Advocacy E-news March 5, 2020
March 5, 2020
BUDGET CHAIRS ANNOUNCE PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING DATES
Senate Budget Committee Chairman Sarlo and Assembly Budget Committee Chairwoman Pintor Marin announced the dates for public hearings on Governor Murphy’s FY2021 budget proposal, to be held on several dates throughout March. The public hearings represent the beginning of the Legislature’s work on the budget plan. Upon completion of the public hearings, the Assembly Budget Committee will schedule further hearings with individual departments of State government, which will include presentations of State revenues by the Office of Legislative Services and the State Treasurer.
MURPHY ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND ALLOCATION PLAN
The Murphy Administration has announced a roadmap for spending $60 million in Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) funding to advance affordable housing across the state. The funding, which was diverted in previous years, was restored as part of Governor Murphy’s FY2020 budget and is now available for pre-applications. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will administer the funds to create stronger, fairer communities in which people can afford to live.
SUPREME COURT AGREES TO HEAR CASE ON WHETHER OBAMACARE IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
The Supreme Court announced Monday that it would hear a GOP-led effort against Obamacare, with opening arguments likely slated for the fall after the justices initially decided against fast-tracking a ruling. Obamacare came under threat in December when the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a 2-1 vote that the individual mandate, which required Americans to buy health insurance under threat of fine, was unconstitutional.
PASCRELL INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE TRAUMA TRAINING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and a bi-partisan group of legislators introduced in the House the TBI and PTSD Law Enforcement Training Act. The legislation would implement several measures to better train law enforcement for interactions with individuals suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
NJ SPORTS GOVERNING BODY LAUNCHES STUDENT ATHLETE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS EFFORT
Responding to evidence from a recent National Athletic Trainers’ Association study that scholastic athletes experience more frequent mental health challenges than their non-athlete peers, NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association) is providing easily accessible, online support. NAMI NJ was invited to be part of the discussion at the Round Table Meeting last month.
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