|
|
|
|
State Issues
State Health Benefits Program Update
Earlier this week, the League and the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC), attended a meeting with the Governor’s office regarding the upcoming increases to the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP). While there is no immediate solution at this time, the Governor’s office anticipates a combination of short-term and long-term fixes. Currently, the Administration is meeting with local public employee union state presidents to negotiate savings similar to the agreement they have with the State public employees union.
In regards to using federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF) monies as a potential source of funding to offset the extraordinary increases, the Administration contends that the Executive Branch needs approval from the Legislature to allocate any SFRF monies that exceed $20 million.
In addition, the Administration has asked us to provide them with a list of suggestions for long-term cost savings. We will work with our affiliates (NJ Municipal Managers Association and Government Finance Officers Association) and other partners to craft a list of suggestions.
On Thursday, October 13, the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee will consider S-3033, sponsored by Senators Ruiz and Sarlo, which would appoint municipal and county officials to the State Health Benefits Commission, since management does not currently have a voice on the Commission. Given that local governments are responsible for paying approximately 70% of the $350 million increase in health benefits and in light of the manner in which the Commission mismanaged the rate approval process this year, NJLM and NJAC strongly support this legislation.
Finally, the Open Enrollment period has begun and the Division of Pensions and Benefits is holding a virtual benefits fair. The interactive benefits experience provides convenient access to informative webinars, helpful tools, plan comparison resources, and a variety of information regarding health, dental, prescription drug, and wellness plans.
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.
Best Practices Inventory Released
The Division of Local Government Services has released the 2022 Best Practice Inventory along with Local Finance Notices 2022-17 detailing the process and requirements. The 56-question inventory is due November 10; however, the appeals deadline is November 3. The three scoring categories are Core Competencies (31 questions), Best Practices (11 questions), and Unscored Survey (13 questions). A municipality must receive a minimum score of 24 to receive its full final aid payment. A score of 20-23 will lose 25% of final aid payment, 16-19 a 50% loss of final aid payment, and 0-15 a 100% loss of final aid payment.
The Division is requesting any municipality that participates in the State Health Benefits Program for medical coverage complete the State Health Benefits Program Practices Survey form. To assist in our discussions on the increases to the State Health Benefits, please share your submitted survey with Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, at ppenna@njlm.org.
As a reminder, the governing body must discuss the municipality’s Best Practice Inventory results at a public meeting and reference it in the meeting minutes. The Best Practice Inventory can be submitted to the Division by your Chief Financial Officer prior to the public meeting.
We suggest you review the Best Practice Inventory and Local Finance Notice with your administrator and chief financial officer.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.
Senate Budget Committee to Consider Cap Exemptions
On Thursday, October 13, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee will be considering S-2619. This bill, sponsored by Senators Sarlo and Greenstein, will exclude from the 2.5% appropriation cap expenditures related to gasoline and diesel fuel; collection and disposal of solid waste and recycling; and cyber insurance cost in the first 3 years of the bill’s effective date. The bill would also exclude from the 2% levy cap any cost in excess of 2% of the prior year for the collection and disposal of solid waste & recycling; gasoline and diesel fuel cost; and cyber insurance cost. As municipalities are facing rising costs and record inflation, the League supports the swift passage of S-2619.
We strongly suggest you reach out to your Senators urging them to support S-2619.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.
SHBP Alternatives Lunch & Learn Recording Available
The September 29 Lunch & Learn session on Exploring Alternatives to the SHBP – How to navigate within existing labor contracts, is now available for viewing at the League’s YouTube station. We thank Matt Watkins, League Labor Consultant, and Kevin Lyons, NJ State PBA Legal Protection Plan Administrator and Health Benefits Coordinator, for their insightful discussion on how to navigate the alternatives to the SHBP within existing labor contracts.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.
Governor Murphy Announces Clean Buildings Working Group
On Monday, October 3, Governor Murphy announced the creation of the statewide Clean Buildings Working Group (CBWG), which is a collaboration between the Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy (OCAGE) and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). The CBWG is a collective of cross-sector collaborative of stakeholders from across the environmental industry, including Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Community Affairs, Economic Development Authority, and Department of the Treasury. The CBWG hopes to explore greener pathways to meet the State’s commitment to achieve a 100% clean energy state economy and reduce emissions by 80% from 2006 levels by 2050.
Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116. |
|
|
|
|
|
Also of Interest
Applications for the Innovation in Governance Program Sought
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities will again acknowledge and promote Innovation in Governance through our annual recognition program. This is a great opportunity to showcase innovative solutions to any problems that have cropped up – either suddenly or over time – in your municipality. It can also be an opportunity to let your peers in on innovations that prevented problems from even arising. This year the Innovation in Governance Awards Committee is looking for any new and distinctive approaches in any department of municipal government.
The deadline is TODAY, October 7, 2022.
Visit our awards page to see previous years’ ideas created by winning municipalities as well as the full invitation and application to this year’s program.
Contact: Ciara Bradley, Legislative Administrator, cbradley@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x128.
NJDOT Project Top Finalist in National Competition – Vote Today
The New Jersey DOT’s Route 495, Route 1&9/Paterson Plank Road Bridge $88 million project is a top finalist in the America’s Transportation Awards. New Jersey DOT worked closely with the public and 16 local, state, and regional agencies to successfully steer the project through 12-stages over four years. Please consider joining NJLM President Woodbine Mayor Bill Pikolycky in casting a vote to help New Jersey take the top prize so that the rest of the nation can see the great work we do in the Garden State. Votes can be cast daily on each computer, phone, and/or tablet, and voting ends October 21.
Lunch & Learn: Municipal Climate Resilience Planning: The Importance of the Recently Mandated Climate Change-Related Hazard Vulnerability Assessments
In 2021, Governor Murphy signed a law amending the Municipal Land Use Law to require municipalities to incorporate a climate change-related hazard vulnerability assessment (CCRHVA) into any Master Plan Land Use Element adopted after the signing. On Tuesday, October 18 at 12 noon join NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, Chief Resilience Officer Nick Angarone, and Climate Resilience Planning Experts for a lunchtime webinar exploring what this change means for municipal officials, what tools and resources exist to help municipalities meet this requirement, and how the CCRHVA can fit into a broader climate resilience planning effort.
Please register for the October 18 Lunch and Learn session.
NJLM Education Foundation Climate Resilience Roundtable
The League of Municipalities Educational Foundation will be convening a series of roundtables throughout the State to provide information and help identify resources to deal with the threats of climate changed and how municipalities can plan for resiliency. This issue has been identified as a top priority for the Foundation by the Board, chaired by Hope Mayor and NJLMEF President Tim McDonough. The regional events will allow for local partners to interact directly with local leaders. The first event will be held later this month and more will be held on a quarterly basis through 2023. The first has a South Jersey focus and will feature our partners, Stockton University, Atlantic City Electric and New Jersey American Water. October 24, 2022
Local Leaders and Climate Reliance :
A South Jersey Perspective Stockton University’s Campus Center Theater
104 Vera King Farris Dr, Galloway New Jersey, 08205
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
|
|
|
|
2022 Annual League Conference
Online registration for the 107th Annual League Conference is open.
Health and Safety at the 107th Annual Conference
With the 107th Annual Conference approaching next month, now is a good time to review health and safety protocols for this year. Unlike last year, there is no longer a mask requirement in the Atlantic City Convention Center, a state-owned building. Likewise, there is no vaccine requirement, as was necessary last year.
That said, NJLM remains committed to ensuring a healthy and safe Conference experience for all in attendance. In 2022, League staff will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we come closer to our event date, the League will advise you if any additional safety protocols become necessary based on the current public health conditions.
The Atlantic City Convention Center has achieved the GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council) Star accreditation. This accreditation is awarded to facilities for stellar cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease outbreak prevention protocols to help promote safe events.
Last year, NJLM expanded its exhibit floorplan to mitigate crowding on the floor, and we are using the same floorplan in 2022. Similar to last year, we have also adjusted the session schedule to allow for more time between sessions, again to mitigate crowding on the 3rd and 4th floors.
Above all, we all must employ common sense to assure a healthy event for all of us. Please monitor for any symptoms, wear a mask if appropriate, and take any steps necessary to minimize potential exposure. We look forward to a great and healthy event for us all in 2022.
Contact: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120.
28th Annual Mayors’ Hall of Fame
We need your help to identify some very special mayors for the Mayors’ Hall of Fame.
Once again, the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Executive Board wants to pay tribute to you at the Annual League Conference in November, if you are currently a mayor who has served a total of 10 years or more as mayor. Mayors who rotate into office are eligible for this recognition.
In a special ceremony at the Mayors’ Lunch Briefing during the Annual Conference, I will make a special presentation to those mayors who meet the following criteria:
You must currently be serving as mayor. You must currently be serving in at least your 10th cumulative year as mayor for the silver level. You must currently be serving in at least your 20th cumulative year as mayor for the gold level. You must currently be serving in at least your 30th cumulative year as mayor for the platinum level. You must not be a current member of the League’s Mayors’ Hall of Fame (this does not apply to silver level mayors now eligible for the gold level; or gold who are eligible for platinum).
These recipients will then be inducted into the New Jersey League of Municipalities Mayors’ Hall of Fame and a group picture will appear in the January 2023 issue of New Jersey Municipalities magazine.
With your help we can identify and recognize all mayors currently serving in their tenth, twentieth, or thirtieth year as mayor. A list of current members of the Mayors’ Hall of Fame may be reviewed at the League website on the “Award Programs” page.
Please submit the online submission form by October 10. For further details, please email Mike Cerra at mcerra@njlm.org.
Thank you very much for your help in identifying yourself and your fellow mayors for special recognition. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
