State Issues

SHBC Votes on Plan Year 2025 Rate Increases

In a 3-2 vote, the State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) voted to accept the rate renewal recommendations, with some slight modifications, to increase rates for local governments in the SHBP by 17.2%.

Read more: SHBC Votes on Plan Year 2025 Rate Increases

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

GRC Updates Website to Reflect OPRA Modernization

With the September 3 effective date of the P.L. 2024, c. 16, which modernizes and reforms the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), the Government Records Council (GRC) has updated their website.

Read more: GRC Updates Website to Reflect OPRA Modernization

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.

Governor Signs Legislation Regarding School Budget Proposals

The Governor signed S-2837/A-4084, which permits school districts without a board of school estimate to submit a budget proposal to raise additional funds for the subsequent school budget year to voters at a special election, on September 4, 2024. 

Read more: Signs Legislation Regarding School Budget Proposals

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.

Governor Murphy Signs Redevelopment and Reinvestment Legislation

On Wednesday, September 4, Governor Murphy signed legislation that amends the Historic Property Reinvestment Act and the Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive Program Act.

Read more: Governor Murphy Signs Redevelopment and Reinvestment Legislation

Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Governor Announces New Landfill to Solar Website

On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Governor Murphy announced the launch of the new Landfill to Solar website. It provides municipalities and solar developers guidance and resources in planning, funding, and completing solar projects on capped landfills.

Read more: Governor Announces New Landfill to Solar Website

Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Federal

Urge Congress to Allow SALT Cap Deduction to Expire

The SALT Deduction Cap is one of the provisions scheduled to expire next year from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Please consider passing the League’s sample resolution urging Congress to allow this provision to expire to allow for middle-class tax relief. 

Read more: Urge Congress to Allow SALT Cap Deduction to Expire

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Also of Interest

FY 2025 Brownfield Grant Opportunities

The 2025 Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grant Guidelines are now available. The application deadline is November 14, 2024. 

Read more: FY 2025 Brownfield Grant Opportunities

Contact: Ciara Bradley, Research Associate, cbradley@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x128.

The League is Now Accepting Applications for the 2024 Innovation in Governance Awards Program

Through our annual recognition program, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) will again acknowledge and promote Innovation in Governance. This is a great opportunity to showcase innovative solutions to any problems that have cropped up, either suddenly or over time, in your municipality. It can also be an opportunity to let your peers in on innovations that prevent problems from arising. The Innovation in Governance Awards Committee is looking for new and distinctive approaches in any municipal government department. 

You can apply online or print and send it via email or mail! The nomination deadline is Friday, October 25, 2024. 

Visit our Innovation in Governance Awards page to see previous winning entries as well as the full invitation and application to this year’s program.

Contact: Ciara Bradley, Research Associate, cbradley@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x128