Mercer Times

Governor Phil Murphy signed landmark affordable housing legislation in New Jersey, emphasizing the state's commitment to creating a more affordable housing landscape. The new legislation aims to streamline the process for municipalities to meet their affordable housing obligations under the Mount Laurel doctrine and the State’s Fair Housing Act. Governor Murphy stated, “One of our Administration’s top priorities has been to establish New Jersey as a national leader in expanding affordable housing.”

Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin echoed the importance of affordable housing, noting, “We have an obligation to expand opportunities and make housing more affordable in our state.” The legislation, A-4/S-50, establishes a new framework for determining and enforcing municipalities’ affordable housing obligations, aiming to reduce delays in construction and provide more certainty for municipalities and developers.

In education news, Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer announced $7 million in grants for High Impact Tutoring in 57 additional school districts and charter schools in New Jersey. Dehmer highlighted the impact of these grants on student learning acceleration, stating, “These High Impact Tutoring grants give our schools access to a powerful tool that can accelerate learning for students throughout New Jersey.”

Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Acting Commissioner Fran O’Connor announced more than $5 million in state funds awarded to nine airports for safety and improvement projects. O’Connor emphasized the importance of supporting general aviation airports as key economic drivers for local communities.

In another significant appointment, Governor Phil Murphy announced Edward D. Wengryn as the New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture. Wengryn, coming from a farming family, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Department of Agriculture, stating, “I am humbled and honored to be able to lead an agency that has been critical to the success of not only my family, but all the farming families in New Jersey.”

These developments reflect the ongoing efforts in New Jersey to address crucial issues such as affordable housing, education, transportation, and agriculture, underlining the state's commitment to progress and community welfare.