On Monday, October 28, the New Jersey State Assembly convened to review a series of bills, including initiatives for farmland preservation to sustain open spaces and agriculture, along with an affordable housing voucher program to improve housing access for low-income residents. Outlined below is an overview of key legislation supported by the League that was favorably released from the Assembly.
Support
A-586: Provides for expanded use of affordable housing voucher program funding
Summary: This legislation establishes a rental assistance program for low-income households, supplementing existing programs under the Prevention of Homelessness Act. The program prioritizes senior citizens and veterans and includes provisions for tenant-based vouchers, homeownership assistance, and the Home Repair Emergency Assistance Fund.
The League supports this legislation as it expands existing programs that assist residents with home ownership.
A-4569/S-2788: Appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to the State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.
Summary: This legislation allocates up to $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) for farmland preservation. It includes $115.091 million for acquisition costs, grants for municipalities, counties, and nonprofits, along with additional appropriations from the Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund for administrative costs, development easement costs, and legal fees, allowing the SADC to increase offers if funds are unspent within a year.
The League Supports this legislation as it provides funding for farmland preservation.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.