TRENTON, NJ – During a recent Assembly Housing Committee hearing regarding a significant bill on affordable housing, Assemblyman Rob Clifton and Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn raised concerns about the lack of representation from local officials. The hearing, focused on a bill that proposes to overhaul towns’ affordable housing obligations, reportedly featured mostly private interest group representatives, with minimal local government presence.
Assemblyman Clifton (R-Monmouth) emphasized the importance of local officials’ perspectives, noting that only one local official was able to voice concerns about the bill. He highlighted the worries of many local government figures about the bill’s rapid progression and the challenges they face in reviewing and responding to the complex legislation.
Assemblywoman Flynn (R-Monmouth) echoed these concerns, stressing the need for thorough consideration of such significant legislation. She pointed out the absence of input from various stakeholders, including teachers, environmentalists, and energy experts. Flynn emphasized the importance of transparency and public input in the legislative process, especially for a bill with far-reaching implications on affordable housing, electricity mandates, and more.
The 68-page bill (A4), released just a day before the committee meeting, is slated for passage on January 8, the last day of the current legislative session. Flynn and Clifton advocate for more time to gather comprehensive feedback from affected groups.
The bill is expected to undergo further review and possible amendments on January 4, with a Senate counterpart also anticipated for a vote in January. This development comes amid warnings from the state Judiciary about the bill’s potential constitutional issues and the need for careful deliberation.