On Monday and Tuesday, the Assembly and Senate had committee hearings via Zoom. Everything went smoothly. I can’t say the same for yesterday’s voting sessions, which were held via phone. Although members of the legislature handled their initial voting sessions via phone in April fairly well, yesterday they had problems with the mute button. Those listening to the sessions heard cursing, part of a credit card number, the automated voicemail comment “If you are satisfied with this voicemail….” from someone who didn’t hang up, and GPS directions.
If you are so inclined, you can listen to the Assembly stream and the Senate stream. For anyone who does this, please let me know how many times you hear the word “mute.” I lost track!
During these voting sessions, both houses passed the furlough bill (A4132/S2350) – see an article below – and a bill to push back revenue deadlines (A3969/S2392). The revenue bill allows municipalities to push back the deadline for paying property taxes, solidifying Murphy’s executive order to do the same. (The legislature often does this.)
We opposed the revenue bill because it was not clear how a school district will be made whole if a municipality pushes back the deadline and does not collect its full payments. After hearing testimony from the School Boards Association, the Association of Counties, and us, the bill sponsor assured everyone that municipalities have the obligation to make their payments. The Assembly also passed a bill allowing municipalities and counties to issue bonds to cover COVID-19- expenses and revenue shortfalls. While this bill needs to go through the Senate, the furlough bill and the revenue bill are all on the governor’s desk.
You may recall that New Jersey pushed its budget deadline to September 30. The governor is supposed to give an updated financial picture on May 22. In the meantime, you can read more about the state’s finances below.
IN THE NEWS
Read about the impact of COVID-19 on state revenue
TAKE ACTION
Urge Congress to Include Equitable Relief for all Student Loan Borrowers
RESULTS FROM MONDAY, MAY 11
RESULTS FROM TUESDAY, MAY 12
RESULTS FROM THURSDAY, MAY 14
WHEN IS THE LEGISLATURE MEETING AGAIN?
EXTRA BILL SOME OF YOU MIGHT FIND INTERESTING….