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April 7, 2020
I . COVID-19 Update
II. Application Period for LEAP Grants Extended
III. Governor Issues Executive Order Permitting Retirees to Return to Public Employment
I. COVID-19 Update
Today Governor Murphy announced an additional 232 deaths attributed to COVID-19 and 3,361 confirmed positive results since yesterday. This brings the statewide total to 1,232 deaths and 44,416 confirmed cases. Three deaths previously attributed to COVID-19 are now reclassified otherwise.
The Governor will sign four Executive Orders today
The first will extend the public health emergency declared on March 9 for an additional 30 days.
Another will close state and county parks, effective tonight. This will not apply to municipal parks. Any decisions related to municipal parks is left to local discretion.
Another will extend certain deadline for school districts, as a result of the moving of the school elections to May. This is intended to provide enough time to certify their budgets and make staffing decisions.
The fourth will waive the 2019-20 school year assessment requirements for 8th and 12th grade students. This is intended to prevent students from being left behind or penalized as a result of COVID-19.
As this is being written, the Executive Orders are not yet available. When available, they will be posted on the League’s COVID-19 update page.
Contact: Michael F. Cerra, Assistant Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x120.
II. Application Period for LEAP Grants Extended
Division of Local Government Services has extended the application periods for two LEAP (Local efficiency Achievement Program) grants – LEAP Challenge and County Coordinator Fellowship Grants.
The application period for both initially expired on February 28. Both have been extended until April 17. The LEAP Implementation grants continue on a rolling basis (assuming there is still funding left) until June 30. For more information on these grants please see the League’s grant page on LEAP grants.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Senior Legislative Analyst, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x112.
III. Governor Issues Executive Order Permitting Retirees to Return to Public Employment
Yesterday Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 115 permitting retirees to return to public employment as part-time, full-time or special law enforcement for the duration of the public health emergency.
The executive order, which took effect immediately, permits retirees to return to employment by government agencies in any capacity without having to re-enroll in any retirement system if the person retired before April 6, 2020, the retiree has been separated at least 30 days, and their return is needed because of COVID-19 pandemic. For more on Executive Order 115 please see the Town Crier blog.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Senior Legislative Analyst, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x112.