Franklin Township Education Association

Proud of our Students and Community

Legislative Update November 17th, 2020

Legislative Update September 25th, 2020

 
First, some public service announcements.
 
 
  *  Did you fill out your census form yet?  If not go to https://www.2020census.gov/ and be counted! For a list of census-related activities in your community, visit www.census.nj.gov<http://www.census.nj.gov/>.
 
 
  *  Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, can save lives!  The state of NJ is distributing it free until September 26.  Go here www.nj.gov/humanservices/stopoverdoses<https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/stopoverdoses> to find a location near you.
 
 
 
  *  It’s time to make sure you get your mail-in ballot for the 2020 election.  Mine arrived in the mail yesterday.  Do you have questions about this year’s election?  Check out this great Q&A from NJ Spotlight: https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/09/nj-election-2020-questions-answers-mail-in-ballot-in-person-voting/.
 
And to find where you can drop off your ballot, the division of elections has a list of secure ballot drop boxes here: https://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/vote-secure-drop-boxes.shtml.
 
Now, onto some budget information….
 
You’ve all read my explanation of this year’s budget season more than once.  During a normal budget season, statehouse regulars are usually lamenting the lack of transparency around the state budget.  This year was no different.  With the compressed schedule – the budget proposal on August 25, no in-person public testimony on the governor’s proposal, and only a few departmental hearings before the budget was heard in committee on September 22, there was less time to learn information about the budget.
 
At issue in this budget’s negotiations was revenue.  In addition to the borrowing proposed by the governor, his budget proposal also included a millionaires tax, a permanent corporate business tax surcharge, and taxes on boats, limousines, and guns and ammunition, among other items being taxed.  Once the legislature struck a deal on the millionaires tax, the rest of the budget was a done deal and it moved quickly.
 
On September 22, the budget bill was heard in committee in both houses.  In the Assembly, via zoom, and in the Senate, in-person in the statehouse.  Normally, budget bill day is long.  The hearing that is supposed to begin at 1:00 usually starts a few hours late and continues well past dinner time while lawmakers hammer out the final details.  This year, the Senate hearing started a half hour late and concluded within an hour, with only three groups (including NJEA) testifying on the budget.  And, to loosely quote one lawmaker, “People are complaining about the lack of transparency in this budget, but we actually had the bill written and done the night before the hearing.  We often vote on the budget bill when all we have is a list of changes from the governor’s proposal.”  Perhaps this year’s budget is more transparent than we think!
 
This year’s budget includes a millionaires tax, with rebates for some households next year and a temporary corporate surcharge.  Other taxes were not included.  The baby bonds are out.  The overall pool of school funding is flat (although this is a cut for some districts because of adjustments to aid amounts).  The legislature kept a $4.7 billion dollar pension payment, the largest we’ve seen, continuing the path to full funding of the pension, put $25 million more into extraordinary aid, restored $25 million of community college funding, and restored school-based youth services.  The budget also contains a $2 billion surplus for the unexpected.  As the Office of Legislative Services explained, it might seem silly to borrow $4.5 billion and leave 2 of it in surplus, but if New Jersey doesn’t borrow the money and then needs it due to a second wave of the pandemic, we won’t be able to borrow it.
 
Governor Murphy can’t sign the budget until the $4.5 billion of borrowing in the budget is approved, which is scheduled for Monday.  You can read more about the borrowing here: https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/09/nj-budget-2020-where-borrowed-funds-will-go-4-5-billion-debt/, the budget here: https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/09/nj-budget-2020-tax-increases-historic-borrowing-get-votes/, and NJEA’s full budget statement here: https://actioncenter.njea.org/s-2021-s-2934-s-2949-2021-state-budget/.
 
[Grammar note:  I questioned how to write millionaires tax.  Millionaires’ tax?  Millionaire’s tax?  Millionaires tax?  According to AP, who actually answered the question (thank you Patrick Rumaker!), the preferred form is millionaires tax with no apostrophe.]
 
A few other things….
 
 
  *  Environmental justice:  An environmental justice bill, supported by NJEA, was signed into law.  You can read about how it will help communities here: https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/08/communities-would-get-power-to-block-polluters/.
 
 
 
  *  Teacher evaluation:  The DOE issued its evaluation guidance for school districts. The actualy guidance is here, https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/09/nj-teacher-evaluation-covid-19-education-state-department-of-education/, and NJ Spotlight’s article about it here: https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/09/nj-teacher-evaluation-covid-19-education-state-department-of-education/.
 
 
 
  *  Plastic and paper bag ban:  The legislature passed a plastic bag ban, which will also ban paper bags.  The bill now heads to the governor for his consideration.  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/25/nyregion/nj-paper-plastic-bag-ban.html
 
BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW
 
 
  *  A2212/S232 – Requires DEP to evaluate environmental and public health stressors of certain facilities on overburdened communities when reviewing certain permit applications. (Support)
  *  A4378/S2573 – Establishes position of State School Nurse Consultant in DOE to facilitate best practices in school nursing by advancing comprehensive school health services. (Support)
 
RESULTS FROM MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2020
 
 
  *  ACR190/SCR124 – Petitions federal government for emergency response funding to support safe reopening of schools following COVID‑19 pandemic. (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate.) (Support)
 
  *  S2691 – Requires Division of Local Government Services to approve local unit budgets with excess anticipated miscellaneous revenue due to COVID‑19 and authorizes school districts to maintain surplus at four percent for 2020‑2021 school year. (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate.) (Support)
  *  S2811 – Requires school report card to include information concerning number of mental health professionals and security personnel employed by each school district. (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate.) (Support)
  *  S2831 – Grants reciprocity to teachers with certain out‑of‑state certificates. (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate.) (Monitor)
  *  S2832 – Allows student enrolled in institution of higher education who has completed 30 semester‑hour credits to serve as substitute teacher. (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate.) (Support)
  *  S2849 – Directs NJ Department of Agriculture to request necessary waivers from US Department of Agriculture to provide food and meals during school closures due to COVID‑19 public health emergency. (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate.) (Support)
  *  S2899 – Establishes Safe Remote Learning Program in DOE to support provision of remote instruction facilities by public schools. (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate. Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.) (Support)
  *  S2908 – Increases child care provider payments and revises hourly limits on child care for school‑aged children under subsidized child care assistance program during 2020‑2021 school year. (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate. Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.) (Support)
 
RESULTS FROM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
 
 
  *  S1147 Sca (1R) – Requires lead paint inspection prior to home purchases and tenant turnover; establishes educational program on lead hazards. (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate.) (Support)
 
RESULTS FROM TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020
 
 
  *  A10/S2949 – Increases gross income tax rate from 8.97 percent to 10.75 percent on income between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, and provides up to $500 tax rebate to eligible taxpayers.  (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly and Senate) (Support)
  *  A4720/S2021 – Appropriates $32,711,205,000 in State funds and $13,856,161,239 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2020‑2021.  (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly and Senate) (Support)
  *  A4721/S2934 – Imposes CBT surtax at rate of 2.5 percent until December 31, 2023. (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly and Senate) (Support)
 
 
 
RESULTS FROM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
 
 
  *  A10/S2949 – Increases gross income tax rate from 8.97 percent to 10.75 percent on income between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, and provides up to $500 tax rebate to eligible taxpayers.  (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor) (Support)
  *  A1040 – Requires that if school district satisfies in certain evaluations 80% or more of required NJ Quality Single Accountability Continuum standards in an area of district effectiveness under State intervention, State must return area to local control. (Passed in Assembly) (Support)
  *  A1076 – Requires AG to collect, record, analyze, and report certain prosecutorial and criminal justice data. (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor) (Support)
 
  *  A1632 – Requires school district to establish “School Meal Fund” to assist students with school meal bill in arrears.  (Passed in Assembly) (Support)
  *  A3548 – Requires health benefits coverage for adolescent depression screenings.  (Passed in Assembly) (Support)
  *  A4720/S2021 – Appropriates $32,711,205,000 in State funds and $13,856,161,239 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2020‑2021.  (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor) (Support)
  *  A4721/S2934 – Imposes CBT surtax at rate of 2.5 percent until December 31, 2023. (Passed in both houses and sent to Governor) (Support)
  *  ACR190/SCR124 – Petitions federal government for emergency response funding to support safe reopening of schools following COVID‑19 pandemic. (Passed in both houses and filed) (Support)
  *  S2401 – Prohibits public school students and employees from immediately returning to school after traveling to certain places during public health emergencies. (Passed in Senate) (Seek Amendments)
 
 
WHEN IS THE LEGISLATURE MEETING AGAIN? (subject to change)
 
 
  *  Thursday, Oct. 8          Senate and Assembly Committees
  *  Monday, Oct. 19          Senate and Assembly Committees
  *  Thursday, Oct. 22        Senate and Assembly Committees
  *  Thursday, Oct. 29        Senate and Assembly Voting Session
  *  Monday, Nov. 9          Senate and Assembly Committees
  *  Monday, Nov. 16        Senate and Assembly Committees
  *  Monday, Dec. 7          Senate and Assembly Committees
  *  Thursday, Dec. 10        Senate and Assembly Committees
  *  Monday, Dec. 14        Assembly Committees
  *  Thursday, Dec. 17      Senate and Assembly Voting Session
 
Who made it to the end? 😊
 
 
[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
 
 

—

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
 

 

Legislative Update August 3rd, 2020

 
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – AUGUST 3, 2020
 
It’s been a while since you got an update.  Let’s start on school re-opening…. While Governor Murphy announced that schools can have a remote option for parents, three members of the Assembly (Assemblywomen Jasey, Lampitt, and Downey) introduced a bill last week to delay the start of school until October 31.
 
  *  John Mooney of NJSpotlight puts it all together here, including the $54 million to bridge the digital divide: https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/07/nj-school-reopening-whats-next-as-plans-are-made-to-open-classrooms/.
  *  Drew Sheneman, the Star Ledger’s cartoonist, joins the chorus of those calling for school buildings with his cartoon and accompanying editorial: https://www.nj.com/opinion/2020/08/its-too-early-to-open-the-schools-sheneman.html.
  *  This Star Ledger editorial, featuring Camden school nurse Robin Cogan, ends ” unless [the governor] can show remarkable progress with remarkable speed, we can’t safely open the schools in September.” https://www.nj.com/opinion/2020/08/with-one-nurse-for-750-runny-nosed-kids-or-partying-teens-the-front-line-of-covid-is-now-schools-editorial.html
  *  Curious about what colleges will look like?  NJSpotlight talks about four-year schools and how they are working to reopen: https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/07/no-boyfriends-or-girlfriends-in-dorm-rooms-limited-use-of-dining-halls-no-parties-what-colleges-plan-for-campus/.
 
The other hot topic in politics right now is redistricting.  Both houses of the legislature passed the resolution to place redistricting on November’s ballot last Thursday.  Politics creates strange bedfellows, and redistricting is no exception.  Advocates for social justice and Republicans both oppose the measure, advocates because it could disproportionately affect minority representation and Republicans because they see it as a power grab on the part of Democrats.
 
Why do lawmakers say New Jersey needs this amendment?  We are one of two states that holds its state elections off-year from federal elections.  Normally, we would receive census data in February, giving the state time to redraw districts in March well before the June primary.  Because of the pandemic, the census bureau will not be sending its data until mid-June.
 
  *  Those supporting the amendment say that delaying the primary would give office-seekers a short window of time to learn their new district and get petition signatures to run.
  *  Academics critical of the amendment, which would delay redistricting in any future years that New Jersey receives its census data after February 15, say the amendment would allow presidents in future years to control when New Jersey’s  districts are redrawn by delaying census data.
  *  Advocates opposing the amendment state that delaying the redrawing of districts means delaying representation of New Jersey’s growing minority populations.
 
 
There isn’t a lot of legislative activity this week, other than an Assembly Health Committee where New Jersey School Nurses legislative co-chairs Robin Cogan and Eileen Gavin, along with NJEA’s Chrissi Miles will be testifying at the Assembly Health Committee to talk about public health concerns with school reopening.  Unless something else is added, this update will be back after the following week.
 
BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW
 
  *  A4175/S2697 – “New Jersey COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act,” authorizes issuance of State bonds totaling up to $9.9 billion. (Support)
  *  A4389/S2676 – Requires certain entities authorized to issue health benefits plans to pay annual assessment. (Support)
  *  S973/A1408 – Requires Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to establish apprenticeship mentoring program for women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. (Support)
 
BILLS CONDITIONALLY VETOED
 
  *  A3971/S2475  Authorizes the issuance of “coronavirus relief bonds” by municipalities and counties. (Monitor)
 
RESULTS FROM WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
 
  *  SCR96 – Amends State Constitution to prohibit slavery or involuntary servitude. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
  *  A4378/S2573 – Establishes position of State School Nurse Consultant in DOE to facilitate best practices in school nursing by advancing comprehensive school health services. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly)
  *  ACR190 – Petitions federal government for emergency response funding to support safe reopening of schools following COVID-19 pandemic. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly)
 
RESULTS FROM THURSDAY, JULY 23
 
  *  S2676 – Requires certain entities authorized to issue health benefits plans to pay annual assessment. (Support) (Reported out of committee with amendments; 2nd reading in Assembly and Senate)
 
RESULTS FROM MONDAY, JULY 27
 
  *  A970 – Requires public schools to administer written screenings for depression for students in certain grades. (Support) (Reported out of committee; 2nd reading in Assembly)
  *  A4315/S19 – Designates, as State and public holiday, third Friday in June as Juneteenth Day. (Support) (Reported out of committee; 2nd reading in Assembly)
  *  A4389 – Requires certain entities authorized to issue health benefits plans to pay annual assessment. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments; 2nd reading in Assembly)
  *  AR178 – Urges Congress to pass legislation to remove Confederate statues in US Capitol building. (Support) (Reported out of committee; 2nd reading in Assembly)
 
RESULTS FROM TUESDAY, JULY 28
 
  *  A970 – Requires public schools to administer written screenings for depression for students in certain grades. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly)
  *  A1076/S2638- Requires AG to collect, record, analyze, and report certain prosecutorial and criminal justice data. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
  *  A1906/A4230/S2578/S2635 – Includes false incrimination and filing false police report as form of bias intimidation; establishes crime of false 9-1-1 call with purpose to intimidate or harass based on race or other protected class. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
  *  A2394/S401- Requires law enforcement agencies in this State to establish minority recruitment and selection programs; establishes reporting requirement. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
  *  A3641/S2689- Requires DLPS to incorporate implicit bias in cultural diversity training materials for law enforcement officers; makes mandatory cultural diversity and implicit bias training for law officers. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
  *  S419- Requires law enforcement agencies to provide law enforcement officers with cultural diversity training and develop diversity action plan. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
  *  A3971/S2475  Authorizes the issuance of “coronavirus relief bonds” by municipalities and counties. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee; 2nd reading in Senate)
  *  S2486  Establishes Clayton Model Pilot Program in DOE to provide school-based social emotional learning to students in grades kindergarten through five at certain public schools. (Support) (Reported out of committee; 2nd reading in Senate)
  *  S3676 – Requires certain entities authorized to issue health benefits plans to pay annual assessment. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments; 2nd reading in Senate)
 
RESULTS FROM THURSDAY, JULY 30
 
  *  A1076/S2638- Requires AG to collect, record, analyze, and report certain prosecutorial and criminal justice data. (Support) (Passed in the Senate, 2nd reading in Assembly to concur with Senate amendments)
  *  A1906/A4230/S2578/S2635 – Includes false incrimination and filing false police report as form of bias intimidation; establishes crime of false 9-1-1 call with purpose to intimidate or harass based on race or other protected class. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to governor)
  *  A2212/S232 – Requires DEP to evaluate environmental and public health stressors of certain facilities on overburdened communities when reviewing certain permit applications. (Support) (Held)
  *  A2311 – Establishes study commission to examine development of mutually beneficial relationships between institutions of higher education and municipalities. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
  *  A2394/S401- Requires law enforcement agencies in this State to establish minority recruitment and selection programs; establishes reporting requirement. (Support) (Passed in the Senate, 2nd reading in Assembly to concur with Senate amendments)
  *  A3641/S2689- Requires DLPS to incorporate implicit bias in cultural diversity training materials for law enforcement officers; makes mandatory cultural diversity and implicit bias training for law officers. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to governor)
  *  A3971/S2475  Authorizes the issuance of “coronavirus relief bonds” by municipalities and counties. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to governor)
  *  A4295/S2518 – Delays physical examination requirement for certain student-athletes who participate in school-sponsored athletic activities during fall athletic season of 2020-2021 school year. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses and sent to governor)
  *  A4315/S19 – Designates, as State and public holiday, third Friday in June as Juneteenth Day. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to governor)
  *  A4378/S2573 – Establishes position of State School Nurse Consultant in DOE to facilitate best practices in school nursing by advancing comprehensive school health services. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to governor)
  *  A4389/S2676 – Requires certain entities authorized to issue health benefits plans to pay annual assessment. (Support) (Passed in both houses and sent to governor)
  *  ACR188/SCR123 – Proposes constitutional amendment to modify legislative redistricting schedule if receipt by Governor of decennial census of United States is delayed. (Monitor) (Passed in both houses)
  *  ACR190 – Petitions federal government for emergency response funding to support safe reopening of schools following COVID-19 pandemic. (Support) (Passed in Assembly)
  *  AR149 – Urges President and Congress of United States to continue federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. (Support) (Passed in Assembly and filed with Secretary of State)
  *  AR178 – Urges Congress to pass legislation to remove Confederate statues in US Capitol building. (Support) (Passed in Assembly and filed with Secretary of State)
  *  S1236 – Establishes New Jersey Higher Education Student Advisory Commission. (Support) (Passed in Senate)
  *  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) (Passed in Senate)
  *  S419- Requires law enforcement agencies to provide law enforcement officers with cultural diversity training and develop diversity action plan. (Support) (Passed in Senate)
  *  S699 – Requires training for DOE arbitrators to include issues related to cultural diversity and bias. (Support) (Passed in Senate)
 
 
WHEN IS THE LEGISLATURE MEETING AGAIN?
Remember this is constantly in flux!
 
  *  Monday, August 3 – Senate Quorum
  *  Tuesday, August 4 – Assembly Health
  *  Thursday, August 6 – Senate Health and Human Services and Assembly Aging and Senior Services
  *  Monday, August 10 – Assembly and Senate Quorum; Committees at the Call of the Speaker and President
  *  Thursday, August 13 – Assembly and Senate Quorum; Committees at the Call of the Speaker and President
  *  Monday, August 17 – Senate Quorum; Committees at the Call of the President
  *  Thursday, August 20 – Senate Quorum; Committees at the Call of the President
  *  Monday, August 24 – Assembly Quorum; Committees at the Call of the Speaker
  *  Tuesday, August 25 – Senate, Governor’s Budget Address
  *  Thursday, August 27 – Senate Voting Session
  *  Monday, August 31 – Assembly 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
 

Legislative Update June 28, 2020

 
This is being sent on behalf of Government Relations
 
Friday, the Assembly Appropriations Committee passed our Job Justice bills out of committee.  They are scheduled for a vote in the Assembly on Monday!  This wouldn’t have happened without all of your efforts!
 
I could end there, but….  Please take a few minutes to send an email to your Assembly members asking them to vote yes on these bills on Monday (https://www.njea.org/ch-78-and-esp-job-justice-bills-moving-in-assembly/) and read on for news about the budget and guidance for re-opening of school buildings in September.  (By the way, the legislature is supposed to be voting in-person on Monday.  The statehouse is still closed to the public.  Supposedly the members will be spread across the chamber and in the gallery to ensure social distancing, with minimal staff there.  You can watch or listen to the session here when it start.  It’s scheduled for 1 pm. https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/media/live_audio.asp?SESSION=2020).
 
On Thursday and Friday, committees in both houses of the legislature approved the “5th quarter” budget, covering July, August, and September, mostly following the administration’s recommendations. Added back to the budget is good news for our county colleges, whose operating aid, originally slated to be cut, was restored for the quarter.  (They still need more funding, but this is a start….)  Nonetheless, the budget is all-around a grim picture of the state’s finances, with most big expenses for September pushed to October.  You can read more about it here: https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/06/nj-state-budget-2020-lawmakers-move-plan-to-add-7-7-billion-keep-government-running/.
 
On Friday, the governor and commissioner of education announced reopening guidance.  You can read the plan here: https://www.nj.gov/education/reopening/NJDOETheRoadBack.pdf; <https://www.nj.gov/education/reopening/NJDOETheRoadBack.pdf;> nj.com<https://nj.com/> has written a few articles around the guidelines:
 
 
 
 
 
TAKE ACTION
 
  *  Our three bills passed in committee today.  Next stop is the floor on Monday.  Remind your Assembly members to vote yes on Monday!  Here’s the link again: https://www.njea.org/ch-78-and-esp-job-justice-bills-moving-in-assembly/
 
SIGNED INTO LAW
 
  *  S2383 / A4142 – Requires Commissioner of Education to establish three-year “Bridge Year Pilot Program” for certain students who were impacted by public health state of emergency caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (Monitor)
 
RESULTS FROM TUESDAY, JUNE 23
 
  *  A970 – Requires public schools to administer written screenings for depression for students in certain grades. (Support with concerns) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly)
 
  *  S693 – Requires Secretary of Higher Education to create and maintain database of Educational Opportunity Fund student admissions. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
 
RESULTS FROM WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
 
  *  S2511 – Accelerates rescinding of certain juvenile delinquency fines and making discretionary post-incarceration supervision due to COVID-19 pandemic. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
 
RESULTS FROM THURSDAY, JUNE 25
 
  *  A3 – Amends and supplements FY20 appropriations act to effectuate extension of fiscal year through September 30, 2020; reduces authorized appropriations; makes FY20 supplemental appropriations of $7,745,997,000 in State funds and $4,586,243,000 in federal fund. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly)
  *  S699 – Requires training for DOE arbitrators to include issues related to cultural diversity and bias. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
  *  S1512 – Requires DOE to maintain list of textbook vendors that use inclusive material and school districts to use textbooks from those vendors. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
  *  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 Senate)
  *  S2486 – Establishes Clayton Model Pilot Program in DOE to provide school-based social emotional learning to students in grades kindergarten through five at certain public schools. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
  *  S2507 – Permits school district to use capital reserve account funds for certain expenses during state of emergency. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
  *  S2540 – Establishes Co-Curricular Activity Emergency Grant Program to support operations of co-curricular activities at public schools; appropriates $750,000. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
  *  S2558 – Ensures insurance coverage for certain persons attending school graduation exercises in July and August of 2020. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate)
  *  S2573 – Establishes position of State School Nurse Consultant in DOE to facilitate best practices in school nursing by advancing comprehensive school health services. (Support) Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Senate
  *  S2603 – Requires DOE to provide funds to school districts for acquisition of technology devices to address digital divide and requires districts to reimburse DOE from available federal funds. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
 
RESULTS FROM FRIDAY, JUNE 26
 
  *  A20/S2773 – Requires SEHBP and eligible employers that do not participate in the SEHBP to provide certain plans for public education employees and certain public education retirees. (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly)
  *  A631/S993 – Concerns arbitration for certain non-teaching school staff (Support) (Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2nd reading in Assembly)
  *  A4140/S2303 – Concerns subcontracting agreements entered into by public school districts and county colleges. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Assembly)
  *  A4227/S2558 – Ensures insurance coverage for certain persons attending school graduation exercises in July and August of 2020. (Monitor)
  *  S20 – Amends and supplements FY20 appropriations act to effectuate extension of fiscal year through September 30, 2020; reduces authorized appropriations; makes FY20 supplemental appropriations of $7,745,997,000 in State funds and $4,586,243,000 in federal fund. (Monitor) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in Senate)
 
BILLS TO BE CONSIDERED MONDAY, JUNE 29
 
  *  A3/S20 – Amends and supplements FY20 appropriations act to effectuate extension of fiscal year through September 30, 2020; reduces authorized appropriations; makes FY20 supplemental appropriations of $7,745,997,000 in State funds and $4,586,243,000 in federal fund (Monitor)
  *  A20/S2273 – Requires SEHBP and eligible employers that do not participate in the SEHBP to provide certain plans for public education employees and certain public education retirees. (Support)
  *  A631/S993 – Concerns arbitration for certain non-teaching school staff. (Support)
  *  A1408/S973 – Requires Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to establish apprenticeship mentoring program for women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. (Support)
  *  A4004 – Establishes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic Task Force on Racial and Health Disparities. (Monitor)
  *  A4006 – Postpones New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC) review for certain school districts to accommodate disruption due to COVID-19 pandemic. (Support)
  *  A4140/S2303 – Concerns subcontracting agreements entered into by public school districts and county colleges. (Support)
  *  A4331/S2511 – Accelerates rescinding of certain juvenile delinquency fines and making discretionary post-incarceration supervision due to COVID-19 pandemic. (Support)
  *  ACR171 – Petitions federal government for emergency response funding to help schools expand access to online instruction among economically disadvantaged students. (Support)
  *  AJR171 – Designates July 13th as “Black Lives Matter Day” in New Jersey. (Support)
  *  S19 – Designates June 19, known as Juneteenth Day, as State and public holiday. (Support)
  *  S485 – Requires school bus driver’s complete motor vehicle driving record be shared with board of education or school bus contractor and local police. (Monitor)
  *  S2573 – Establishes position of State School Nurse Consultant in DOE to facilitate best practices in school nursing by advancing comprehensive school health services. (Support)
  *  S2558 – Ensures insurance coverage for certain persons attending school graduation exercises in July and August of 2020. (Monitor)
 
 
 
WHEN IS THE LEGISLATURE MEETING AGAIN?
 
  *  Monday, June 29 – Assembly and Senate Voting Session
  *  Tuesday June 30 – 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
 

Legislative update June 2nd, 2020

 
This is being sent on behalf of Government Relations
 
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – JUNE 2, 2020
 
What’s happened since the last update on May 15 in New Jersey?
 
Later that day, Governor Murphy signed A3969/S2392, which allows municipalities to push back the deadline for paying property taxes.  (This bill, opposed by NJEA, was explained in the May 15 update, here https://actioncenter.njea.org/legislative-update-may-15-2020/, <https://actioncenter.njea.org/legislative-update-may-15-2020/,> if you have questions!) While the furlough bill passed in both houses at the same time, the governor has not signed it.  Instead, he announced policy changes that would allow public employees to voluntarily take furloughs.  https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/05/murphy-oks-furloughs-for-public-employees-to-avert-layoffs.html
 
On Tuesday, May 19, Burlington County College Faculty member Bill Whitfield gave testimony to the Senate Higher Education Committee on issues facing our county colleges.  The financial issues worsened with the announcement from the treasurer (more below) that operating aid to community colleges would be cut for July, August, and September
 
As you may recall, the legislature approved extending the 2020 fiscal year (FY 20) for three months, with a deadline for the FY 21 budget completed by September 30.  On Friday, May 22, State Treasurer Liz Muoio released an updated revenue forecast and details about the administration’s budget plan for the three-month extension.  You can read about it here https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/05/murphy-announces-13b-in-spending-cuts-to-fix-budget-ravaged-by-coronavirus-crisis.html.
 
Part of the cuts involve school funding.  The total amount of school aid for the three-month extension will be held to FY 20 amounts, although district allocations may be different as the state is running the funding formula with changes resulting from S-2.  The Department of Education finally released new aid numbers.  https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/05/school-aid-figures-revised-pandemic-hit-on-state-budget/ <https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/05/school-aid-figures-revised-pandemic-hit-on-state-budget/> As for FY 21, we have to wait and see.
 
Since then, the treasurer has testified to budget committees in both houses about the state’s finances.  https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/06/committees-grill-treasurer-muoio-on-administrations-health-crisis-spending-plan/. <https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/06/committees-grill-treasurer-muoio-on-administrations-health-crisis-spending-plan/> New Jersey, the administration predicts, will be approximately $10 billion short in revenue between fiscal years 2020 and 2021.  New Jersey needs to have a balanced budget, which is why the administration is pushing for the ability to issue bonds.  To use these federal funds, NJ needs authorization from the legislature, which is in a bill, A4175.
 
NJEA supported A4175, which would also authorize the state to issue bonds to borrow money.  Want more details on how this works?  https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/06/nj-is-one-step-closer-to-borrowing-billions-of-dollars-to-make-up-for-stunning-loss-in-tax-revenues.html <https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/06/nj-is-one-step-closer-to-borrowing-billions-of-dollars-to-make-up-for-stunning-loss-in-tax-revenues.html>   This bill will be voted on in the full Assembly on Thursday.  It has yet to be heard in the Senate.
 
It’s been a busy two weeks budget-wise, with more to come.
 
WHERE TO FIND USEFUL STUFF, LIKE EXECUTIVE ORDERS, LEGISLATIVE UPDATES, TAKE ACTIONS, POSITION STATEMENTS, AND THE NJEA POLITICAL ACTION GUIDE
 
 
 
 
TAKE ACTION
 
 
  *  Tell the Assembly to pass our bills.  https://actioncenter.njea.org/ask-the-assembly-to-act-today/<https://actioncenter.njea.org/ask-the-assembly-to-act-today/> Ask three friends to do the same.
 
RESULTS FROM JUNE 1
 
 
  *  A4175 “New Jersey COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act,” authorizes issuance of State bonds totaling $5 billion and authorizes borrowing from federal government. (Support) (Reported out of committee, 2nd reading in the Assembly)
 
BILLS TO BE CONSIDERED JUNE 4
 
 
  *  A4175 “New Jersey COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act,” authorizes issuance of State bonds totaling $5 billion and authorizes borrowing from federal government. (Support)
 
BILLS TO BE CONSIDERED JUNE 5
 
 
  *  S277 – “Emma’s Law”; requires school buses that transport students with special needs to be equipped with certain safety features. (Under review)
  *  S485 – Requires school bus driver’s complete motor vehicle driving record be shared with board of education or school bus contractor and local police. (Monitor)
 
WHEN IS THE LEGISLATURE MEETING AGAIN? **
 
 
  *  Thursday, June 4 – Assembly and Senate Committees
  *  Friday, June 5 – Assembly Committee
  *  Monday, June 8 – Assembly and Senate Committees
  *  Tuesday, June 9 – Assembly Committees
  *  Wednesday, June 10 – Assembly Committees
  *  Thursday, June 11 – Assembly and Senate Committees
  *  Monday, June 15 – Assembly and Senate Voting Session
  *  Thursday, June 18 – Assembly and Senate Voting Session
  *  Monday, June 22 – Assembly and Senate Voting Session
  *  Thursday, June 25 – Assembly and Senate Voting Session
 
** Please note that yes, the legislature is meeting on days other than Monday and Thursday.  Due to the health emergency and remote meetings via zoom, only one committee from either house can meet in the morning and one in the afternoon.
 
 
[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