TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Shirley K. Turner and Ronald L. Rice to create a new joint committee in the Legislature to monitor the State’s efforts in providing affordable housing to its residents became law today.
“The shortage of affordable housing is a widespread problem throughout the entire state,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. “This law will help us thoroughly examine the state’s affordable housing crisis and create a foundation to build a substantial amount of additional affordable housing units to meet our growing need.”
The enacted bill, S-1263, establishes the “Joint Committee on Affordable Housing” to study affordable housing opportunities within the State either via new construction or existing housing. The committee will conduct a continuing study of the availability and provision of housing affordable to low and moderate income households, examine the administration and financing of affordable housing programs, and address other affordable housing issues as they arise.
“New Jersey has made great strides in the fight to provide more affordable housing to low income families and seniors,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “The bill would also direct the Committee to make recommendations for legislative action, including amendments to the ‘Fair Housing Act,’ ‘State Planning Act,’ or any other statute it deems desirable for providing affordable housing opportunities for residents of New Jersey.”