(TRENTON) — Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex) issued the following statement in response to the United States Supreme Court's rejection of an appeal to delay implementation of New Jerseys landmark affordable housing law, A4. Speaker Coughlin was a Prime Sponsor of the legislation in 2024.

“Today’s Supreme Court decision is the latest and most definitive confirmation that New Jersey’s affordable housing law is both legally sound and urgently necessary. Once again, efforts to stall implementation through the courts and undermine our constitutional obligations under Mount Laurel have been soundly rejected at every level of the judiciary. Expanding the supply of affordable housing is essential to keeping our state competitive, and A4 was designed to ensure every community does its fair share so working families, seniors, and young people can find homes they can afford. This law will lead to 100,000 families being able to afford housing, driving down housing costs for everyone over the next decade.

“Now in the Fourth Round of Mount Laurel Obligations, our state has already seen an unprecedented level of municipal participation, indicating a growing willingness to embrace these responsibilities and work constructively toward expanding affordable housing opportunities.

“Though I respect and appreciate our nation’s system of checks and balances, continued litigation at this stage serves only to delay meaningful progress. The courts have spoken clearly and consistently, and New Jersey families cannot afford further slowdowns in addressing our housing shortage. I am encouraged that the overwhelming majority of municipalities understand this and are already moving forward in good faith and I look forward to seeing even more communities deliver the homes New Jersey residents desperately need.”