While Senate Democrats have passed several bills in the package, the Assembly took action on the first bill Monday
TRENTON — When an Assembly committee approved a not-so-controversial bill Monday to make it easier for towns to fight unfunded mandates, it marked the first time the lower house has taken action on Gov. Chris Christie’s package of "tool kit" measures designed to help towns meet a 2 percent property tax cap since he signed the measure in July.
While Democrats who control the Senate have advanced or passed several bills in the package, Assembly Democrats have taken a more deliberative approach. Earlier this month, Republicans accused them of "stalling" on the tool kit bills by holding hearings on how Christie’s budget hurt different groups in New Jersey.
But Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex) said that was not the case.
"We are precisely on the track and the schedule we established. I have to chuckle that there is a complaint from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle that we aren’t moving," she said.
Assembly Democrats did advance a bill (A2499) through committee in March that took new hires for organizations that lobby on behalf of local governments and school boards out of the state pension system. It was later included on the list of "tool kit" proposals Christie issued in May.
Sponsors of the bill on mandates (A3204) say it would make it easier for local governments, school districts and public safety organizations to challenge laws, rules or regulations imposed by the state without a source of funds.
The seven-member state Council on Local Mandates — created by a 1995 constitutional amendment that also banned unfunded mandates — has the authority to overturn laws and regulations it deems unfunded. But the council has only heard 11 cases since it was established, according to Assemblyman John McKeon (D-Essex), who chairs the committee that advanced the bill today.
Currently, only governing bodies or chief executives of towns, counties and school boards can file complaints with the council.
Previous coverage:
• N.J. Gov. Christie signs 2 percent property tax cap bill
• How N.J.'s 2 percent property tax cap plan will impact residents
• N.J. towns could take income tax refunds from homeowners late on property taxes
• N.J. Assembly Democrats to analyze Gov. Chris Christie's 2.5 percent tax cap, 33-bill 'toolkit'