I. State Issues
a. Executive Order Establishes the Coronavirus Task Force
On Monday, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 102 establishing the Coronavirus Task Force. The task force chaired by the Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli will coordinate all State efforts to appropriately prepare for and respond to the public health hazard posed by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). In addition, the task force, which includes various state departments, will continue to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health partners to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Newark Liberty International Airport will serve as one of eleven major airports in the United States authorized to receive flights from China that require enhanced entry screening for coronavirus. Therefore, the task force will also coordinate the State's partnership with the Federal government and Newark Liberty International Airport to ensure effective communications and dissemination of information and coordinate with hospitals and other health care facilities to manage preparations for the possible treatment of patients demonstrating coronavirus symptoms or risks.
As part of the preparedness activities, the Murphy Administration has launched a webpage with resources including travel updates and advisories and guidance sent to health care providers, local health departments, infection preventionists, and other health partners. The Administration has also opened a free 24-hour hotline (1-800-222-1222) for the public to ask questions about the Coronavirus.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Senior Legislative Analyst, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x112.
b. Bill Mandating Additional Training and Certification Requirements Moves out of Committee
The Assembly State and Local Government Committee, this week, approved an amended A-678, which would mandate additional training and certification of zoning officers and land use board administrators. The League opposes this bill.
While the League endorses continuing education for appointed and elected officials we have concerns that the new requirements envisioned in A-678 are not only unnecessary, but bureaucratic and infringe on local discretion of hiring practices. We also have concerns with the impact the new training and certification requirements will have on municipal budgets. While amendments to A-678 address some concerns, the bill maintains the mandate and the League accordingly remains opposed.
A-678 has been second referenced to the Assembly Appropriations Committee but has not been scheduled for a hearing yet in that committee. We will be sure to keep our members informed on the progress of this bill as it occurs. In the meantime, please contact your Assembly representative and ask them to oppose A-678
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x137.
c. Division Issues Guidance on LOSAP Annual CPI Adjustment
The Division of Local Government Services has issued Local Finance Notice 2020-01 providing general information regarding the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) along with the annual cost of living adjustment to the maximum award amounts. The increase in the CY 2019 CPI Adjustments, for use in CY 2020, is 1.5% for municipal programs and 1.5% for fire districts.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Senior Legislative Analyst, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x112.