Bill > S1642

This bill revises the requirements for cash assistance benefits under the Work First New Jersey program. Key provisions include: - Ensuring that recipients enrolled in an institution of higher education are not deemed ineligible for public assistance solely on that basis. - Modifying the earned income disregard rules to provide more generous disregards for recipients who obtain employment, including allowing the 100% and 75% disregards to be used multiple times. - Expanding supportive services available to recipients, including requiring additional parenting support services and offering voluntary case management after 24 months of enrollment. - Enhancing reporting and oversight requirements for the program, including an annual report with detailed data and recommendations for improvement. - Increasing benefit levels over time to reach 50% of the federal poverty level by 2027 and requiring regular assessments of the real cost of living. - Requiring businesses receiving economic development incentives to partner with community organizations to provide work and training opportunities for Work First New Jersey recipients.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2022/S1642