New Jersey Assembly Bill AR75

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Designates week of April 4, 2022 as "Local Government Week."

Impact

By establishing 'Local Government Week', AR75 aims to foster active participation among New Jersey residents in local government processes. This initiative seeks to promote awareness of the services provided by local governments, which include 21 counties, 565 municipalities, and 691 school districts serving over nine million residents. Local Government Week is intended to encourage local entities to hold events and facilitate discussions that enhance community cooperation and civic engagement.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 75, also known as AR75, designates the week of April 4, 2022, as 'Local Government Week' in New Jersey. The resolution highlights the vital role local governments play in the daily lives of residents, acknowledging their direct impact on health, welfare, and public safety needs. This resolution was introduced by Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer and emphasizes the importance of local governance, encouraging greater civic involvement at the local level rather than solely at the state or federal levels.

Contention

The resolution also addresses the need for efficient, productive, and responsive local government, which is often understated in broader civic discussions. While the resolution does not present significant points of contention within the text, its implications suggest that engaging citizens in local governance may face challenges from those who prioritize state and federal participation or who believe that local governments are underrepresented in public discourse. The success of such initiatives hinges on the active involvement of local officials and the responsiveness of communities in promoting these events.