security features of district buildings, grounds, and communication systems using standardized checklist and to submit audit to NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and DOE. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A4150/S2742 – Requires meeting between student and appropriate school personnel after multiple suspensions or proposed expulsion from public school to identify behavior or health difficulties. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A4151/S2745 – Requires school security training for persons employed by public and nonpublic schools in substitute capacity and for employees and volunteers of youth programs operated in school buildings. (No position) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A4657/S3065 – Establishes youth apprenticeship pilot program in Department of Education. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A4693/S1796 – Permits school district of residence to provide aid in-lieu-of transportation to pupil attending Marine Academy of Science and Technology provided certain conditions are met. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A4843/S2303 – Requires establishment of Work and Learn Consortiums by certain educational institutions to establish certificate and degree programs identified in high labor-demand industries. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A4856 – “Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act”; requires certain school meal information be provided to students’ parents; establishes protocols for identifying eligible students for meal programs; prohibits stigmatizing student with bill in arrears. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)

  *  A5248/S562 – Preserves certain requirements that health insurance plans cover essential health benefits. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A5500/S3809 – Expands rate review process in DOBI for certain individual and small employer health benefits plans. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A5501/S3802 – Requires continuation of health benefits dependent coverage until child turns 26 years of age. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A5504/S3812 – Applies 85 percent loss ratio requirement to certain large group health benefits carriers. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A5506/S3808 – Repeals statute authorizing offering of “Basic and Essential” health benefits plans under individual health benefits plans and other statutes concerning basic health plans; makes conforming amendments. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A5507/S3803 – Requires health benefits coverage for certain preventive services. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A5508/S3804 – Revises law requiring health benefits coverage for certain contraceptives. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A5510/S3813 – Expands “Law Against Discrimination” to apply to health programs and activities and to prohibit discrimination based on association with individuals in protected classes. (Support) (No action taken)

  *  A5586/S48 – Concerns juvenile incarceration and parole. (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A5827/S371 – Establishes two-generational school readiness and workforce development pilot program for certain low-income households. (Support) (No action taken)

  *  A5855/S4200 – Requires State to pay difference between federal allocation and total cost of reduced price breakfast or lunch; appropriates $4.5 million. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A5901 – Clarifies that school district is not required to restrict access to school meals if school meal bill is in arrears. (Support) (No action taken)

  *  A5902 – Requires school districts take certain actions to increase participation in free or reduced priced meal programs; prohibits shaming students with school meal bills in arrears; prohibits certain district actions in collecting unpaid school meal fees. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)

  *  A5903 – Requires school district to establish “School Meal Fund” to assist students with school meal bill in arrears. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)

  *  A5922/A5923/S4223/S4224 – Revises requirements for sale of tobacco and vapor products; increases penalties for prohibited sales; revises taxes imposed on vapor products. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A6115/S3756 – Requires limited purpose regional school districts to coordinate with constituent districts regarding school calendar and curriculum. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  A6118/S3770 – Establishes “New Jersey Economic and Fiscal Policy Review Commission” to provide ongoing review of State and local tax structure, economic conditions, and related fiscal issues. (Oppose) (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  ACR215/SCR163 – Urges Congress to reauthorize “Violence Against Women Act.” (Support) (Passed and filed)

  *  AJR189/SJR51 – Establishes the “New Jersey State Commission on Urban Violence.” (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor)

  *  S1176 – Concerns speech rights of student journalists at public schools and public institutions of higher education. (Support) (Passed in Senate)

  *  S3150/S3628 – “Timothy J. Piazza’s Law”; expands scope of activities constituting hazing; increases penalties for hazing resulting in injury; requires institutions of higher education, and public and nonpublic high schools and middle schools to adopt anti-hazing policies. (Support) (Passed in Senate)

  *  S3764 – Requires counties to appoint shared services coordinators; appropriates $2 million to fund these appointments. (Monitor) (No action taken)

WHEN IS THE LEGISLATURE MEETING AGAIN?

  *  Monday, January 27, Assembly and Senate Committees

  *  Thursday, January 30, Senate Committees

  *  Monday, February 3, Assembly and Senate Committees

  *  Monday, February 10, Senate Voting Session

  *  Thursday, February 13, Assembly and Senate Committees

  *  Monday, February 24, Assembly and Senate Voting Session

  *  Tuesday, March 5, Assembly Committees and Senate Voting Session

  *  Monday, March 16, Assembly and Senate Committees

  *  Thursday, March 19, Assembly and Senate Committees

  *  Thursday, March 26, Assembly and Senate Voting Session

In Unity,

[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

fpfeffer@njea.org<mailto:fpfeffer@njea.org>

—

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