SWEENEY, RUIZ, GOPAL EXPLORE BENEFITS, CHALLENGES OF SCHOOL REGIONALIZATION AT ROUNDTABLE

May 14, 2021

Trenton – Senate President Steve Sweeney, Senate Education Chair M. Teresa Ruiz, and Senator Vin Gopal discussed the benefits and challenges of creating K-12 regional and countywide school districts at a roundtable with educational and community leaders today.

The senators held the roundtable to discuss regionalization implementation issues in the wake of unanimous Senate passage of Senate Bill 3488, which provides full state funding for regionalization studies and makes changes to the state’s regionalization statute designed to make it easier for districts to regionalize.

“We are in the opening stages of the biggest school regionalization initiative in New Jersey history,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “School regionalization studies are already underway or approved that cover 26 school districts, and dozens of other districts are considering applying for study grants.”

The senators heard from leaders of two of the regionalization initiatives: Dr. Melissa McCooley, the shared superintendent of the Pinelands Regional and Little Egg Harbor school districts, who is spearheading a five-district K-12 regionalization, and Benjamin H. Laury, Commissioner Director of the Salem County Board of Commissioners, which has played a lead role in a study into the feasibility of merging Salem’s 13 districts into a countywide school district.

“We should be pursuing any opportunity we can to study best practices and create models to improve the quality of education for all New Jersey students,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex). “Today’s discussion provided me the chance to learn more about the school regionalization studies happening around the state and how districts are working to strengthen the educational experience they offer to our students.”

Also participating in the roundtable were Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, vice president of the New Jersey Education Association; Tom Puryear, chairman of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference Education Committee; and Jonathan Pushman, New Jersey School Boards Association governmental relations director.

“We are pleased that our legislation, S-3488, has the support of the NJEA, the New Jersey School Boards Association and other education advocacy organizations,” said Senator Gopal (D-Monmouth). “The bill removes significant barriers to regionalization and provides a significant financial incentive by extending the timeline for Adjustment Aid cuts from four years to eight years for districts that regionalize. Most importantly, it is a voluntary process that provides local districts with greater flexibility to design a regionalization phase-in that makes sense for all.”

Today’s roundtable is available for viewing on the New Jersey Senate Majority Office’s Facebook page.

SWEENEY WANTS TO USE TAX CREDITS TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABLED

May 14, 2021

Trenton – Tax credits would spur the employment of those with developmental disabilities, giving them the opportunity to gain the skills and experience to become the model employees they are capable of, according to Senate President Steve Sweeney, who introduced legislation that would allow for the incentives.

The bill would allow individuals and businesses a 10 percent tax credit for employing persons with a developmental disability.

“This can open the doors of opportunity for those with disabilities, giving them the ability to gain the skills and experience to do the work they are fully capable of,” said Senator Sweeney. “It can be the first step towards gainful employment where they will become valued workers. When given the opportunity, they prove to be model employees.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 20 percent of the U.S. population is considered disabled, but only 20 percent of disabled persons are participating in the workforce.

The legislation would allow taxpayers to claim a credit against their corporation business tax liability or gross income tax liability of 10 percent of the salary and wages paid to an employee with a developmental disability. The credit can be claimed annually for the same employee. It would be capped at $3,000 per worker, and the total credit would be capped at $60,000 per taxpayer, per year.

The bill defines “employee with a developmental disability” as defined in state law and for whom the Division of Developmental Disabilities has declared eligible for its services.

New Jersey already allows taxpayers to claim a credit for the employment of certain persons with disabilities at an occupational training center or sheltered workshop. The bill allows a credit for any type of employment.

“It is well-known that workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are hardworking individuals, who consistently have a positive impact on all employees within a company,” said Christina M. Renna, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey. “Employers of all sizes and industry types are more than willing to hire individuals with disabilities, but have some uncertainties around the costs associated with training needs and other necessary accommodations. This legislation would help employers offset these costs further incentivizing the business community to hire from within the IDD community of skilled workers.”

“NJBIA strongly supports this legislation providing tax credits to businesses which hire individuals with developmental disabilities, and we thank Senate President Sweeney for his sponsorship of the bill,” said Michele Siekerka, President and CEO, New Jersey Business & Industry Association. “Many businesses have hired individuals with disabilities because of the great value they bring to their workforce. But certainly, more can be – and should be – done to enhance these opportunities. New Jersey needs to capitalize on the momentum in this space and we believe the use of tax credits to those who employ those in the IDD community will help continue this forward motion.”

SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES SWEENEY - RICE PLAN TO PROMOTE AMISTAD CURRICULUM

May 14, 2021

Trenton – The state would create an Amistad Commission Exemplary Award Program for teachers and schools that perform exemplary service by providing instruction on slavery and African-American history, under terms of legislation authored by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Ronald Rice that gained the approval of the Senate Education Committee.

The bill, S-3654, would establish the “Amistad Commission Exemplary Award Program” to recognize and support outstanding educators and their school districts for furthering student knowledge on the African slave trade, slavery in America, the vestiges of slavery in this country, and the contributions of African-Americans to society. The curriculum is a well-established and highly regarded educational program.

“The Amistad curriculum is a highly regarded educational program that infuses the history of African-Americans, the hardships they have overcome and the important contributions they have made to society into lesson plans,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “By honoring educators who have implemented this curriculum effectively we are supporting an honest accounting of the shameful legacy of slavery, the rich history of African-American accomplishments and the many reasons for cultural pride.”

“Black history is American history. However, for so long, teaching this history and the history of slavery in this country was either rushed through or completely glossed over; this is why the Amistad Commission was created,” said Senator Rice (D-Essex). “The Amistad curriculum teaches young folks about some of the darkest periods in our country’s history, and yet, also imparts on them the historical, cultural and social influences and advancements Black Americans have had on the United States. By rewarding and recognizing the efforts of some teachers who effectively educate this part of our history, we are incentivizing all educators to do the same.”

“We are proud to support the Amistad Commission Exemplary Award Program,” said NJEA President Marie Blistan. “By identifying and honoring educators who do an exceptional job of integrating that critical content into their instruction, we will provide models that all educators can emulate. By learning from those innovators, we can achieve our goals of ensuring that every student better understands this troubling but important part of our history.”

Under the bill, the Amistad Commission would establish the “Amistad Commission Exemplary Award Committee” to invite nominations for the award from school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools of teachers and schools that excelled in furthering student knowledge on African-American history. Two award recipients would be named annually, one from a kindergarten-eighth grade school and one from a high school, and they would each receive $2,500. Each school district that receives an award would also receive $2,500 to assist other educators to implement the curriculum and teaching techniques used by successful educators.

SWEENEY BILL WOULD CREATE PILOT PROGRAM FOR REGIONAL MUNICIPAL COURTS IN THREE COUNTIES

May 13, 2021

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney that would create a pilot program for the regionalization of municipal courts was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

The legislation, S-3049, would establish a program in at least three counties with no fewer than five municipalities in each county to assess the effectiveness of consolidation. The specific counties and municipalities would be determined by the Administrative Director of the Courts in consultation with county assignment judges.

“The New Jersey Supreme Court Working Group on Municipal Courts strongly recommended consolidating the state’s smaller municipal courts as a means of promoting efficiency and cost savings,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “Another committee formed by the Chief Justice found that consolidation would help prevent municipal courts from imposing inequitable fees for the purpose of generating revenue, a practice that disproportionately burdens communities of color and the poor.

“Clearly, municipal court regionalization could improve the quality of justice at the local level at the same time that it produces taxpayer savings,” Senator Sweeney concluded.

The Supreme Court’s working group found that more than 100 municipal courts handled fewer than 20 filings a week in the previous year, including three that had handled no cases at all.

The regional courts would have jurisdiction over all matters falling within the jurisdiction of the municipal courts that are part of the pilot program. All fees and fines collected by the regional municipal courts would be shared on a pro rata basis equivalent to the costs of operating the regional system.

The bill would allow any county that has previously considered municipal court consolidation on a countywide basis to be included in the pilot program.

The pilot programs would begin hearing cases one year following enactment of the legislation.

The committee vote was 8-2 with one abstention.

SENATE BILL WOULD REFORM CHIROPRACTOR BOARD, BAN SEX OFFENDERS FROM ALL HEALTH CARE POSITIONS

May 13, 2021

Sweeney, Weinberg & Vitale Measure Responds to Relicensing of Child Sex Offender

Trenton – Acting in response to the “irresponsible” action by the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners in renewing the professional license of a convicted child sex offender, a Senate committee today approved legislation authored by Senate President Steve Sweeney, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and Senator Joe Vitale that would reform the board and prohibit the licensing of any health care worker convicted of a sex offense.

The bill, S-3494, would add two public members to the 11-person chiropractic board and expand its responsibilities in reviewing the qualifications of applicants for new or renewed licenses. The legislation would also ban anyone convicted of a felony sexual offense from being licensed as a health care professional, including as a chiropractor.

“Giving a convicted sex offender the sanctioned permission to return to the practice was irresponsible and illogical,” said Senator Sweeney. “Reforms are obviously needed to make sure the board makes the health and safety of the people of New Jersey its top priority. More public members will bring additional oversight and more rigorous background checks will help prevent this from happening again.”

In February, the Chiropractic Board voted to reinstate the license of Bryan K. Bajakian, a registered sex offender in Florida who is on lifetime parole, has been convicted of luring and firearms charges, ordered not to see patients younger than 18 without supervision, and accused of being “engaged in sexual misconduct toward an underage patient.”

“The idea that the state board representing practicing chiropractors could vote unanimously to reinstate the license of a convicted sex offender is a slap in the face to people everywhere who have faced the trauma of sexual misconduct,” said Senator Weinberg. “By reinstating the chiropractic license of Bajakian, the board placed others, including the most vulnerable, in harm’s way.”

“No sex offender should be allowed to work in a position of trust with patients in healthcare settings where they are most vulnerable, especially with children,” said Senator Vitale, who serves as the chairman of the Senate Health Committee. “Denying them licenses should be automatic. The oversight boards should be looking out for the safety of patients and the public, not the industry they are regulating.”

Under the bill, any entity that licenses or regulates a health care profession would be prohibited from issuing an initial license or renewal without checking ​the individual's criminal history through a fingerprint background check or the National Practitioner Data Bank for sexual offense convictions​, endangering the welfare of a child​, or attempting to lure or entice a child.

The measure was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee with a vote of 5–0.

THIRD DISTRICT LEGISLATORS ANNOUNCE HEATING IMPROVEMENT GRANT

May 12, 2021

West Deptford - Senate President Steve M. Sweeney, Deputy Speaker John J. Burzichelli and Assemblyman Adam J. Taliaferro today announced the Gateway Community Action Partnership will receive a $117,482 award from the Heating Improvement COVID-19 program. This award will provide funds to improve heating system efficiency in the homes of income eligible households in Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland counties.

“We are grateful to receive this grant which will be beneficial for many families living within our district,” said Senator Sweeney. “Our working families that have been financially hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic have been struggling to pay their utility bills. With this funding, they will be able to improve the efficiency of their heating systems so they can keep costs down.”

“Across New Jersey, many low-income families are struggling to get by and will benefit greatly from having more efficient heating systems,” said Assemblyman Burzichelli. “These funds will have a positive impact on working families across our district, and will hopefully reduce some of their financial anxiety by lowering their utility bills.”

“New Jersey is a state that works hard to ensure the well-being of all of our residents, and this grant helps to ensure that families in our district can have efficient heating systems and in turn, affordable utility bills," said Assemblyman Taliaferro. “I am looking forward to seeing the many ways this funding will help those who need it the most.”

The Gateway Community Action Partnership aims to help low-to-moderate income residents of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland counties identify and overcome barriers to self-sufficiency, and improve their quality of life. The organization became a Community Action Partnership in 1987 and operates in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

SWEENEY - TALIAFERRO BILL TO EXPAND MODEL PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITES NOW LAW

May 11, 2021

Trenton – A model school program for students with special needs would be expanded to 10 schools in each of the three regions of the state, under terms of legislation authored by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro that was signed into law today by Governor Phil Murphy.

The law, S-2486/A-4264, would use the "Clayton Model," developed in the Clayton School District in Gloucester County, as the blueprint for similar programs that promote the “social and emotional learning” of students with physical or developmental disabilities.

“This program has been successful in helping students with special needs get the support they need to attain a quality education and gain the living skills that will help them for their entire lives,” said Senator Sweeney. “It is a means of advancing their academic performance and life skills. The controlled expansion of the program will make this terrific model available to students throughout the state.”

“The Clayton Model is based on the idea that a student’s educational environment can influence his or her capacity to learn. A safe and supportive educational environment can make a real difference in the development of students,” said Assemblyman Taliaferro. “Parents, educators and caregivers can play a vital role in this process. “As we plan our recovery from the coronavirus crisis programs that help our children thrive will be even more important.”

The program uses Individualized Education Plans for the students and makes use of “tiered” support services, such as working in small groups and providing individualized counseling.

Many of the organizations responsible for the success of the program offered these comments:

Darren Spielman, executive director, Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs, Rutgers University-Camden:

“Over time, we have found that the positive impacts of the Clayton Model on the entire school community are wide ranging,” said Darren Spielman, executive director of Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs at Rutgers University-Camden. “Because it is a holistic, collaborative approach, beneficial outcomes from the Clayton Model go beyond the social development in students and improved academics and extend into the lives of families, caregivers, and the school’s culture."

Lisa Twomey, special project coordinator, Clayton Public Schools:

“Social emotional health significantly impacts positive youth development and academic achievement,” said Lisa Twomey, special projects coordinator at Clayton Public Schools. “The Clayton Model provides students with the tools they need to learn in developmentally, contextually, and culturally appropriate ways, and supports a nurturing and safe school environment so that all students come to the classroom ready to learn and achieve.”

Nick Koutsogiannis, superintendent, Clayton Public Schools:

“I’m proud of the work that our teachers and administration have done to build a social emotional learning program that is inclusive, agile, and most importantly, empowers our students and families,” said Nick Koutsogiannis, superintendent of Clayton Public Schools. “The Clayton Model has changed the lives of many of our students and their families.”

SWEENEY BILLS WOULD IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR THE DISABALED

May 7, 2021

Trenton – A Senate committee approved two bills authored by Senate President Steve Sweeney that would help improve transportation services for the disabled.

One bill, S-1934, would have the Department of Human Services authorize any recipient of disability benefits, including Social Security, to use those resources to pay for services offered by a transportation network company that uses a digital network to provide prearranged rides. These companies would include Uber and Lyft.

“Transportation services are critical needs for those with disabilities,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “They are needed to live their day-to-day lives. This will allow them to make use of modern day services such as Uber and Lyft so they can get to where they need to safely and conveniently.”

The bill would also require the Department of Human Services to work with the Department of Transportation to develop and implement a public awareness campaign to inform the recipients of disability benefits of the transportation options under the bill.

The companion measure, S-1935, would require the Department of Human Services to utilize the services of a Transportation Planning Coordinator to manage and oversee the transportation services provided to the department’s clients. The coordinator would have the training and experience to coordinate the services that are so important to the disabled.

“We need to make sure that all the transportation services provided to those with disabilities are operating effectively and efficiently,” said Senator Sweeney. “The department’s clients rely on these services. They should be coordinated, they should be safe and they should be reliable. That will be the coordinator’s responsibility.”

The transportation coordinator would submit annual reports to the commissioner of the Department of Transportation on the work and progress over the prior year.

“The Arc of New Jersey thanks Senate President Sweeney for his ongoing work to improve transportation options for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Tom Baffuto, Executive Director, The Arc of New Jersey. “In order to be fully integrated members of society, individuals with IDD require appropriate transportation services that will allow them to find employment, socialize with family and friends and navigate their way to a life of greater independence. Broadening the scope of available transportation choices and enhancing current offerings will give individuals easier access to the community. We thank the Senate President for all he does to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities.”

Both measures were approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

SWEENEY SEES PROGRESS IN FISCAL REFORMS: Q AND A WITH NJBIA

April 30, 2021

In a Q and A with NJBIA Senate President Steve Sweeney provides an update of his fiscal reforms.

Q: What progress has been made in the Legislature and with the Murphy Administration in implementing the fiscal reforms that were the focus of the Economic and Fiscal Policy Workgroup’s Path to Progress report?

A: We have been making major progress on a wide range of initiatives, from pensions and health benefits to school regionalization andasset infrastructure that are generating billions of dollars in savings and will fundamentally change New Jersey government.

Q: The recommendations of the PTP Economic and Fiscal Policy Workgroup were aggregated into five categories, one of the most important of which was pension reform. Can you describe some of the major recommendations and cost savings in that area?

A: The most important thing we needed to do was to start making the full Actuarially Required Contribution on our state pension payment, and we are getting to 100% in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2022 budget. That’s a year earlier than we expected to get there until the 10-year ramp-up launched under the last Administration, but once we realized how strong revenues were coming in, we urged the Governor to do it. We will save billions by making the full contribution a year early, just as we are saving $13 billion over 30 years by the legislation we passed requiring quarterly pension payments. We still need to make reforms to our pension system, including implementing a hybrid pension plan for new employees that combines a traditional defined benefit pension on the first $40,000 of income and a 401K-style cash balance account on income above $40,000 that workers can take with them if they leave.

Q: What progress has been made on controlling the cost of health benefits?

A: Lowering the cost of healthcare for public employees is critical, and we are proud that we were able to negotiate a new health benefit package with the New Jersey Education Association that will markedly reduce the costs for districts both in the School Employees Health Benefits Plan and in private plans. We are already banking $2 billion in savings over three years in the state budget from the Pharmacy Benefits Manager program we enacted that uses technology to ensure that we pay the lowest possible cost for prescriptions. This program, which is like an E-Bay for prescription drugs, is being copied by lawmakers in other states.

Q: Can you discuss the details and savings than can be realized in the education reform arena?

A: The core recommendation was to revive the effort to create K-12 regional and countywide school districts in order to improve both the quality and cost-efficiency of education. Small districts with fewer than 500 schoolchildren spend 17% more per pupil than districts with over 1,000 pupils and cannot provide the breadth of educational experience that students in large districts take for granted. The bill I sponsored, S3488, passed the Senate unanimously with support from every major education group, including the NJEA. Regionalization is voluntary, and districts are already lining up by the dozens to take advantage of the state-funded studies and the financial incentives we are providing for districts with declining enrollments that are losing Adjustment Aid.

Q: What progress is being made in achieving shared services in local government?

We have been working with the Governor’s Shared Services czars, and we have resumed efforts to move my bill, S1, that would revitalize the Local Unit Alignment, Reorganization and Consolidation Commission to push shared services in municipalities that do not have shared services agreements with a potential loss of state aid for those that do not participate. Shared services save money andimprove service quality, as the countywide tax assessment and county wide ambulance service we established in Gloucester County proved.

Q: Can you also comment on the initiatives and cost savings that could come from leveraging assets to stabilize the pension system?

A: We introduced new legislation at the end of March to create the New Jersey Retirement Infrastructure Collateralized Holdings Fund – RICH, for short -- that will enable state and local governments to transfer assets into the pension system. This will not only diversity the assets of the pension system and make it less vulnerable to the ups and downs of Wall Street-- as the transfer of the state Lottery to the pension fund did – but also provide the financing needed to make improvements to municipal water systems, for example. We could use the legislation to build and operate HOT lanes in New Jersey like those in Maryland and Virginia, which would provide further revenues to the pension system. This effort parallels our push at the federal level for the enactment of a Pension infrastructure Financing andImprovement Act that would both provide low-cost federal loans to stabilize pension systems and direct some of that money to be used to finance infrastructure improvements that would generate revenue for pension systems across the country.

Q: What support have you received from the business community on the PTP report?

A: The New Jersey Business and Industry Association and other business groups have been staunch supporters of fundamental fiscal reforms because they understand that they are critical to our economic competitiveness and affordability as a state.

Q: What are your thoughts on the governor borrowing more than $4 billion to balance the current and previous year’s budget? If all or parts of the PTP were implemented, would the state have needed to borrow the $4 billion?

A: I wish we had waited until January to borrow to see how state revenues were coming in, how much we actually needed to borrow, and what the prospects were for a new round of federal aid from the Biden Administration. In retrospect, as I have said publicly, we didn’t need to borrow at all. Now we have to make sure that the more than $6 billion in federal aid that we will be getting is spent wisely on improvements that will make the state stronger and more competitive, and that we budget responsibly to avoid a huge fiscal cliff in the years ahead when the federal aid runs out.

Senator Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland) serves as President of the New Jersey Senate.

SWEENEY, RUIZ INTRODUCE BILL ESTABLISHING GRANT FOR ALTERNATE ROUTE POLICE TRAINING

April 29, 2021

Trenton – In an effort to continue to diversify New Jersey’s law enforcement ranks, Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator M. Teresa Ruiz introduced legislation that would establish a grant program for alternative police officer training for those with a demonstrated financial need.

The measure follows a Sweeney-sponsored bill signed into law earlier this year that permits a municipality to exempt entry-level law enforcement officers from the Civil Service examination requirement -- an exemption that will serve to increase diversity in the ranks, so that it better reflects the state’s population.

“Before we can begin to more proactively diversify the ranks of our law enforcement officers, we must make sure all those who have the desire and discipline to wear the uniform, to ‘serve and protect,’ have an equal opportunity to do so,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “This grant program will allow the best and brightest of New Jersey to compete fairly, and be able to undergo the training required without having to fret over its cost.”

“We removed a significant barrier to entry for aspiring law enforcement officers when we lifted the civil service requirement. Still, there is more that needs to be done to ensure our police forces accurately reflect the diversity of our state,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex). “This legislation will work to remove financial barriers standing before people who wish to protect and serve the people of New Jersey.”

A newly appointed board will identify and recruit potential candidates who stand in need of financial aid. That aid will include paying the costs of training that may be charged by the Police Training Commission or other approved schools. Applicants would have to demonstrate financial need, and would be required to have been a resident of the State for at least 12 months before receiving the grant.

The bill was introduced as S-3687.

SWEENEY BILL WOULD PROMOTE PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED

April 28, 2021

Trenton – In an effort to help promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the public sector workforce, Senate President Steve Sweeney introduced legislation allowing job seekers to gain exemptions from civil service exams.

The bill, S-3689, would set a process for those with disabilities to apply for an exemption to the normally-required exam if they are qualified to perform the duties of entry-level positions in government.

“People with disabilities have proven to be excellent workers when they are given a fair opportunity,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “Holding a job better enables them to live full and rewarding lives as they are fully engaged in day-to-day life with others. The civil service exam can be an unreasonable obstacle even though they are fully capable of performing the work.”

Current law requires anyone seeking a civil service position to pass a competitive exam for entry-level positions. Senator Sweeney’s bill would allow those with a disability to seek an exemption to the test. If the Civil Service Commission determines the applicant is capable of performing the duties of the position, they could waive the requirement. They would have to verify their disability, under the bill.

“About 25 percent of New Jersey adults have some type of disability, but there is a clear discrepancy with how many of them are actually in the workforce,” said Senator Sweeney. “In order to facilitate a more inclusive society, we must also ensure that individuals with disabilities are receiving equal opportunities to participate in state jobs. The public sector should lead the way to advance the rights of the disabled.”

Senator Sweeney recently joined with other legislators in the creation of The New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus to serve as a bipartisan forum to promote inclusion in shaping public policies through increased awareness of the complexities of the disabilities system and issues impacting individuals with disabilities and their families.

Senator Sweeney is a co-sponsor, along with Senator Fred Madden, of a bill to create a Task Force to Promote Employment by State Agencies of People with Disabilities.

SWEENEY APPLAUDS BPU APPROVAL OF ZERO EMISSION PLAN

April 27, 2021

Trenton – Senate President Steve Sweeney issued the following statement applauding the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for voting to extend New Jersey’s Zero Emissions Certificate program for an additional three years: 

“I applaud the BPU for acting in support of New Jersey’s economy, our environment and the state’s clean energy goals. This program provides a critical lifeline to our state’s nuclear power plants, which are an essential part of our energy mix. 

“New Jersey’s nuclear plants generate 40 percent of the state’s electricity – supplying 3.8 million customers with the power they need.  During the past 13 months, they have supplied safe, reliable and affordable energy to power our homes, essential businesses, hospitals and vaccination centers during an unprecedented health crisis.

“The Salem and Hope Creek nuclear plants pump $1.2 billion every year into the South Jersey economy and support approximately 4,500 jobs in Salem County and throughout New Jersey.

“These plants provide more than 90 percent of our carbon-free electricity at a time when reducing carbon emissions is a national and global priority. This allows us to avoid 14 million metric tons of carbon and other greenhouse gases per year, the equivalent of taking three million gasoline-powered cars off the road.

“New Jersey has established one of the most ambitious clean energy goals in the nation with a target of a 100 percent carbon-free energy supply by 2050 – a goal we cannot hope to achieve without the carbon-free electricity these nuclear plants provide. Without our nuclear plants, New Jersey risks backsliding on the carbon reductions we’ve worked so hard to achieve just as the need to address climate change and the demand for zero-carbon energy resources continues to grow. 

“I commend the BPU for today’s decision, which serves the best interests of New Jersey’s customers, economy and communities.”

SWEENEY BILL WOULD PUT CONTROLS ON WAREHOUSE SPRAWL

April 22, 2021

Trenton – Acting in response to the rapid sprawl of warehouse construction across New Jersey, Senate President Steve Sweeney introduced legislation that gives municipalities impacted by the developments more control on their approval.

Senator Sweeney’s bill would update the “Municipal Land Use Law” to require the notification of nearby communities that could suffer negative consequences of the large-scale projects and give them a voice in the approval process.

“New Jersey is proud to be known as the Garden State, but we are at risk of becoming the warehouse state,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “The rapid increase in the construction and operation of retail warehouses poses a threat to the preservation of farmland and open space. The impact of these large-scale projects extends to neighboring communities that can experience economic and environmental consequences that impact their quality of life.”

Under the bill, a municipality would be required to notify and provide a report to adjoining municipalities when an application is filed to build a retail warehouse, allowing the neighboring communities to adopt a resolution of “inter-municipal concern,” which would entitle them to have their concerns considered by a joint board with members representing each municipality. The report would include a regional economic impact analysis, paid for by the developer.

The construction and operation of these warehouses have an impact on land use, traffic, the environment, local economies, the fiscal wellbeing of municipal governments, and social equity in the region, Senator Sweeney noted. They can also have a negative impact on businesses and jobs in the area.

“We need to have safeguards in place that allow for reasonable controls before the projects are approved,” said Senator Sweeney. “The host community and neighboring towns need to have a voice in the process and the ability to reject proposals that will cause them harm. The warehouses should be located where they make sense.”

The surge in warehouse construction is being fueled in large part by the growth in e-commerce and the distribution of products for home delivery. Senator Sweeney’s bill would update zoning laws and state guidance to empower municipalities to control the placement of the warehouses.

The bill would create a 15-member “Intermunicipal Impact Advisory Board,” in the Department of Community Affairs to promulgate guidelines, hear appeals and render decisions.

SWEENEY STATEMENT ON MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES

April 19, 2021

Trenton –Senate President Steve Sweeney issued the following statement in response to the action taken by Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal eliminating mandatory minimum sentences for some nonviolent drug crimes:

“I welcome the Attorney General’s action as a step in the right direction, but unfortunately it falls far short of the goal of eliminating mandatory minimum sentences for all nonviolent offenses. The directive covers only six offenses, while the reform legislation introduced today by Senator Sandra Cunningham and Senator Nick Scutari encompasses 29 nonviolent crimes. The AG’s action also comes up short because it could be overturned by a future AG.

“Real reform means eliminating the judicial mandate and returning the sentencing decisions to judges who should have the ability to determine the appropriate sentence. Eliminating mandatory minimums does not mean eliminating imprisonment as a punishment, but it does mean eliminating rigid penalties that don’t match the crimes. True justice is served when an individual’s punishment matches the circumstances of the crime, and that is best determined by judges.

“New Jersey is one of only two states that doesn’t trust the judiciary to determine fair sentences for official misconduct charges. It is time to include that reform along with all other nonviolent offenses.

“We have made a lot of progress in achieving criminal justice reforms in New Jersey to do away with the bias that has plagued the justice system for too long. We should continue our efforts to bring meaningful reforms by enacting the legislation that eliminates all mandatory minimums sentences.”

SWEENEY, BURZICHELLI, TALIAFERRO WELCOME FRESHLY’S PLAN TO EXPAND NEW JERSEY OPERATIONS WITH SECOND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY

April 19, 2021

New facility will bring 340 new jobs to East Greenwich

Trenton – Senate President Steve Sweeney, Deputy Speaker John Burzichelli, and Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro welcomed today’s announcement by Freshly Inc. that it has signed a lease for its second assembly and distribution facility in New Jersey. The 234,000 sq. ft. facility, located in East Greenwich in Gloucester County, will be Freshly’s largest distribution center, equipped to assemble and ship 1.6 million meals per week at peak capacity.

“This is a welcome addition to Gloucester County and the entire South Jersey region,” said Senator Sweeney. “Freshly will bring jobs and a facility that will generate economic activity with a business that serves the needs of a growing market. Fresh food and South Jersey are perfect together. We look forward to a bright future that is rewarding to the company, its employees and customers, and the East Greenwich community.”

Scheduled to be operational by February 2022, the new facility will help meet growing customer demand, reduce the order-to-delivery cycle time to consumers, and ultimately create 340 incremental jobs in the area.

“Expanding Freshly’s presence in our state is going to benefit many hardworking individuals and create a larger job market,” said Assemblyman Burzichelli. “We welcome Freshly and the economic growth that will come along with them.”

Freshly is the leading provider of fresh prepared meals in the U.S. The company will continue to operate its Linden, NJ facility, which employs 70 people.

“With higher demands for fresh foods, it’s fitting for Freshly to branch out in the Garden State. It is in the best interest of consumers and workers, alike,” said Assemblyman Taliaferro. “This project is going to have a long-lasting positive impact on Gloucester County and all of South Jersey.”

SWEENEY: MY PLAN WOULD MAKE A DEGREE FROM A 4-YEAR PUBLIC COLLEGE AFFORDABLE | OPINION

April 18, 2021

By Steve Sweeney

To continue to make a college education affordable for all New Jersey families, we need a plan that builds on the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program and that serves to incentivize students, regardless of socio-economic status, to stay on course with their studies all four years.

We can do this by guaranteeing the last two years of college at any public institution of higher learning will be tuition-free, through a similar “last dollar in” program that, like the CCOG, would be available for households with an adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less. This program has been percolating for a while now in higher education reform circles and we believe that, as an alternative to the governor’s Garden State Guarantee proposal, we will be taking a reasonable idea and making it better.

While many of us can agree that the cost of college is fast becoming unaffordable for many working families in our state, and recognize the severity of the problem of paying off leftover student debt after graduation, I believe helping to pay for the last two years will be a more effective way to address the problem.

We know all too well of cases where students of modest means were able to make it through community college, with good grades, and perhaps while holding down a part-time job to defray expenses, but then dropped out before finishing their studies because the thought of paying the ever-rising costs and fees of attending even a public university was too daunting.

Our plan seeks to erase those concerns. Our plan uses a similar model that is now in place with the CCOG, except this time, the two-year guarantee will be applied to a student’s last two years of a four-year school in the state. This will help make a college education affordable and help retain more of those students who now are going elsewhere to college out of state because it is less expensive.

We believe this, in turn, will likely lead to better outcomes (both financially and academically) because students freed from worry about post-graduation debt or other ancillary costs will instead be able to concentrate on their studies and recognize that they are being encouraged to stay and complete that degree at a college in New Jersey. Our plan is to tell the students that “we believe in you,” and “we want to invest in your future,” and “we want to help you see this college journey through to the end.”

A similar plan under consideration by President Joe Biden and the U.S. Department of Education, if fully implemented, is projected to increase enrollment at both the community college level, and at four-year public universities. It further estimates a net college enrollment increase overall of nearly 2 million students nationwide.

A college degree has always been a means of professional and economic opportunity in America, especially for students from middle-class and low-income families. Now, just as that degree is becoming more critical than ever due to our ever-changing world, too many of our young people are finding themselves priced out of furthering their education.

Indeed, over the last three decades tuition at public four-year colleges has more than doubled, even after adjusting for inflation, according to the U.S. Department of Education. This is especially true in New Jersey, where tuition costs at the public four-year institutions of higher education remain among the highest in the nation.

Fortunately, many students in the state have taken advantage of the “3-Plus-1” degree programs that allow students to complete three years at a county college and one year at a four-year college or university. Combining the Garden State Guarantee program and the 3-Plus-1 program will build a strong bond between community colleges and four-year colleges and universities to provide the most affordable high-quality education in the country.

This new third- and fourth-year tuition aid program to bring down the cost of college originated from the thoughtful work and recommendations that went into a report issued by the College Affordability Study Commission on Higher Education, which included many of my Senate colleagues and began its work back in 2015. We need to continue to build off these ideas and others to make post-secondary education more affordable and accessible for all of our residents.

Every student in New Jersey with the drive and desire to do so should have the opportunity to pursue a college degree. Cost or socioeconomic background should not be an obstacle for our best and brightest students looking to attend college and make their mark. Access to higher education should not just be a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Our proposal is a practical way to build on the success of CCOG and to help make the dream of a full, four-year college degree a reality for future generations of students.

Senator Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland) is the president of the New Jersey Senate.

SWEENEY UNVEILS LEGISLATION TO ENABLE PENSION SYSTEMS TO ADD INFRASTRUCTRE ASSESTS TO HOLDINGS

April 15, 2021

Bill aims to diversify and stabilize pensions, spur infrastructure investment, and provide savings for taxpayers

TRENTON – Senate President Steve Sweeney today unveiled legislation that would enable pension systems to add revenue-generating assets like water utilities, toll lanes and parking lots to diversify and strengthen their portfolios.

“Forward-looking pension systems are increasingly looking to invest in revenue-generating infrastructure to diversify their portfolios in the face of high stock market volatility and minimal return on cash and bond funds due to historically low interest rates,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland).

“The state and local governments own water systems, reservoirs, real estate and parking lots that could generate stable revenue for pension systems in the same way that the New Jersey Lottery revenues we dedicated to the pension system provided stability amid the market turbulence of 2020. Pension systems could also contract for the construction and maintenance of High Occupancy Toll lanes like those in Maryland and Virginia,” he noted.

The Sweeney bill, S-3637, would create the Retirement Infrastructure Collateralized Holdings Fund – RICH, for short – as an infrastructure trust fund to hold and manage assets transferred to the public corporation by the state and local governments for the benefit of New Jersey’s public employee pension funds. The value of the assets, including their future revenue-generating potential, would be determined by expert third-party evaluators.

“This is ground-breaking legislation that would have multiple benefits,” Senator Sweeney said. “State and local governments, and their taxpayers, would be able to lower their annual pension contributions based on the value of the asset transferred. The assets would be professionally managed in the RICH Fund, with the state’s Infrastructure Bank serving as trust administrator safeguarding the interests of the public, the customers and the pension funds.

“Furthermore, it gives municipalities that don’t want to consider privatization of a key asset, such as a water utility, the option of a public-to-public transfer to an infrastructure trust fund that can make the long-term investments needed to improve the quality of service while realizing a fair return over 30 years and longer,” he said.

Like President Biden’s proposed infrastructure plan, the increased investments in New Jersey infrastructure created through the RICH Fund will generate good-paying jobs that will boost the state’s economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and bolster state revenues needed for future pension payments.

The blue-ribbon Economic and Fiscal Policy Workgroup, co-chaired by Senate Budget Chair Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) and Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex), recommended leveraging assets as a strategy to stabilize New Jersey’s underfunded pension system, which is saddled with a $40 billion unfunded liability, even with the state making its full Actuarially Required Contribution for the first time in two decades in the upcoming budget.

The senator said the RICH Fund could attract investment capital from other pension systems, which is a frequent occurrence with infrastructure assets. Leading pension funds like the California Public Employees Retirement System (CALPERS) have invested billions of dollars in water and wastewater infrastructure, toll roads and forests, and Canada’s Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System has 20 percent of its holdings in infrastructure assets.

The RICH program was developed in consultation with the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank and with national pension and infrastructure financing experts.

“This is an innovative proposal that promises to simultaneously improve the health and stability of our pension system, generate new infrastructure investment, and save money for taxpayers,” Senator Sweeney said. “It will put New Jersey on the cutting edge of government fiscal reform.”

SWEENEY ADDRESSES REENTRY SERVICES AT VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

April 1, 2021

Trenton – Senate President Steve Sweeney today participated in a legislative panel as part of a virtual conference hosted by the New Jersey Reentry Corporation to address the importance of reentry services as a key part of broader criminal justice reforms within the state.

“Reentry services have been a priority of mine for some time, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only further highlighted the challenges former offenders face in making the transition to life beyond incarceration,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “These services are more important than ever, as previously incarcerated individuals are now reentering an environment that is far different than ever before. We must acknowledge the trauma that comes with serving time in prison, while also ensuring we are properly preparing them for life outside of prison.”

The NJRC provides critically needed services to court-involved individuals to empower them to achieve healthy self-sufficiency, reducing recidivism and fostering safer communities. The recidivism rate for formerly-incarcerated individuals in New Jersey is 50 percent. The rate for NJRC clients is 20 percent.

“Senate President Steve Sweeney has been the cornerstone of our efforts for these many past years,” said Governor Jim McGreevey, the Chairman of the NJRC. “Everyday Senator Sweeney fights for second chances, working families, and persons that have come home from prison, jail, and addictive services.”

This year’s annual reentry conference – From Trauma to Triumph – put a focus on the trauma and psychological impact of imprisonment and the need for effective reentry services for these individuals. The NJRC provides clients with substance abuse treatment, structured sober housing, job training, employment opportunities, linkage to legal services and healthcare, as well as spiritual mentoring.

SWEENEY JOINS KEAN UNIVERSITY FOR WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY PANEL

April 1, 2021

Trenton – Senate President Steve Sweeney participated in a panel today as part of Kean University’s World Autism Awareness Day celebration. The panel, “Awareness to Action: Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum from Pre-K to Postsecondary,” included Kean University President Lamont Repollet, the Dean of their College of Education, Barbara Ridener, and two parent advocates who also work at the university.

“A desire to improve New Jersey’s special education services is what initially inspired me to get involved in politics and all these years later it continues to be a driving force behind my legislative priorities,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “I am a strong believer that all spaces should be accessible to all people, and especially the I/DD community. It gives me an immense sense of hope for the future to see so many universities taking steps, like Kean has, to make their campuses accessible and give these students a chance to further their education.”

“Senate President Steve Sweeney is a tireless advocate for children and adults with special needs across this great state,” said Kean President Lamont Repollet, Ed.D. “His expertise, experience and legislative leadership are vitally important as we work to build a pre-K to bachelor’s degree pipeline for New Jersey students with autism and other developmental disabilities. We are grateful for his partnership and look forward to working together on this issue and others impacting our state and its citizens.”

The discussion focused on turning awareness into action and exploring the educational experience from Pre-K through postsecondary from the perspective of policymakers, faculty members, parents, and students.

SWEENEY CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING OF NEW ATLANTIC CITY HEALTH PAVILION

March 31, 2021

Trenton – Senate President Steve Sweeney joined Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver and Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new AtlantiCare Medical Arts Pavilion. The $38 million facility aims to address disparities in healthcare and meet the increasing need for physicians.

“The AtlantiCare Medical Arts Pavilion will meet a tremendous community need for healthcare services and help to improve the wellbeing of Atlantic City residents,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “It will also spur economic growth, bring more services to the community and make Atlantic City that much more attractive for potential business owners, homebuyers and visitors.”

The 69,700 square foot facility was designed to expand its programs and services aimed at increasing access to care and addressing healthcare disparities – including maternal and infant mortality.

“The AtlantiCare Medical Arts Pavilion will be a modern, patient-centered facility,” said AtlantiCare President and CEO Lori Herndon, MBA, BSN, RN. “This new building will give us the space we need to expand the care and services we provide to our community, including our Family Planning and high-risk Maternal-Fetal Medicine services, and medical education opportunities for our graduate medical residents and medical students.”

AtlantiCare will also expand its Medical Education program’s opportunities for its graduate medical residents and medical students to address the growing need for physicians in New Jersey and the anticipated nationwide shortage of physicians. The facility will include an auditorium for medical education for up to 150 people, medical education classrooms and offices, simulation labs to help students develop and maintain clinical skills, and more.

AtlantiCare is an integrated healthcare system based in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, whose more than 6,000 staff, providers and volunteers serve the community at more than 100 locations in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May and Ocean counties.