Establishes one-time payment program in Department of Treasury for aid for certain eligible taxpayers; appropriates $35 million.
Impact
The legislation is positioned as a response to the financial struggles faced by undocumented taxpayers who contribute significantly to federal and state tax revenue yet receive minimal public benefits. By including undocumented immigrants in the relief efforts, the bill seeks to bolster the economic recovery of the state. This program is estimated to assist around 35,000 individuals, amounts to just 5.8 percent of their total tax contributions, and is seen as a necessary step towards recognizing and aiding a demographic that significantly supports the state's economy.
Summary
Senate Bill S1618 establishes a one-time payment program through the New Jersey Department of Treasury aimed at providing financial aid to certain eligible taxpayers, particularly undocumented immigrants who filed state income tax returns for the years 2018 or 2019. The program aims to deliver up to $35 million in aid, with amounts determined by individual circumstances—$1,000 for those with dependent children, $700 for married couples without children, and $500 for other eligible taxpayers. The goal of the bill is to acknowledge the tax contributions of undocumented immigrants, who have been largely excluded from federal assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contention
However, the introduction of S1618 is not without controversy. Supporters argue it is a moral imperative to support all taxpayers, regardless of status, especially given their contributions to the state's economy. Conversely, opponents of the bill raise concerns regarding eligibility criteria and the implications of providing financial aid to undocumented individuals, arguing it may incentivize illegal immigration and strain state resources. The debate emphasizes differing perspectives on immigration policy, taxpayer rights, and the state's fiscal responsibilities.
"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.
"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.
"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.
"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.
"New Jersey Student Support Act"; establishes program in Department of Treasury to provide tax credits to taxpayers contributing to organization which awards scholarships to certain nonpublic school students.
"New Jersey Student Support Act"; establishes program to Department of Treasury to provide tax credits to taxpayers contributing to organization which awards scholarships to certain nonpublic school students.
Establishing the Taxpayer Dividend Program; imposing powers and duties on the State Treasurer and Department of Revenue; and providing for payment of certain taxpayer dividends.
Establishing the Taxpayer Dividend Program; imposing powers and duties on the State Treasurer and Department of Revenue; and providing for payment of certain taxpayer dividends.
Establishing the Taxpayer Dividend Program; imposing powers and duties on the State Treasurer and Department of Revenue; and providing for payment of certain taxpayer dividends.
Health: anatomical gifts; inclusion on the donor registry of an individual who elects to be a donor on an income tax schedule; allow. Amends sec. 10120 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.10120).
In preliminary provisions, providing for advertising and sponsorships; in charter schools, further providing for definitions and for funding for charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools, for cyber charter school requirements, for powers and composition of board of trustees and for educational management service providers, further providing for powers and duties of department and for assessment and evaluation, providing for annual reports and public reporting and for fund balance limits, further providing for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions and for school district and intermediate unit responsibilities, providing for access to other schools' facilities, further providing for establishment of cyber charter school, providing for renewals, for charter amendments and for causes for nonrenewal, revocation or termination, further providing for State Charter School Appeal Board review, for cyber charter school application and for enrollment and notification, providing for enrollment parameters and for enrollee wellness checks and further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.