South Jersey Lawmakers Demand More Transparency, Comprehensive Plan for Federal Aid

LUMBERTON, N.J. – Assemblymen Brandon Umba and Michael Torrissi, Jr. are calling for more fiscal transparency from the Governor’s office over the use of New Jersey’s $6 billion share of federal COVID aid.

The 8^th District lawmakers were joined by their colleagues Senator Michael L. Testa, Jr. and Assemblymen Antwan McLellan and Erik Simonsen on Tuesday in penning a letter to the Governor, demanding a spending plan for remaining American Rescue Plan (ARP) dollars “that prioritizes the immediate needs of the state – rather than satisfying specific constituent groups or creating new programs that must be continually funded.”

The administration has been unwilling to commit federal aid to pay down unemployment debts saddling small businesses, reduce school aid cuts or upgrade deficient computer systems at the Motor Vehicles Commission.

Instead, it has deployed millions to fund pork projects like attracting the 2026 World Cup to the Meadowlands and dredging a Woodbridge marina to fit more boats.

The legislators also took issue with the slow roll-out of dedicated funding for the Eviction Protection Program, which assists struggling small landlords and tenants and has so far paid out less than one percent of the $500 million it was allocated.

“South Jersey residents live in among the most challenged housing markets in the country, made worse by property taxes which continue to rise under your administration’s watch.

“Your inaction is causing unspeakable hurt to the small landlords and renters who are already suffering so much during this pandemic,” the lawmakers wrote.

The group set a deadline for the Governor to provide a spending plan to lawmakers no later than when he delivers his budget address on February 22^nd.