State Issues
State Health Benefits Rate Increase May Be Considered Next Week
As we have previously reported the State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) is considering a greater than 20% rate increase for local governments in the State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP). The matter may be considered at their next meeting, September 14. On that same day, the Plan Design Committee will be meeting as well. At this time neither committee’s agendas are publicly available.
The two labor representatives on the SHBC have requested that the SHBC delay the vote on the proposed rate increases. In a letter to State Treasurer, Elizabeth Muoio they noted their concern that “the administrator and claims payer for the SHBP’s medical services contract, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, has been completely absent in this discussion up to now” and reminded the Treasurer that section 3.1.21 of the health services contract requires presentation of rates to the SHBC as well as a providing a renewal packet. According to their letter, to date the SHBC has not been provided such information.
The public sector unions will be holding a rally on Tuesday, September 13, at 12 noon at the State House Annex to “fight the drastic increase in our health benefits contributions.”
If you have not done so already, we urge you to reach out to the Governor’s office regarding the impact the rate increase will have on your municipal budget, your employees and property taxpayers.
Contacts:
- Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.
- Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.
NJDEP Public Comment Period and Virtual Hearing for Draft Tier A Permit Renewal
As we have previously
reported, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has undertaken the
renewal of the Tier A permit under the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit program. Part of the renewal process for the draft includes a public comment period, which ends on September 20.
For those interested, written comments may be submitted to the NJDEP via email to
stormwatermanager@dep.nj.gov. In addition, the NJDEP will be hosting a virtual public hearing to solicit public comment on September 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and re-open from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to accommodate additional individuals if the attendance limit for the 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. session is exceeded. A link to register or attend this hearing has not been provided by the NJDEP, but those interested in attending or providing comments are encouraged to contact NJDEP via email at
stormwatermanager@dep.nj.gov.
If your municipality submits comments to Advisory Council, please forward a copy to Frank Marshall, Esq., League Associate General Counsel, at
FMarshall@njlm.org.
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel,
fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.
State Planning Commission Adopts Warehouse Siting Guidance
On Wednesday, the State Planning Commission adopted warehouse siting
guidance material, which was first shared in June. Please take note that the guidance is advisory only, not mandatory. The guidance material intends to offer municipalities and local officials insights and considerations when updating their Master Plans and reviewing applications and requirements for the siting of warehouses. The goal of the guidance is to provide a balanced approach to warehouse siting that considers environmental and economic sustainability and public health.
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel,
fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.
Make Your Voice Heard: Submit Conference Resolutions Today
Each year, the League’s Annual Conference offers a new opportunity for local leaders to have municipal challenges placed at the forefront of the League’s advocacy efforts. Any advocacy by the League starts with the feedback we receive from our members, and there is no stronger mandate for our efforts than the Conference Resolution.
Any official currently holding municipal office can submit a proposed Conference Resolution. To do so, a summary of a proposed resolution must be sent to the League for review by October 7. The full text of the resolution must be received by the League by October 21.
Submitted proposals are then reviewed by the Conference Resolutions Committee, who will meet on Tuesday, November 15, at 3 p.m. in Atlantic City during the League’s Annual Conference. Resolution sponsors are required to attend this meeting to support their proposals. While only Resolution Committee members can vote on the proposed resolutions, the meeting is open to all Conference registrants.
Additional details, as well as a listing of previously adopted Conference Resolutions can be found on the League’s website.
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.
Governor Signs Black Heritage Trail Bill
On Wednesday, Governor Murphy signed into law A-2677 requiring the New Jersey Historical Commission to establish a Black Heritage Trail to promote awareness and appreciation of Black history, heritage and culture in the State. P.L. 2022, c. 102, which took effect immediately, also appropriates $1 million for the purpose of establishing historical markers for the Black Heritage Trail.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.
Division Issues Guidance on the Transitional Aid Application Process
The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has issued
Local Finance Notice 2022-16, providing guidance for state fiscal year municipalities who wish to apply for transitional aid, including a mandatory notification of intent to apply and mandatory orientation for new applicants. The deadline to notify intent of application is September 9 and the
application deadline is September 30. Award decisions will be made shortly after the deadline of September 30, 2022, to ensure that municipalities can plan for a levy cap referendum if necessary. DLGS requires that the mayor and chief administrative officer of each applying municipality currently not receiving Transitional Aid attend an orientation that discusses the application process. The date of the meeting will be negotiated between the municipality and DLGS.
We recommend reviewing the
application process with your municipal administrator and chief financial officer.
Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst,
alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.
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