TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Dana L. Redd and Brian P. Stack which would permit county governments to adopt homelessness housing plans to address the housing needs of the homeless within their municipalities has been approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. “The sad reality is, as more and more jobs are lost, the homeless population will continue to increase,” said Senator Redd, D-Camden and Gloucester. “This legislation would give counties the right to create a blueprint for how to identify and address the needs of their homeless population, as well as create a trust fund to help offset the costs of emergency room, hospital care and other social services often associated with homelessness. We have to look out for the needs and well-being of all segments of our population.” “This legislation would help to address the needs of the homeless populations around the State,” said Senator Stack, D-Hudson. “In many cases, the problems of homelessness are more far reaching than simply not having a place to live. Through the task forces, these residents would be able to receive other much-needed care and services to help them transition into being able to support themselves and their families.” Under the Senators’ bill, S-2354, county boards of freeholders would be directed to adopt a resolution imposing a $3 surcharge on all documents recorded by county officials. The funds could only be used for providing services including rental assistance, housing project construction and rehabilitation, and for social services. The funds from the surcharge would be deposited into a county homelessness trust fund. Any monies not utilized within four years would be transferred to the Department of Community Affairs, which would then contract with a community based organization within the respective county. Counties that create the Homelessness Trust Funds would be required to provide information concerning the usage of funds to the Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. This measure was approved by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee on December 8, 2008. It now heads to the full Senate for consideration. ###
Weinberg: 'history is going to defend Jon Corzine’s legacy'Former Gov. Jon Corzine has not gone quietly, not that current Gov. Christopher Christie has let the public forget him. Virtually every time Christie announces a new budget fix in response to a problem that he pins squarely on the previous administration,...
"I think he could be more civil. This is not necessary. I wish him a lot of luck. I have seen enough to know that this is the toughest job in America. I would never, ever wish this job on my worst enemy." -- Joshua Zeitz, a spokesman for former Gov. Jon Corzine, on Gov. Chris Christie.
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