Legislative Update - July 13, 2010

S-29(Sweeney):  The Governor signed S-29 which is now known as P.L. 2010, c 44.  As passed by the legislature this bill would have reduced the tax levy cap for school districts, counties, municipalities, fire districts, and solid waste collection districts from the currently permitted 4% annual increase to a 2.9% permitted annual increase.  Governor Christie’s conditional veto of the bill further reduced the levy cap to 2% and allows exceptions only for increases in health care costs, pension costs, debt service payments and certain emergencies.  NJEA opposed both S-29 as introduced and the conditional veto language. 

July 12, 2010

S-29 (Sweeney):  The Assembly voted to concur with Governor Christie’s conditional veto of S-29 by a vote of 73-4.  As passed by the legislature this bill would have reduced the tax levy cap for school districts, counties, municipalities, fire districts, and solid waste collection districts from the currently permitted 4% annual increase to a 2.9% permitted annual increase.  Governor Christie’s conditional veto of the bill further reduced the levy cap to 2% and allows exceptions only for increases in health care costs, pension costs, debt service payments and certain emergencies.  NJEA opposed both S-29 as introduced and the conditional veto language.  The bill once again returns to the Governor for signature.

July 8, 2010

S-29 (Sweeney):  The Senate voted to concur with Governor Christie’s conditional veto of S-29 by a vote of 36-3.  As passed by the legislature this bill would have reduced the tax levy cap for school districts, counties, municipalities, fire districts, and solid waste collection districts from the currently permitted 4% annual increase to a 2.9% permitted annual increase.  Governor Christie’s conditional veto of the bill further reduced the levy cap to 2% and allows exceptions only for increases in health care costs, pension costs, debt service payments and certain emergencies. NJEA opposed both S-29 as introduced and the conditional veto language.  The Assembly is scheduled to vote on the conditional veto language on Monday, July 12.