New Jersey Assembly Bill A2798

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22
• Report Pass: 3/7/22
• Report Pass: 3/10/22
• Engrossed: 5/26/22
• Refer: 6/2/22

Caption

Excludes certain income earned from health promotion or disease prevention work from income eligibility determination under NJ FamilyCare, WFNJ, and NJ SNAP.

Impact

The impact of A2798 on state laws is significant, potentially expanding access to state assistance for individuals engaged in public health roles. By allowing outreach workers to earn income without it affecting their eligibility for essential programs, the bill aims to support local health initiatives and promote increased participation in disease prevention efforts. The exclusion of this income may lead to a healthier workforce and reduced public health risks by incentivizing more individuals to work in these crucial positions.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2798, introduced in New Jersey, seeks to exclude certain income earned by community outreach workers in health promotion or disease prevention roles from eligibility calculations for several state assistance programs including NJ FamilyCare, Work First New Jersey (WFNJ), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Specifically, the bill proposes that the first $5,000 earned in a calendar year by such workers not be counted as income for the purposes of determining eligibility for these programs. This legislative move is intended to encourage engagement in community health initiatives without penalizing workers financially.

Sentiment

Sentiment regarding A2798 appears to be predominantly positive, particularly among legislators and health advocates who view this as a step towards improving community health outreach. Supporters emphasize the importance of eliminating financial barriers for workers in public health roles, noting that increased income for these workers could lead to better health outcomes for communities served. However, concerns about the bill's long-term financial implications for state programs and potential misuse of income exclusions have been raised by some fiscal conservatives.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding A2798 include debates about the balance between incentivizing public health work and maintaining program integrity. Some critics argue that excluding income could create loopholes that might lead to individuals overstating their community outreach activities. Furthermore, discussions may arise concerning the practicality of implementing income exclusions in an equitable and manageable manner, ensuring that the intended benefits reach those most in need without undermining program funds.