New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1456

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for certain children, youth and family services organizations.

Impact

The critical impact of Bill A1456 is its requirement that contracts with children, youth, and family organizations will now obligate DCF to adjust pay based on the preceding year's inflation. This legislation not only addresses the persistent financial challenges faced by these organizations due to rising living expenses, but will also help in maintaining the workforce dedicated to providing essential services to children and families, which had previously been neglected in terms of wage growth.

Summary

Bill A1456 is designed to establish an annual cost of living adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index for organizations that provide programs and services to children, youth, and families. Specifically, this refers to contracts entered into by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) with these organizations. The vital aim of this legislation is to ensure that the compensation for staff is reflective of rising costs, thus improving the sustainability and quality of services offered to vulnerable populations.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it ensures the long-term sustainability of essential services, concerns have been raised regarding the resilience of funding sources for these adjustments. There is a fear that without adequate state funding, the ongoing requirements for cost-of-living adjustments could strain budgets, leading to potential service cutbacks or reduced operational capacity in these organizations. As such, while the aim is to better support families and children, the fiscal management and sustainability of such agreements are critical points of contention, especially in times of budget constraints.

Companion Bills

NJ S136

Same As Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for certain children, youth, and family services organizations.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2231

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for certain children, youth and family services organizations.

NJ S318

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for certain children, youth, and family services organizations.

NJ S136

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for certain children, youth, and family services organizations.

NJ A1143

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for programs providing mental health, substance use treatment, or services to persons with developmental disabilities.

NJ A508

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for programs providing mental health, substance use treatment, or services to persons with developmental disabilities.

NJ S2668

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for programs providing mental health, substance use treatment, or services to persons with developmental disabilities.

NJ A3527

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment, based on Consumer Price Index, to base Medicaid per diem rates for assisted living programs; makes appropriation.

NJ S2129

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment, based on Consumer Price Index, to base Medicaid per diem rates for assisted living programs; makes appropriation.

NJ S3742

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment, based on Consumer Price Index, to base Medicaid per diem rates for assisted living programs; makes appropriation.

NJ A08584

Establishes an annual cost of living adjustment for human services programs indexed to inflation.

Similar Bills

NJ A2231

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for certain children, youth and family services organizations.

NJ S136

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for certain children, youth, and family services organizations.

NJ S318

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for certain children, youth, and family services organizations.

CA AB262

Children’s camps: safety and regulation.

CA SB50

Early learning and care.

CA SB246

Early childhood education: reimbursement rates.

CA AB555

California state preschool programs: reimbursement amounts: adjustment factors.

FL S1490

Children's Medical Services Program