Senate Budget Committee Begins Work on NJ's 'Historic Revenue Decline'

"We have our work cut out for us," said Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen, who alluded to his committee's task to make the revised Oct. 1 deadline—instead of the traditional July 1 date—to have a balanced state budget in place.

May 07, 2020 at 09:59 PM

6 minute read

Suzette Parmley

The 12-member Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee pulled off its first-ever remote hearing on Thursday, appearing via Zoom to pass 10 coronavirus relief-related bills and one resolution.

The measures included rental and mortgage assistance, extended deadlines for permits to help jump-start the frozen construction industry, and protections for consumers facing mounting personal debt from the pandemic's grip.

Thursday's remote hearing was symbolic in more ways than one. It signified the Legislature's attempt to spur activity in Trenton amid the COVID-19 outbreak that has closed off the Statehouse to appearances by public advocacy and business groups. The Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee met earlier in the day to review several COVID-19 bills via Zoom.