New Jersey Senate Bill S2093

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/22
• Refer: 3/3/22

Caption

Creates the Office on Women's Research and Policy and appropriates $150,000.

Impact

The establishment of the Office on Women's Research and Policy is expected to have a significant impact on state laws by providing a structured approach to addressing gender-specific issues. This office will collaborate with other state agencies and groups to gather and analyze data concerning women's socioeconomic status, access to resources such as childcare, education equity, and matters of violence against women. By creating a dedicated office, the bill aims to ensure that women's voices and challenges are accounted for in state governance and legislation.

Summary

Senate Bill S2093 aims to create the Office on Women's Research and Policy within the New Jersey Division on Women, which will be situated in the Department of Children and Families. The goal of this office is to stimulate and promote research and review of women's status across the state, particularly in areas where they face significant challenges in their roles as homemakers, mothers, spouses, and workers. To support these efforts, the bill appropriates an initial funding of $150,000, highlighting the state's commitment to addressing women's issues through informed policy-making.

Contention

Notably, while the bill is designed to support women's rights and policy research, it may face scrutiny concerning the allocation of state funds and its permanence within the state budget. Some legislators may question the necessity of establishing a new office versus utilizing existing resources to address these issues. Moreover, the effectiveness of the office in bridging the existing gaps related to women in the workforce and family life will likely be a point of ongoing examination. The bill's ability to achieve its objectives relies on cooperation across various departments and stakeholders.