Housing Projections are Repudiated by Rutgers Report

Senator Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R-Somerset) called on the Corzine Administration and legislative Democrats to publicly admit that the proposed numbers of housing units to be mandated under their new subsidized housing law are based upon erroneous job projections.

Trenton Democrat Leadership Silent as Chorus of Opposition Grows

Senator Kevin O'Toole (R-Bergen) called upon Trenton Democrats to reverse course and abandon their new subsidized housing law as the groups of officials calling for a change in policy has grown to include local Bergen County Democratic officials.

SENATOR LESNIAK’S STATEMENT ON COAH REFORM LEGISLATION

UNION -- Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, chair of the Senate Economic Growth Committee, released the following statement regarding the current Council on Affordable Housing’s (COAH) mandates, and his legislation to address the short-comings in the current affordable housing law and regulations:

“I have proposed a bill (S 2485) which would fix the faults in the current COAH guidelines that are stifling job growth and economic development in New Jersey. The bill would suspend the 2.5% development fee strangling our economic recovery as well as direct the State Housing Commission to recommend sound planning and economic principles sorely lacking in the current COAH mandates and regulations.

LESNIAK-BATEMAN INTRODUCE RESOLUTION CALLING ON CONGRESS TO MAKE CHANGES TO FEDERAL LAW TO ENSURE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Increased Federal Investment in Affordable Housing Will Mean New Homes, Jobs in the Garden State

TRENTON – Noting a national obligation to ensure affordable housing opportunities for all people, Senators Raymond J. Lesniak and Kip Bateman today introduced a New Jersey State Senate concurrent resolution calling on Congress to make changes to federal affordable housing laws to guarantee access to affordable housing for more of New Jersey’s residents, encourage building new homes and create jobs in New Jersey.

“Right now, federal affordable housing programs are not sufficient to meet the need for new homes in the State of New Jersey and around the nation,” said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. “We’re in the midst of a national economic crisis, in which the value of our hard-earned dollars is down, and the cost of living is through the roof. We need federal programs that identify the needs of the people of this country, and provide adequate support to states seeking to act in good faith to ensure housing opportunities for all their residents.”

“It’s a critical time for our nation,” said Senator Bateman, R-Somerset and Morris. “The federal government simply must find a way to ensure that homelessness doesn’t soar during this period of economic turmoil. The changes in federal law requested by Senator Lesniak and I will help keep hardworking people in New Jersey in decent housing and stimulate the economy.”

LESNIAK INTRODUCES RESOLUTION CALLING ON CONGRESS TO MAKE CHANGES TO FEDERAL LAW TO ENSURE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Increased Federal Investment in Affordable Housing Will Mean New Homes, Jobs in the Garden State

TRENTON – Noting a national obligation to ensure affordable housing opportunities for all people, Senator Raymond J. Lesniak today introduced a New Jersey State Senate concurrent resolution calling on Congress to make changes to federal affordable housing laws to guarantee access to affordable housing for more of New Jersey’s residents, encourage building new homes and create jobs in New Jersey.

“Right now, federal affordable housing programs are not sufficient to meet the need for new homes in the State of New Jersey and around the nation,” said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. “We’re in the midst of a national economic crisis, in which the value of our hard-earned dollars is down, and the cost of living is through the roof. We need federal programs that identify the needs of the people of this country, and provide adequate support to states seeking to act in good faith to ensure housing opportunities for all their residents.”

Estimated Cost: $28 Billion Over 10 Years With No Funding Plan

Senator Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R-District 16) is calling on Governor Jon Corzine and Joseph Doria, Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, to clarify how towns will finance over 100, 000 newly required affordable housing units. The non-partisan Office of Legislative Services has estimated the cost to be $28 billion.

Mayors, city council members and municipal officials are furious over the new Council on Affordable Housing Regulations. It's time Governor Corzine listened to them and order a delay in the implemenation of the economy-killing new rules.

Republicans knew that the new COAH rules were a huge unfunded mandate. Now they know just how big. The best estimate is that it will cost communities $2 billion a year to meet these requirements for "affordable" housing.

SENATOR LESNIAK ON FIXING NEW JERSEY’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM

UNION – Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, and Chairman of the Senate Economic Growth Committee, issued the following statement today on the direction of affordable housing regulations in New Jersey:

“COAH has failed to address the affordable housing needs of New Jersey during a growing economy and booming housing market. Under the current economic downturn, its approach will not only fail to spur low income housing development, it will stifle moderate income housing development and dampen New Jersey's chances for an economic rebound. Our unemployment rate will continue to increase causing more pain for our residents.

During yesterday's Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee hearing, Senator Steve Oroho (R-24) questioned two of New Jersey's leading economic experts, Dr. James Hughes, dean of Rutgers University's Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and Dr. Joseph Seneca, a Rutgers Professor and former chair of the New Jersey Council of Economic Advisors about New Jersey's economic future and the impact COAH will have on the state. Their exchange is below: