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This week, Governor Phil Murphy activated price gouging laws in response to the nationwide baby formula shortage. Under the order, all state agencies are required to ease supply chain issues and limit actions that would reduce availability of formulas, while drawing on federal resources to accomplish these goals.
The Governor also announced his support for a police licensing program that would require all law enforcement in NJ to hold valid licenses in order to be employed as officers in the state. The proposed police licensing program would require certain uniform standards for police officers to become, or continue to be, an active law enforcement officer in the state. Over 40 other states have a form of licensing for police officers. The measure must still go through the legislative process, but the Governor has indicated he's supportive of the proposed legislation.
This week in the Legislature, NJ's nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services told lawmakers that the state will collect approximately $51 billion in tax revenue this fiscal year, while the state Treasury Department estimated even higher estimates at $51.4 billion by the end of the fiscal year in June. Both projections are $8 billion higher than revenues certified by Governor Murphy last July. This has quickly led to varying opinions on what to do with the influx in funding, with some calling for tax relief, while others are calling for the state to pay down its debts.
Wednesday was the end of the departmental budget hearings and now budget negotiations on Murphy's proposed budget begins. The Legislature must pass an Appropriations Act by June 30th for the new fiscal year that commences on July 1st. While budget negotiations are ongoing, the Legislature will continue with standing committee meetings. Below is expected activity in the Statehouse next week:
- Tuesday, May 24th: Assembly Health Committee
- Thursday, May 26th: Assembly Voting Session & Senate Voting Session
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