By Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul

The governor has signed into law several pieces of our sponsored legislation to help towns expand green spaces, protect first responders, and more efficiently determine and deliver property tax rebate and reimbursement benefits, including ANCHOR and StayNJ

We are committed to supporting law enforcement and first responders to promote public safety. So, it is gratifying to report that the governor has signed our legislation to bolster protections for law enforcement officers, first responders, and corrections officers, which  addresses the growing risks posed by assaults involving bodily fluids and ensures first responders can access the testing they need to protect their health.

Law enforcement officers, first responders, and corrections officers are on the front lines every single day, putting themselves in dangerous situations to protect our communities. With this law, we are taking decisive action to hold offenders accountable for assault while ensuring our officers have the tools they need to protect their health.

 By strengthening penalties and creating a clear process for communicable disease testing when an incident happens, we are ensuring that our officers have access to the necessary healthcare when assaulted while on duty. This legislation was driven in part by rising concerns from law enforcement leadership and officers, who have been experiencing increases in assault involving bodily fluids. As a practicing physician, and a former municipal judge and assistant county prosecutor, we know firsthand that time is of the essence when it comes to preventing the spread of disease. 

We also have been visiting Legislative District 11 towns to make local government officials aware of grants and loans available to expand green spaces and improve parks as well as for recreation and conservation projects. 

Preserving and improving open spaces help define a town’s character and contribute substantially to the quality of life of residents of all ages. Our sponsored legislation, which became law last summer, allocates $101.7 million to expand green spaces, improve parks, and support local governments with grants and loans for recreation and conservation projects. The money will come from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues, and various Green Acres funds. 

Many constituents have been reaching out to our office with questions about StayNJ, the property tax credit program for homeowners 65 and older that goes into effect in 2026. We are primary sponsors of the legislation signed into law earlier this month that revises statutes for implementing the property tax relief programs based on recommendations of the StayNJ Task Force.

Under the new program guidelines eligible households will receive property tax relief up to $6,500 or 50% of their property tax bill, whichever is less. Residents already receiving the ANCHOR and Senior Freeze benefits will continue to participate in these programs. If your benefit amount from ANCHOR and Senior Freeze is not equal to $6,500 or 50% of your tax bill, then you should apply to StayNJ to receive your remaining benefit.

If you need information about these property tax benefits or assistance with other issues, please contact us at [email protected], [email protected], or (732) 695-3371, and a member of our staff will assist you.

Our legislation reflects our goals of making Monmouth County and New Jersey more affordable, fairer, and safer for all residents.

We wish you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

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