State Issues
Coalition Urges State Health Benefits Relief
Earlier this week, the League, the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC), the New Jersey Municipal Managers Association, and the Government Finance Officers Association joined a broad coalition of municipal and county leaders from across the state urging Governor Murphy to provide immediate relief for the 22% increase in health benefits approved by the State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) in September or face property tax rate hikes, cuts in essential services, and the furlough or layoff employees. In the release, the coalition is not only calling for immediate relief but long-term structural reforms and implementation of other innovative cost containment measures..
A recent NJ Spotlight piece noted that the increase in state health benefits costs is one of the factors putting pressure on NJ property taxes. Relief is needed, otherwise municipal officials are facing a 2023 budget preparation in midst of record inflation and rising costs to deliver services, in addition to the unprecedented 22% increase in State Health benefits rates, over 17% for the Public Employees Retirement systems, and 36.51% for the Police and Fire Retirement systems as well as dramatic increase in the cost of cybersecurity insurance.
Please continue to reach out to the Administration and your legislative representatives for support of such relief.
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.
Supreme Court Updates Framework for Return to In-Person Court Proceedings
On October 27, the New Jersey Supreme Court issued an Order updating the framework for court operations to allow more in-person proceedings. The new Order supersedes those previously issued that had limited in-person court proceedings while COVID-19 posed a heightened risk to the health and safety of the public.
While virtual proceedings in most cases are still an option, and in fact are encouraged by the Court, the Order has given the discretion whether to hold proceedings virtually or in-person to the presiding judge, and in some cases left it up to the consent of the parties.
For more information, including a listing of the municipal court proceedings effected, please see the League’s recent blog post.
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.
October Designated as First Responders Appreciation Month
On October 31, Governor Phil Murphy signed SJR-23 designating every October as First Responders Appreciation Month.
The League supports this recognition. New Jersey’s first responders include paid and volunteer members of law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services, and other organizations in the public safety sector who work tirelessly to keep the residents of this state safe.
Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.
Assembly Approves Bill Allowing Farms to Act as Lumber Yards
Last week, the Assembly passed A-111. This bill provides that any farm, farmstand, or other agricultural operation selling firewood obtained from property other than the seller’s shall not be considered a lumber yard under municipal land use regulations, or other regulatory purposes. The bill also prohibits the sale of firewood from outside of the state unless it has been heat treated and certified as heat treated and pest free by the state of origin.
The bill was received in the Senate and has been referred to the Senate Economic Growth Committee.
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.
DCR Amends Discrimination Poster Regulations
The Division on Civil Rights (DCR) has recently amended poster regulations and updated posters required by the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD). Please read the League’s recent blog post on posters regarding employment, Family and Medical Leave Act, public accommodations, sales and rentals housing, property management, as well as a variety of posters for medical facilities.
Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.
Best Practice Inventory Due November 10
As a reminder, the 56-question 2022 Best Practice Inventory is due November 10. The appeal deadline has been extended from November 3 to November 10. Given that final state aid payment is scheduled for December 1, the Division is encouraging municipalities to submit their inventory as soon as possible. For more information on the process and requirements, please review Local Finance Notices 2022-17.
In addition, please remember to share your submitted State Health Benefits Program Practices Survey form with Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, at ppenna@njlm.org as they will assist in our discussions on the increases to the State Health Benefits.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.
Division Issues Guidance on National Opioid Settlement Budget & Reporting
The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has issued guidance on budgeting and use of the National Opioid settlement proceeds, along with the reporting requirements. The settlement agreement in Exhibit A, starting on page 35, outlined the programs which funding can be spent on. Municipalities and counties may seek approval from DLGS to insert the revenue in their budget as special item of revenue. There is no statutory or regulatory authority for a municipality to independently establish a trust fund for the settlement proceeds.
In addition, the settlement agreement includes the following requirements:
A requirement that settlement funds be used to supplement, not supplant, funds that otherwise would have been used for approved purposes.
Establishment of County Advisory Councils to provide expert input, advice, and recommendations on the disbursement of settlement funds.
Limits on administrative expenses.
Reporting requirements.
Under Executive Order 305, the Department of Human Services (DHS) has been designated by the State to be the lead agency for the State overseeing the disbursement and reporting of settlement funds. DHS is currently developing and will announce the annual reporting process in the near future. The first annual report to DHS will be due no later than September 1, 2023.
If you have any questions, please consult the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General’s guidance or email DMHAS@dhs.nj.gov
Contacts:
- Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.
Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.
Federal Issues
U.S. Treasury Briefing on Housing Using ARPA Funds
The League’s federal partner, the National League of Cities (NLC) will host a discussion with the U.S. Treasury on Thursday, Dec 8 at 3:00 p.m. on how municipalities can use their State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for investments in affordable housing production and preservation, and to promote housing stability.
Learn about recent updates to the program guidance enhancing flexibility, including for long-term loans, such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs. This webinar is free to all municipalities with advanced registration.
Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.
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