News Flash

Week of April 26: COVID-19 Weekly Update

Earlier this week, Governor Murphy announced that New Jersey will be easing restrictions on outdoor gatherings and indoor catered events. Earlier this week, Governor Murphy announced that New Jersey will be easing restrictions on outdoor gatherings and in...

Week of April 19: COVID-19 Update

This week COVID-19 continues to focus on vaccinations, gatherings, and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.COVID-19 Data for April 22, 2021

• New Confirmed Cases – 2,895
• New Probable Cases – 527
• Rate of Transmission .093
• New Lab-Confirmed Deaths 31
• Hospital-Repor...

Week of April 12:COVID-19 Weekly Update

This week New Jersey paused the administering of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine upon the recommendation, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration pending further investigation into six reported incidences of sev...

Week of April 5, 2021: COVID-19 Update

The Governor this week announced that effective April 19 all New Jersey residents over the age of 16 will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and noted that with the more than 750 vaccination sites in New Jersey 98.7% of residents live within five m...

Week of March 29 COVID-19 Update

The Governor this week announced increased outdoor gathering limits and a new COVID-19 vaccine appointment finder. He also discussed the latest modeling from the Department of Health.In regards to the Department of Health modeling, the Governor highlighte...

American Rescue Plan Update

President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law on March 11. The U.S. Treasury Department has 60 days to promulgate rules for the program and send federal aid directly to entitlement cities and to the state to be sent, unencumbered, to the mu...

Week of March 22: COVID-19 Update

Today the Governor announced an expansion of those eligible for the vaccine along with a partnership with the Biden Administration to open a pilot FEMA Community Vaccination Center located in Newark. Earlier this week the Governor noted that working with ...

Week of March 15: COVID-19 Weekly Update

This week the Governor noted that Thursday marked one year since the closure of schools and the transition to all-remote learning. During his remarks the Governor stated that, “Come September, it is our complete expectation that every school will be open,...

Week of March 8: COVID Update

March 10 was the one-year anniversary of New Jersey’s first COVID-19 confirmed death. Governor Phil Murphy noted that “the toll of this virus has been staggering. It exceeds the numbers of New Jerseyans lost in any war. In one year, we have lost an averag...

COVID-19 Weekly Update: Week of March 1

This week in Trenton on the COVID-19 front: March 4 marked the one-year anniversary of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in New Jersey. During his March 3, COVID briefing Governor Phil Murphy reviewed the steps New Jersey has taken in response. In addi...

Week of Feb. 22: COVID-19 Weekly Update

This week in Trenton on the COVID-19 front: Governor Phil Murphy issued an Executive Order increasing capacities for religious services, as well as sporting and entertainment events and announced New Jersey should anticipate approximately 70,000 of the Jo...

House Oversight and Reform Passes Reconciliation Bill that Includes State and Local Government Aid

Last Friday, after a series of amendments were offered, including ones designed to limit and hinder state and local aid distribution, and were defeated, the House Oversight and Reform Committee reported favorably the state and local government ai...

Senators Menendez & Booker Discuss American Rescue Plan

On Thursday, League President, Clinton Town Mayor Janice Kovach, and League staff joined more than 200 elected officials discussed the American Rescue Plan with U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker on a virtual call. The Senators gave an overview of...

Week of February 15: COVID-19 Update

This week’s COVID-19 news from Trenton: Governor Phil Murphy along with Acting Commissioner of Education Angelica Allen-McMillan released a plan on the learning gap. Vaccination deliveries have been delayed due to weather but it is antic...

Week of February 8: COVID-19 Update

This week’s COVID-19 news from Trenton continued to focus on vaccinations but also included an Executive Order on attendance at youth sporting events, information on upcoming elections, and the reopening of EDA’s applications for small and micro business ...

Week of February 1: Covid-19 Update

This week Governor Phil Murphy issued an Executive Order expanding indoor dining and limiting the 10 p.m. curfew on closings of restaurants. The Governor announced that Johnson and Johnson has submitted an application for emergency use authorization from ...

Week of January 24: Covid-19 Update

This week’s COVID-19 news from Trenton continued to center on vaccinations, with the toll-free vaccination hotline going live and all of the mega-sites up and running. The Governor issued an Executive Order permitting both electronic and in-person collect...

President Biden Releases COVID-19 Action Plan and Takes Related Executive Action

On Thursday, Jan. 21, President Joe Biden released the “National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness” that outlines seven specific goals to combat the pandemic: 

• Goal 1: Restore trust with the American people
• Goal 2: Mount ...

Week of January 18: COVID-19 Update

This week’s COVID-19 news from Trenton continued to center on vaccinations.  U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker announced today that New Jersey’s Department of Health will receive $591 million in federal funding for th...

COVID-19 Update: Week of January 4

Today, Governor Murphy announced that there were 5,791 new positive cases and an additional 112 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 516,608 confirmed cases, and 17,697 confirmed deaths. The rate of transmission is 1.02. Sinc...

U.S. Department of Treasury Announces Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has published information for state and local governments about the new $25 billion Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program that was enacted as part of the most recent COVID-19 emergency relief package. In general, fu...

Larger Stimulus Checks Unlikely

As of Thursday morning, Senate Majority Leader McConnell has not posted the CASH Act for a Senate vote. This legislation would provide an additional $1,400 stimulus check to the previously authorized $600 for a total of $2,000. The CASH Act passed the Hou...

President Signs Omnibus Funding and COVID-19 Relief Legislation

Despite his previous requests that Congress amend the Omnibus Spending and COVID-19 Relief Bill to increase stimulus payments from $600 to $2,000, President Trump signed the bill on Sunday night with no changes, after many features of the CARES A...

FEMA Releases $40 Million in Additional Funds for 2020 Mitigation Grants

Each year, FEMA identifies and makes available additional funds from previous grant cycles from projects that were completed under budget or were not implemented. This year, following the release of the fiscal year 2020 Notice of Funding Opportunity for t...

COVID Relief & Omnibus Bill Passed

Along with the passage of an omnibus bill to fund the government through September, Congress overwhelmingly passed a COVID-19 relief bill late Monday night. As previously reported, direct funding for state and local governments was not included in this pa...

Week of December 21 COVID-19 Update

Today, Governor Murphy announced that there were 4,871 new positive cases and an additional 80 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 449,842 confirmed cases, and 16,599 confirmed deaths. The...

Federal Update: No Direct State & Local Government Funding

Congressional Leadership announced an agreement on a COVID-19 relief package, which is expected to be voted on Monday. Excluded from that agreement is direct funding for state and local governments.The deadline to utilize existing CARES funding will be ex...

Week of December 14: COVID-19 Update

Today Governor Murphy announced that there were 3,975 new positive cases and an additional 44 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 423,226 confirmed cases and 16,216 confirmed deaths. The rate of transmission is at 1...

State and Local Aid Excluded From COVID Relief Legislation

Congress continues to negotiate the details of a $900 billion COVID relief package, which will be attached to the $1.4 trillion omnibus spending package that funds the government through September. The current funding bill expires at midnight tonight and ...

Covid-19 Update: Week of December 6

Governor Murphy today announced that there were 3,821 new positive cases and an additional 55 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 390,256 confirmed cases, and 15,794 confirmed deaths. The rate of transmission is at 1.14. The...

Treasury OIG Coronavirus Relief Fund FAQs

Last week, the Department of Treasury Office of Inspector General (OIG) released an update to the Coronavirus Relief Fund “Frequently Asked Questions Related to Reporting and Recordkeeping.” Part of the document lays out the process fo...

Covid-19 Update: Week of November 29

Earlier today, Governor Murphy announced that there were 5,673 new positive cases and an additional 48 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 356,662 confirmed cases, and 15,419 confirmed deaths. The rate of transmission is at ...

Covid-19 Update: Week of November 16

Covid cases in the Garden State continue to rise with Governor Murphy announcing today 3,635 new cases for a total of 297,370 cases to date, 23 new confirmed deaths for a total of 14,900 confirmed deaths to date, and the rate of transmission at 1.4%. Gove...

Covid-19 Update: Week of November 2

Today Governor Murphy announced that there were 2,199 new positive cases and an additional 13 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 249,380 confirmed cases, and 14,616 confirmed deaths. The ...

COVID-19 Update: Week of October 26, 2020

Today Governor Murphy announced that there were 2,089 new positive cases and an additional 7 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 236,523 confirmed cases, and 14,546 confirmed deaths. The rate of transmission is at 1.26, and ...

US Conference of Mayors Partnering with National Restaurant Association for Webinar

The National Restaurant Association is partnering with the US Conference of Mayors to host a webinar, “What Will Your City Be Like Without Restaurants?” They will discuss the challenges that the restaurant industry is facing and what mayors can d...

Comments Sought on Emergency Remote Meeting Regulations

As we have previously reported, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) issued emergency regulations regarding emergency remote meeting protocols for local public bodies. The DCA is also taking action to make these emergency regulations permanent and wi...

Local Government Emergency Fund Grant Application Now Available

Counties and municipalities excluded from the federal government’s direct Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) allocation plan, as well as those counties and municipalities that are currently the most impacted in comparison to their available resources, are elig...

COVID-19 Update: Week of October 12, 2020

Today Governor Murphy announced that there were 976 new positive cases and an additional 5 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 217,804 confirmed cases, and 14,413 confirmed deaths. The rate of transmission is at 1.18.&nb...

NJ Delegation Challenges FEMA Sanitation/PPE Policy Change

Bipartisan Members of New Jersey’s Congressional Delegation are urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reverse a new policy stipulating the agency will no longer provide emergency reimbursement to school systems and local gover...

Bipartisant Problem Solvers Look to Break Coronavirus Logjam

On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives’ bi-partisan Problem Solvers Caucus (PSC) released the March to Common Ground, a framework for COVID relief designed to reignite negotiations on a critically important Coronavirus Relief bill.The 50-...

Governor Takes Action on Bills

Earlier this week, Governor Phil Murphy signed two bills of interest into law – S-349 (P.L. 2020, c.80), which requires developers to offer electric vehicle charging stations as an option in certain new home construction, and S-2380 (P.L. 2020, ...

NLC Seeks Clarity on Permitted CRF Funding Uses

The March CARES Act provided direct Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) assistance to the State of New Jersey and the State’s nine most populous counties. The law allowed those direct recipients to ‘sub-allocate’ some or all of tho...

No Congressional Coronavirus Relief Forthcoming

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate failed to advance a scaled-down Coronavirus Relief measure when a procedural motion to invoke closure was defeated on party lines.The $500 billion proposal would have provided zero support for local and state governments. It wou...

Week of September 6: COVID-19 Update

Today Governor Murphy announced that there were 518 new positive cases and an additional nine confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 195,888 confirmed cases and 14,234 confirmed deaths. The rate of transmission is at 1.08. The ...

Governor Signs Coronavirus Relief Bonds Legislation

On Monday, Governor Murphy signed into law A-3971/S-2475, reflecting both the initial intent of the legislation and his recommended changes made through a previous conditional veto. This new law will allow municipalities and counties to issue a special em...

Local Aid Crucial for Economic Recovery

In a recent article, originally appearing in the August 13 ‘Bond Buyer,’ Mark Zandi, Chief Economist for Moody’s Analytics, predicts a ‘double-dip’ recession for the U.S. economy if Congress and t...

FEMA Announces Funding for Hazard Mitigation Grants

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has posted funding notices for two hazard mitigation grant programs for more than $660 million. The two grant programs, the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant and the Building Resilient Infrastructure an...

Week of August 10: COVID-19 Update

Today Governor Murphy announced that there were 585 new positive cases and an additional 10 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 187,164 confirmed cases, and 14,064 confirmed deaths. There are also 1,839 probable deaths assoc...

NJ Supreme Court Rules COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act Constitutional

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the State’s plan to bond for up to $9.9 billion to deal with revenue shortfalls brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic is constitutional, provided certain restrictions are followed.The case was brou...

President Trump Takes Steps to Address COVID-19 Relief

On Saturday, President Trump signed an Executive Order and three presidential memorandums after talks between the Administration and Democratic leaders on a new COVID-19 relief package broke down. The Democratic leaders are pushing for the HEROES Act ($3 ...

Week of August 2: COVID-19 Update

Today Governor Murphy announced that there were 384 new positive cases and an additional 12 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 184,061 confirmed cases, and 14,007 confirmed deaths. There are also 1,853 probable deaths assoc...

Tropical Storm Isaias Update from Board of Public Utilities (BPU)

As of 1:00 p.m. on Friday approximately 300,000 utility customers remain without power statewide, down from a peak of 1.4 million.The BPU understands that being without power is extremely frustrating and is in constant contact with all utilities to ensure...

Governor Conditionally Vetoes CRB Bill

On July 31 Governor Murphy issued a conditional veto for A-3971, which authorizes the issuance of "coronavirus relief bonds" (CRBs) by municipalities and counties. In the conditional veto language the Governor acknowledge the need for local gove...

DLGS Issues LFN on Enery Tax Receipt & CMPTRA Payment Program

The Division of Local Government Services issued Local Finance Notice 2020-17 summarizing the Energy Tax Receipt and CMPTRA payment program for CY 2020 and SFY 2020 extension budgets. The Energy Tax Receipt and CMPTRA August 1 installment payment was 45% ...

Local Aid Among Many Issues Delaying Federal Help

Negotiations over Washington’s next response to the COVID-19 continue, with no end in sight, as Congressional Leaders meet with the White House bargaining team. Meanwhile, and also with no end in sight, municipalities across the Nation, and all ...

COVID-19 Research Volunteers Needed

Please let your citizens know about these heroic service opportunities.First, anyone who has recovered from the virus, who has been symptom-free for at least 14 days, and who is otherwise able to donate blood, could be eligible to save lives by donating t...

Governor Issues Four New COVID-19 Related EOs

Since our last update, Governor Murphy issued four new COVID-19 related executive orders: Executive Order 170, which extends certain statutory deadlines across state government; Executive Order 171 which extends the Public Health Emergency that was declar...

Storm Update from NJBPU

As of 2 pm on Wednesday, approximately 908,000 utility customers remain without power statewide, down from a peak of 1.4 million yesterday. More than 2,000 out of state crews are helping our utilities restore electricity. This includes crews from Canada, ...

Week of July 24: COVID-19 Update

Today Governor Murphy announced that there were 699 new positive cases and an additional 10 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 181,660 confirmed cases, and 13,923 confirmed deaths. There are also 1,875 probable deaths assoc...

New Federal COVID Relief Bill Offers No Relief for New Jersey Municipalities

Yesterday in Washington, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell unveiled a new COVID Relief bill. The product of negotiations within the Senate Republican caucus, and between it and the White House, the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protecti...

Coronavirus Relief Bond Legislation Advances, Before Senate

Today the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee released S-2475/A-3971, which authorizes the issuance of “coronavirus relief bonds” (CRB) by municipalities and counties. The legislation permits municipalities to issue bonds for th...

Portal Bridge Replacement Project Progress

On Monday, NJ Transit’s Board of Directors approved a project development agreement with Amtrak, moving the Portal Bridge replacement project one step closer to a start. The project, which is expected to cost $1.8 billion, is now scheduled to be...

COVID-19 Rundown: Week of July 20

Today Governor Murphy announced that there were 488 new positive results and an additional 36 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 178,345 confirmed cases, and 13,845 confirmed deaths. There are also 1,920 probable deaths ass...

Governor Murphy Announces Main Street Commercial Corridors Relief

Yesterday, Governor Murphy announced a new relief program for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Lease – Emergency Assistance Program (SBL-EAGP) will allow businesses in 64 eligible municipalities&...

Negotiations Continue on the Second Federal Coronavirus Relief Package

Efforts in Washington continued this week as Federal legislators attempt to negotiate a second round of pandemic relief aid. While many were hopeful to have a Senate bill proposal released before the end of this week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel...

Week of July 13: COVID-19 Update

Today Governor Murphy announced that there were 202 new positive results and an additional 20 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 176,551 confirmed cases, and 13,710 confirmed deaths. There are also 1,974 probable deaths ass...

Murphy Ok's COVID-19 Borrowing Bill

Yesterday, both the Assembly, by a 46-26 vote, and the Senate, by a 22-15 vote, passed the amended State COVID-19 Borrowing bill. Late yesterday Governor Murphy signed it into law. P.L. 2020, c. 60 authorizes the borrowing of up to $9.9 billion in State g...

Local Aid to be Debated as Congress Reconvenes

On Monday, Congress will return to Washington. Press reports indicate that leaders in both Houses and in both political parties will seek bipartisan agreement on a new legislative response to the economic impact of the Coronavirus.

As the next COVID respon...

CARES Act CRF Guidance Permits use of Funds for TANs Costs

The U.S. Treasury has been using FAQs to expand permissible uses of Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) monies, distributed pursuant to the CARES Act. You can view the latest (July 8) at Treasury CRF FAQs.

On page 7, that guidance states (emphasis added):

&ls...

Week of June 29, 2020 COVID-19 Update

Yesterday the Governor announced that there were 423 new positive results and 45 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19 since the day before. To date, there have been 171,928 confirmed cases, and 13,224 confirmed deaths. There are also 1,854 probable de...

Virtual Press Conference Recording Available

Week of June 22, 2020 COVID-19 Update

On Thursday, the Governor announced that there were 406 new positive results and 26 deaths for COVID-19 since the day before. The Governor also announced that they identified an additional 1,854 probable deaths. These are fatalities in which no test was c...

Bridge Budget Bill Introduced

Because of the extension of the State’s current Fiscal Year for an additional three months, the Legislature must pass and the Governor sign a Supplemental Appropriations bill by midnight, June 30. On Thursday, June 24, Assemblywoman Eliana Pinto...

New Law Provides Local Units with Flexibility to Waive Penalties on Overdue Sewer or Water Charges

Last Friday, Governor Murphy signed into law A-4126 (now, P.L.2020, c.39), which gives municipalities, counties, and utility authorities the ability to waive interest and lien enforcement for certain delinquent water and sewer utility payments during emer...

DCA Announces COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Enrollment Period

Department of Community Affair’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CVERAP) will provide temporary rental assistance to low and moderate-income households that have had a substantial reduction in income or became unemployed due to the...

Time's Running Out for Small Business help

The Payroll Protection Program (PPP), a key component of the Federal CARES Act, will end on June 30. Please let all of your struggling small businesses know that they can apply for forgivable PPP loans, through the Small Business Administration (SBA). But...

Feds Allow State & Counties Flexibility in CARES Act Aid

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury again updated its Coronavirus Relief Fund Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) web page. With this update, Treasury is again giving states and qualifying local governments greater flexibility in the use of Coron...

NLC to Host Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Issues Update

Join our federal partner the National League of Cities for timely information via a webinar focused on issues affecting the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region.

The last few weeks have been turbulent and challenging for local leaders. From fighting a global ...

Week of June 15, 2020 COVID-19 Update

On Thursday, the Governor announced that there were 442 additional positive results since yesterday and 38 deaths. That brings the statewide totals to 168,107 positive results and 12,800 COVID-19 related deaths. Yesterday, 73 people were admitted to the h...

150 Economists Call For State & Local Funding in Next Package

A letter urging more Congressional action in response to the economic impact of the pandemic calls for "new assistance to states and localities" as part of new legislation. "An adequate response must be large, commensurate with the...

Share the Message: MunisAreEssential

The League has launched the MunisAreEssential campaign in response to budget shortfalls local governments are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is encouraging local officials to contact their state and federal legislators to support ...

Week of June 8, 2020 Covid-19 Update

Yesterday marked the 100th day since the first identified case of COVID-19 in New Jersey. Since that day, there have been 165,816 lab-confirmed cases of the virus in New Jersey, and 12,443 confirmed deaths. On that 100th day, Governor Murphy reported 539 ...

Please Take Action: Update State Bonding Proposal and Local COVID Bond Legislation

Last week, the State Assembly approved A-4175, the “New Jersey COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act,’’ by a vote of 51-28. This bill authorizes the issuance of $5 billion in State general obligation bonds to be used in response to the...

Week of June 1, 2020 COVID-19 Update

Yesterday, the Governor reported an additional 603 positive lab test results for COVID-19, for a statewide total of 162,530. He also reported an additional 92 deaths attributed to the virus, for a statewide total of 11,970. Of particular significance was ...

COVID Bond Bill Clears NJ Assembly; NJLM Committee Set to Review Legislation

Yesterday, the State Assembly approved A-4175, the “New Jersey COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act,’’ by a vote of 51-28. This bill authorizes the issuance of $5 billion in State general obligation bonds to be used in respon...

Congress Looks to INVEST in America's Infrastructure

We have received a summary of a soon-to-be-introduced bill – the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation (INVEST) in America Act. Among other provisions, the bill would dedicate $19 billion, over five years, in L...

Gov. Executive Order Greenlights Outdoor Dining & In-Person Non-Essential Retail

Yesterday Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 150 permitting outdoor dining and in-person non-essential retail effective Monday, June 15 at 6:00 a.m.

Outdoor Dining

In-person service at outdoor areas for restaurants, cafeterias, dining establishments, an...

ABC Issues Guidance on New Outdoor Dining Permits

The Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has created a new permit for licensed premises to expand their premises to allow for reasonable seating capacity while observing social distancing guidelines. The COVID-19 Expansion Permit is available to a...

Surgeon General Urges Continued Precautions

The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs has been conducting weekly briefings on the Federal government’s COVID response and recovery efforts. League staff has been monitoring the weekly calls for state, local, and tribal leaders. Thi...

Week of May 25: COVID-19 Update

Yesterday, the Governor reported an additional 1,261 positive lab test results for COVID-19, for a statewide total of 157,815.  He also reported an additional 66 deaths attributed to the virus, for a statewide total of 11,401.

Also, the Governor s...

Legislature Focuses on State Three-Month Budget Plan

Yesterday in Trenton, the Assembly Budget Committee heard testimony from the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services’ Budget and Finance Officer, Frank Haines, and State Treasurer, Elizabeth Maher Muoio, regarding Governor Murphy’s ...

Gov. Signs Legislation Setting 2020 Tax Appeal Date

Yesterday Governor Murphy signed into law A-4157, which extends the statutory deadline to file a property tax appeal from May 1, 2020 to July 1, 2020 and provides the County Board of Taxation until September 30, 2020 to render a decision on a tax...

ACT NOW Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program Applications Due May 29

This Friday, May 29 is the deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program for state and local municipalities identified as eligible for funding under the 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (J...

MEL Safety Institute CV-19 Resources

The MEL Safety Director’s office has created a central repository on the NJ MEL website for updated COVID-19 information specific to municipal operations, including several bulletins addressing specific subject areas during the COVID-19 pandemic...

Week of May 18: COVID-19 Update

Yesterday, the Governor announced that an additional 1,304 confirmed positive test results for COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 151,472. He also announced another 98 deaths, bringing the statewide total to 10,843.New hospitalizations continue a d...

State Budget Update

Today State Treasurer Liz Muoio issued a report on the fiscal condition of the state budget. The report indicates that the State can expect an up-to $10 billion shortfall between now and June 2021. The data reflects a shortfall of $2.75 billion through th...

DEP Launches "Mask Up!" Campaign

Today, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the launch of their “Mask Up!” campaign, encouraging residents and visitors to wear face coverings in state parks, beaches and public spaces. 

The campaign inclu...

Bipartisan Local & State COVID Assistance Bills Introduced in Both Houses of Congress

On Monday, Senator Bob Menendez introduced in the Upper House S.3752, the State and Municipal Aid for Recovery and Transition (SMART) bill. Yesterday, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill introduced its companion, H.R. 6954, in the House.

We thank Senator Menendez...

Representative Sherrill to Sponsor House SMART Companion

New Jersey Representative Mikie Sherrill, along with New York’s Peter King, announced that they will introduce a bipartisan House companion to S.3752, Senator Menendez’s bipartisan State and Municipal Aid for Recovery and Transition (S...

Your Action Needed on COVID-19 Bonding

On Thursday the Assembly passed by a vote of 57-20 A-3971 which authorizes the issuance of “coronavirus relief bonds” by municipalities and counties. Specifically, A-3971 permits municipalities to issue bonds for the loss of revenue an...

Gov. Signs States of Emergency Law Addressing Timeframes & Deadlines

On May 15 Governor Murphy signed A-3969/S-2392 into law. P.L. 2020, c. 34 provides for local government flexibility with regard to various timeframes, deadlines, and other statutory requirements in order to help them continue to function and meet their ob...

Senator Menedez to Introduce Municipal Aid Bill

Sometime this week, New Jersey’s senior Senator Bob Menendez and Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D., will formally introduce legislation that could help all New Jersey local governments. It would create a $500 billion fund to help states and a...

House Passes HEROES Bill with Local Aid Provision

On Friday night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6800–the HEROES Act. The vote, largely along party lines, was 203-199. Though declared ‘dead on arrival’ in the Senate by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, this ac...

Week of May 11 COVID-19 Update

Today the Governor announced that an additional 1,297 confirmed positive test results for COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 143,905. He also announced another 201 deaths, bringing the statewide total to 10,138.  

New hospitalizations conti...

Call to Action: Assembly Passes A-3971

Yesterday the Assembly passed by a vote of 57-20 A-3971 which authorizes the issuance of “coronavirus relief bonds” by municipalities and counties. Specifically, A-3971 permits municipalities to issue bonds for the loss of rev...

2020 Tax Appeal Date Bill Awaits Gov's Signature

Yesterday both the Assembly and Senate unanimously approved A-4157/S-2387, which extends the statutory deadline to file a property tax appeal from May 1, 2020 to July 1, 2020 and provides the County Board of Taxation until September 30, 2020 to render a d...

Senate OKs Civil Service Transfers During States of Emergency Bill

Yesterday the Senate unanimously approved S-2477, which would permit State and local government employees in civil service to be transferred under certain circumstances. The legislation, which the League supports, awaits consideration by the Assembly.

S-24...

Timeline, Deadline Bills on Governor's Desk

Yesterday both the Assembly, by a vote of 70-6, and the Senate, by a vote of 37-1, passed A-3969/S-2392, which provides for local government flexibility with regard to various timeframes, deadlines, and other statutory requirements in order to he...

HEROES Act Includes Hometown Help

On Wednesday, Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, raised the specter of a devastating multiyear recession if Congress and the White House do not authorize more aid to address the COVID pandemic’s economic fallout. “Ad...

HEROES Act Would Aid All NJ Municipalities

Yesterday in Washington, The Chairs of 12 key House Committees, including New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone, introduced legislation that would, in addition to several other items, provide substantial, flexible, and assured funding to every municipality...

Register Now: NLC Events May 12 and 13

Our Federal Partners at the National League of Cities (NLC) have scheduled three learning opportunities this week, meant to help local officials navigate the recovery. Here they are.

a. WEBINAR | Doubling Down on an Equitable and Resilient Recovery | Tuesd...