New Jersey Senate Bill S1678

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Requires annual General Fund appropriation to DMVA for purposes of base realignment and closure.

Impact

The proposed legislation will reinforce existing state commitments to the military community by providing a consistent financial resource dedicated specifically to military installations. Moreover, S1678 stipulates that any contracts or agreements funded through this appropriation for the purpose of advocacy or lobbying regarding military preservation must follow a competitive contracting process every two years, promoting transparency and accountability in the allocation of these funds. This practice is intended to uphold integrity and ensure that resources are used efficiently to safeguard military assets.

Summary

Senate Bill S1678 mandates an annual appropriation from the New Jersey General Fund of up to $200,000 to the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA). The purpose of this funding is to support the preservation of military installations in response to any federal actions concerning base realignment and closure. This bill aims to ensure that military facilities are maintained and properly funded even in the face of potential federal realignment decisions that could affect their operation and viability.

Contention

While the bill appears to be beneficial for military installations, discussions may arise regarding the sufficiency of the funds allocated and the long-term implications of reliance on state appropriations for military preservation in the context of federal actions. Additionally, some stakeholders may express concern about the specifics of the competitive bidding process and whether it effectively meets the needs of the military and veterans' advocacy environment. The financial limit of $200,000 might also be viewed as inadequate in addressing the potential costs associated with base preservation efforts, leading to debates around the adequacy of funding for sustained military support.