Increases FY2024 appropriation from General Fund to DCF for the Center for Great Expectations by $1.5 million from $500,000 to $2.0 million.
Impact
The bill's approval is essential for supporting crucial programs that serve some of the most vulnerable populations in New Jersey. With the anticipated funding shortfall addressed by this bill, the Center for Great Expectations will be able to continue its residential program for adolescents and offer outpatient services for substance abuse and mental health. This will potentially improve outcomes for pregnant and at-risk women and their families, ensuring that they have access to necessary support and resources during critical times in their lives.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5796 proposes to increase the fiscal year 2024 appropriation from the General Fund to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) for the Center for Great Expectations by $1.5 million. The funding will raise the total allocation for the Center from $500,000 to $2 million. The Center focuses on providing safe housing and support services to over 1,000 individuals annually, particularly targeting those who are homeless, economically marginalized, or facing mental health and substance use disorders. This additional funding aims to sustain various vital programs including the only residential program statewide for adolescents who are pregnant or parenting and struggle with mental health issues.
Contention
While the bill holds significant promise for enhancing support services, discussions surrounding its funding have likely touched upon broader issues, such as the consistent funding of social support programs. Critics may argue that increased appropriations, such as those proposed in A5796, should be part of a larger strategy for sustainable funding for social services rather than being ad hoc increases. As this bill moves through the legislative process, it will be essential to monitor any debates or discussions on how such funding increases are justified and prioritized within the state's budget.
Re-appropriates unexpended balance of FY2024 appropriation for Town of West New York to support recreation center; appropriates $3 million for Town of West New York - Recreation Center to restore lapsed FY2024 funding.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.