News Flash

Posted on: December 8, 2023

Assembly Advances Bill that Could Mean Increased Utility Costs

The Assembly has passed A-4791, which would establish a “Resiliency and Environmental System Investment Charge Program.” The program would allow water and wastewater utilities to recover, outside of their rates, the cost of in...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: December 8, 2023

Stay NJ Taskforce Announced

Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac and Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp have been appointed to the Stay New Jersey Task Force, which was established to implement the Stay New Jersey Property Tax Relief Program.

On Monday, December 4, Governor Murphy, Senate Presid...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: December 8, 2023

Court Rules NJ Tax Sale Foreclosure Violates Constitution

This week, a NJ appellate panel issued a published decision that will have a sweeping impact on New Jersey’s Tax Sale Law and will undoubtedly result in legislative action. 

In 257-261 20th Avenue Realty, LLC v. Alessandro Roberto the co...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: December 8, 2023

Workers’ Compensation Contingency Bill Held in Assembly

On Thursday, the full Assembly was scheduled to vote on A-5659, which increases Workers’ Compensation contingency fees, but was removed from the agenda prior to the voting session.

As we reported last week, the Assembly Labor Committee favorably ...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: December 1, 2023

Governor Conditionally Vetoes SHBC Claims Administrators Bill

On Monday, Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed S-3756 ScsSa that permits the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) to award contracts for more claims administrators and requires claims data and trend reports to be provided to certain persons.

The p...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: December 1, 2023

Bill Revising Workers’ Compensation Coverage Advances

On Thursday, the Assembly Labor Committee favorably reported A-161, which revises workers’ compensation coverage for certain injuries to volunteer and professional public safety and law enforcement personnel.

This bill expands the individuals&...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: November 21, 2023

CEU Certificates are Delayed - But Coming Soon

Due to a technical issue, the tracking system for the 108th Annual League Conference will not be available on November 27 as previously published.

We are working to get this resolved as soon as possible, and anticipate t...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: November 3, 2023

Deadline to Obligate ARP SLFRF Funds Nears One-Year Countdown

The American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program provided funds to every municipality in the country to mitigate the damage caused by the pandemic. New Jersey received $10.2 billion including $1.74 billion split among all mun...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: November 3, 2023

Green Acres Grant Funding Opportunity Now Open for Municipalities

The Green Acres Program has announced the opening of its 2024 funding round for municipalities, counties, and nonprofits. Applications are now being accepted for land acquisition, park development, stewardship, Jake’s Law (inclusive pla...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: October 20, 2023

Acting Governor Way Signs Pair of Bills to Support Small Business

Acting Governor Tehesha Way signed two bills this week aimed at helping support small businesses. The first bill, A-3424/S-1447 establishes an Annual Business Matchmaking Event to connect small businesses with federal, state, and local government...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: October 13, 2023

DLGS Issues CY 2024 Municipal Budget Cap Information

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has issued Local Finance Notices 2023-19 to address issues related to the CY 2024 municipal budget and the 1977 and 2010 cap laws.  

The Division has advised that the appropriations cap COLA for CY ...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: October 12, 2023

DLGS Issues LFN 2023-18 with Guidance on Fire District Budgets & Elections

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has issued Local Finance Notice 2023-18 (LFN 2023-18) outlining the Calendar Year (CY) 2024 fire district budget process. Fire districts are mandated to submit their CY 2024 budgets through the Financial Au...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: October 6, 2023

NJDOL Enhances Portal for Fair Wage Transparency & Compliance

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) recently added a New Jersey Certified Payroll Database, to its New Jersey Wage Hub. This data based allows for certified payroll records submitted by public work contractors to be availa...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: September 15, 2023

Governor Names Jaquelyn Suárez as Acting DCA Commissioner

Governor Murphy has named Division of Local Government Services Director Jacquelyn Suárez as Acting Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Effective September, 18 Suárez will serve as Acting DCA Commissioner pendi...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: September 15, 2023

New Workplace Accountability in Labor List (WALL) Now Live

The New Jersey Department of Labor Workforce Development's (NJDOL) Workplace Accountability in Labor List (WALL) is now available. 

This list includes entities found to be in violation of New Jersey's wage, benefit, and tax laws. Entities listed o...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: September 8, 2023

NJ Treasury Reimburses Municipalities for Marriage Licenses

On August 29, the Department of Treasury initiated the disbursement of funds to municipalities participating in the Marriage License Reimbursement Program (MLR). This program compensates municipalities $3 for each marriage license application rec...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: September 8, 2023

State Offering Free ARP SLFRF Compliance Consulting

The Governor’s Disaster Recovery Office (GDRO) is offering municipalities free American Rescue Plan (ARP) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) compliance consulting. The GRDO is utilizing four separate consulting firms to offer ARP SLFR...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 31, 2023

Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Starts Municipal Outreach Campaign

The New Jersey Department of the Treasury's Unclaimed Property Administration (UPA) announced an outreach campaign last week to reunite New Jersey's counties and municipalities with their property.

UPA will proactively contact th...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 29, 2023

Reminder: Opioid Settlement Annual Reports Due September 1

Eligible subdivisions participating in the national opioid settlements are required to submit an annual report to the state Department of Human Services (DHS) by September 1.

As part of the nationwide opioid settlements, eligible New Jersey subdivisions ar...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 28, 2023

Have Your Voices Heard: Send in Your Conference Resolutions

Sending in Conference Resolutions that suggest changes to improve municipal life helps build the foundation for the League Legislative team’s annual actions.

If you have a topic to improve local government and address an issue impacting local gov...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 25, 2023

DCA Issues Proposed Rules Regulating Third-Party Inspectors

The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has published proposed rules amending the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) to expand the use of private on-site inspection agencies, in accordance with the law adopted last year. 

In accordance with&nbs...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 25, 2023

New Rules and Amendments Proposed for NJ Historic Trust Grants

The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has published proposed rules and amendments related to the Garden State Historic Preservation Trust Fund Grants.

The New Jersey Historic Trust is authorized to implement funding for Open Space, Farmland, and Histor...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 24, 2023

U.S. Treasury Releases Interim Final Rule on ARPA Flex

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Treasury released its long-awaited Interim Final Rule on ARPA Flex and an Overview of the Interim Final Rule. ARPA Flex was a provision passed by Congress in December 2022. 

This rule cr...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 21, 2023

Plan Your Education Sessions

Dozens of sessions have been posted with their full CEU credits on the League Conference website. Start planning today!

For those attending the Conference with earning continuing education credits on their to-do list, planning is easier than ever this year...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 18, 2023

Enforcement of Russia-Belarus Law Temporarily Suspended

A recent legal challenge has caused State officials to temporarily halt the enforcement of the law prohibiting government dealings with businesses associated with Russia and Belarus. 

On August 4, the United States District Court for the District ...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 18, 2023

Governor Signs Bill Requiring Online PWCR & Payroll Certificates

Governor Murphy signed into law S-1442/A-5345, which requires public works contractor registration and payroll certification for public works projects to be completed online. P.L. 2023, c. 138 will take effect next year on August 16, 2024.  &...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 17, 2023

Governor Murphy Signs Law Extending School Bus Service Life

On Wednesday, August 16, Governor Murphy signed A-5239/S-3734, P.L. 2023 c.144,  extending the service life of school buses to 20 years and extends the service life of Type S school buses. 

Prior to P.L. 2023 c. 144, school buses weighing...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 17, 2023

DEP Calls for Projects to Replace Diesel Vehicles

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced a follow up $13 million funding opportunity for local governments to replace their medium and heavy-duty diesel vehicles with electric vehicles using funds from the Regional Greenho...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 17, 2023

Governor Murphy Signs Boardwalk Preservations Fund

On Tuesday, August 15, Governor Murphy signed S-3989/A-5675, now P.L.2023, c.136, establishing the Boardwalk Preservation Fund and appropriating $100 million in American Rescue Plan funds for the renovation and repair of boardwalks in shore communities ac...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 17, 2023

DLGS Issues LFN Regarding Changes to Pay-To-Play Laws

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has issued Local Finance Notice 2023-14 (LFN 2023-14) identifying key changes to the state’s pay-to-play laws after the enactment of P.L. 2023, c. 30, known as the “Ele...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 11, 2023

New Definition for Custom Fabrication Under Prevailing Wage Act

Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari signed into S-3776, which amends the definition of “custom fabrication” under the Prevailing Wage Act. 

The definition was amended to include “other fabrication which is one or more en...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 10, 2023

Bill Signed Establishing Boom Car Noise Violation Penalties

Serving as Acting Governor, while Governor Phil Murphy was out of state, Senate President Nicholas Scutari signed A-4686 into law. This new law sets limits on the permissible volume of sound emanating from motor vehicles. The intent is to address noise vi...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: August 1, 2023

Early Bird Conference Registration Now Open!

Registration for the 108th Annual League Conference is now open! Take advantage of the lowest rates of the year, saving $40 off the regular registration cost with Early Bird pricing running Aug. 1-Sept. 30.

Early Bird Registration rates are:

  • Government/Nonp...
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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: July 28, 2023

State Health Benefits Plan Design Committee Meets

The State Health Benefits Program Design Committee (PDC) met on July 26, 2023. They focused on the issue of rising service costs, identified as the main factor for the uptick in state health benefits expenses. 

The committee passed nine resolution...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: July 24, 2023

Advance Your Causes with Conference Resolutions

If you have a topic to improve local government and address an issue impacting local governance, send in a Conference Resolution for consideration at this year’s Annual Conference. Any elected officials currently in municipal office, municipal professiona...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: July 18, 2023

Governor Signs Advanced Clean Cars Proposal

Governor Phil Murphy announced New Jersey has signed the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) proposal. The goal of the ACCII is to have zero-emission vehicles make up 100% of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2035. While the proposal does not impose obligations ...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: July 7, 2023

$200 Million Allocation for State Health Benefits Cut from FY2024 Budget

Governor Murphy's plan to dedicate $200 million from federal pandemic relief funds to offset the over 20% rising health insurance premium rise did not secure a place in the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. This plan was initially laid out in Governor Murphy's FY ...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: July 7, 2023

MWC & NJLM Launches Mental Health Grant Opportunity

The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute's Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC), in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities has announced a funding opportunity for communities working to address local mental health needs. The...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: July 7, 2023

Governor Signs 20 and Out Legislation

Governor Murphy signed S-3090/A-4498, which permits police and fire employees to retire after 20 years of service, regardless of age, with a retirement benefit of 50% of final compensation, into law on July 3, 2023. P.L. 2023, 92 took effect immediately. ...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: June 30, 2023

FY2024 Budget & ETR Update

The FY2024 Budget proposal includes $150 million in Municipal Relief funding in addition to Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief funding.

As we previously reported late Thursday, both the Assembly Budget Committee and the Senate Budget and Appropriation...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: June 30, 2023

SHBP Plan Design Committee June Meeting Report

On Wednesday, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) Plan Design Committee met for its regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Items on the agenda included a High Deductible Plan Discussion, Reduced Specialty Copay resolution,&am...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: June 29, 2023

Congress Moves to Reauthorize National Flood Insurance Program

The National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization (NFIP-RE) Act of 2023 (H.R.4349/S.2142) has been introduced in both the House and Senate with bipartisan support in both chambers. 

The National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization (NFIP Re)...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: June 29, 2023

ETR Funding Doubled in FY2024 Budget

Last night, both the Assembly Budget Committee and the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee favorably reported A-5669/S-2024, the $54.3 billion FY2024 New Jersey Budget Bill. It includes an additional $150 million for Energy Tax Receipts (ETR), doub...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: June 23, 2023

Time is of the Essence, One Week to Restore Energy Tax Receipts

The League, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, and New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, continue to call for the full restoration of Energy Tax Receipts. As a result of our collective outreach, Senator Greenstein and Assemblyman DeAngelo are sponsoring ...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: June 15, 2023

Court Decision Will Impact Municipal Collection of BPPT

This week, an Appellate Panel released their opinion in Verizon New Jersey v. Borough of Hopewell, a case which the League participated in as amicus because of its broad implications on New Jersey’s municipalities.

The Appellate Panel ma...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: June 15, 2023

Two Weeks to Restore Energy Tax Receipts

We are two weeks away from the deadline for the State to adopt their FY 2024 budget. Now is the time to act to get full restoration of Energy Tax Receipts included in the state budget. 

The League, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, and New Jers...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: June 15, 2023

Public Service Privatization Standards Bill Out of Committee

S-1350/A-5430, which establishes procedures and standards regarding public services privatization contracts, has been released from committees. 

Legislation that would limit local government’s ability to privatize public services is adva...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: June 9, 2023

“Give It Back” Property Tax Relief Plan

Senators O’Scanlon and Testa have introduced S-3906, the “Give It Back” property tax relief plan. The plan calls for $4.32 billion from the New Jersey Debt Defeasance & Prevention Fund to be appropriated to each municipal...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: June 9, 2023

Speaker Coughlin Testifies on Stay NJ Bill Package

During the Assembly Aging and Senior Services Committee hearing on June 8, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin testified before the committee on the “Stay NJ Act” proposal. Assembly Speaker Coughlin highlighted the importance of recognizin...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: June 8, 2023

Ask Your Legislator to Join Energy Tax Receipt Budget Resolutions

The League, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, and New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, continue to call for the full restoration of Energy Tax Receipts. As a result of our collective outreach, Senator Greenstein and Assemblyman DeAngelo are sponsoring ...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: June 5, 2023

Assembly Speaker Coughlin announces Stay NJ Bill Package

On May 25, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin unveiled the "Stay NJ Act" property tax relief plan, a comprehensive initiative designed to alleviate property taxes for seniors while also addressing the affordability of healthcare insurance and presc...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: June 2, 2023

Ask Your Legislator to Join Energy Tax Receipt Budget Resolutions

The League, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, and the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association continue to call for the full restoration of Energy Tax Receipts. As a result of our collective outreach, Senator Greenstein and Assemblyman DeAngelo are sponsori...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: June 2, 2023

Congress Passes Fiscal Responsibility Act

On Wednesday night the House passed H.R. 3746, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 by a margin of 314-117 and on Thursday the Senate passed the legislation by a vote of 63-36 after a series of amendments were not agreed to. President is expected to imme...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: June 2, 2023

Spotted Lanternfly Grant Program for Counties and Municipalities

The NJ Department of Agriculture has announced the availability of grant money to assist counties and municipalities slow the spread and reduce spotted lanternfly populations across the state. 

Nearly $5 million has been made available for the gra...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: May 26, 2023

Plan Design Committee Holds Regular May Meeting

The State Health Benefits Program Plan Design Committee met on Wednesday for the regularly scheduled meeting and discussed the following items:

  • Potential increase in the contribution amount for High Deductible Health Plans to comply with recent guidance fr...
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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: May 26, 2023

DLGS Issues Guidance on Russia-Belarus Certification

The Division of Local Government Services has issued Local Finance Notice 2023-11 providing guidance on the Russia-Belarus Certification. 

We would like to highlight the following from the Notice:

  • Department of Treasury has published a list (Russia...
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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: May 26, 2023

Continue to Urge Full Funding of Energy Tax Receipts

On Thursday, League staff worked the Statehouse and spoke with Assembly representatives before they went into caucus, urging them to support the full restoration of Energy Tax Receipts. Our thanks to East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov, who joined us and sp...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: May 19, 2023

Mayors Sign Letter Urging the Full Funding of Energy Tax Receipts

Earlier this week, the New Jersey State League of Municipalities (NJLM), the New Jersey Conference of Mayors (NJCM), and the New Jersey Urban Mayor’s Association (NJUMA) issued a letter signed by 401 mayors from across the state urging the State...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: May 15, 2023

Governor Conditionally Vetoes 20 and Out Legislation

Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed legislation (S-3090/A-4498) that would permit police and fire employees to retire after 20 years of service, regardless of age, with a retirement benefit of 50% of final compensation. The League joined the New Jersey A...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)
Posted on: May 12, 2023

Governor Signs Deferred Compensation Plans Investments Bill

On May 8, Governor Murphy signed into law S-2423/A-3746, which permits local government deferred compensation plans to invest in collective investment trusts. The League supported this legislation that adds collective investments to the types of investmen...

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Finance Officers (GFOANJ)