BROWN-AMODEO BILL ON VETERANS PREFERENCE
FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING APPROVED BY ASSEMBLY

Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Chris A. Brown and John Amodeo, both R-Atlantic, allowing towns to meet their fair share housing obligation by giving veterans preference was unanimously approved by the General Assembly on Monday.

The bill, S-829/A-1744, requires the Council on Affordable Housing to develop rules which may be similar to those of the already in place as provided to New Jersey veterans through the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.

“Our veterans should have every opportunity to live with dignity in the community they so willingly protected through their military service,” said Brown. "At the most basic level, veterans without a home or without housing that meets their needs are unable to fully reintegrate and participate in their community. Improved access to affordable housing will make a dream come true for many of our state’s qualified veterans.”

“Everyone in the military is proud to serve and defend our country,” said Brown. “There are many challenges our veterans face when they return to civilian life, such as finding employment and a place to live. New Jersey is addressing some of our returning soldiers’ basic needs such as job training, education and now purchasing a home through this project."

“With the end of the war in Iraq and the involvement in Afghanistan winding down, we anticipate about 100,000 veterans returning home,” said Amodeo. “We know that adjusting to civilian life after leaving the military is not always easy. A veterans preference in accessing affordable housing is one way towns can meet their obligation and our state can help our returning veterans.”

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