Public Administration
New Jersey Sues over Federal Funding Freeze – On January 28th, New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin and other Democratic attorneys general filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s recent freeze on trillions in federal funding, arguing the action is unconstitutional. The attorneys general also contended that the directive was so unclear that states were left uncertain about which projects and services would be affected. The Trump administration stated the freeze was necessary to review federal spending and would not impact direct aid to individuals. In fiscal year 2025, New Jersey received $27.5 billion in federal funds to support transportation, crime reduction, food assistance, and other programs and services. This marks the second recent state lawsuit against the Trump administration, following a court challenge to its birthright citizenship order last week.
Property-Tax Relief Applications to Be Streamlined for Seniors – The Treasury Department announced that seniors over 65 and disabled homeowners will soon be able to apply for three property-tax relief programs using a single online application. The new form, titled PAS-1, will combine applications for the Anchor, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ programs. Paper copies of the new application will be mailed to over one million households by early March 2025. The deadline to submit applications using the new form is October 31st.
Bill Raising Ballot Signature Requirements Advances – On January 30th, both the Assembly and Senate approved Bill A5117 largely along party lines. The bill would increase the number of signatures required for candidates to qualify for primary, general, and other election ballots by 150%. Supporters contend the change will reduce frivolous candidacies without affecting serious office-seekers. Republican lawmakers largely opposed the measure, arguing it unfairly benefits incumbents and disrupts ongoing petition drives for the June 2025 primaries. The bill passed the Senate by a 24-13 vote and the Assembly by a 49-25 vote.
Education
Senate Committee Advances School Funding Bill – On January 30th, the Senate Education Committee advanced Bill S3917 with a 3-2 vote. The bill would revise the state school funding formula by capping state aid cuts at 2% of a district’s prior-year spending and gradually increasing special education aid. Supporting lawmakers argue the measure will enhance budget stability and prevent severe financial losses for schools and districts. Some groups, including the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, primarily supported the bill but urged lawmakers to tie the cap to the prior year’s state aid rather than overall spending to support districts better. The bill would also remove exceptions for the 2% cap on property tax increases. Proponents maintained the change was necessary to limit rising property taxes and living costs. However, opponents, including some school officials and education advocates, argued that the cap constrained schools’ ability to meet education expenses. The bill would also establish a temporary 11-member task force to study special education funding reforms.