Bateman: NJ Dems Must Stop Running From Affordable Housing Reform 

Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-16) issued the following statement after the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee today passed SJR-16, which designates September as “Affordable Housing Awareness Month.”

Sen. Kip Bateman is the sponsor of S-2216, which would deliver comprehensive affordable housing reform to all New Jersey municipalities. (SenateNJ)

“I am appalled that Senate Democrats would fast track a meaningless resolution before even considering my bipartisan affordable housing reform bill. This is a slap in the face to the countless constituents who are begging for their elected leaders to act.

“The courts have given us a golden opportunity to develop a new affordable housing policy. Creating an ‘Awareness Month’ does nothing to solve this problem.

“If we continue to do nothing, there will be serious consequences in every legislative district. Property taxes will skyrocket. Open space will be destroyed. Worst of all, the people who truly need affordable housing will continue to struggle to find it.

“I want to make it clear that the only reason that we have not been able to put an end to this crisis is that Senate Democratic leaders, who control the legislative agenda, have not taken action on S-2216 – or any of the other reforms I have been proposing for years now.

“We need to pass commonsense affordable housing reforms that give every municipality the flexibility and autonomy to make their own decisions. That’s exactly what my bill would do.

“On behalf of the people we represent, I urge our leaders to immediately post S-2216 for a vote. It’s time for this Legislature to stop running away from reform. New Jersey families deserve better.”

Related Tweet:
https://twitter.com/KipBateman/status/836259898388279297

Website Post:
http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/bateman/bateman-nj-dems-must-stop-running-from-affordable-housing-reform/31589