LANDMARK AFFORDABLE HOUSING REFORM PLAN SIGNED INTO LAW

Bill Implements Most Comprehensive Reform  Of State's Affordable Housing Laws in Over Two Decades

(TRENTON) - Landmark legislation reforming the state's affordable housing program by implementing more equitable housing practices and increasing affordable housing availability across the state was signed into law today by Governor Jon S. Corzine during a ceremony in Mount Laurel, the South Jersey community at the historic heart of the affordable housing issue.

REDD STATEMENT ON THE SIGNING OF THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING REFORM BILL

MOUNT LAUREL – Senator Dana L. Redd, D-Camden and Gloucester, a sponsor of S-1783/A-500, legislation that revises the Fair Housing Act to require municipalities to offer affordable housing options, today released the following statement and applauded Governor Corzine for making the bill’s provisions a reality. The bill signing was held at the Ethel R. Lawrence Homes.

“It is interesting that New Jersey, one of the nation's most ethnically and economically diverse states, is also one of the most segregated. For far too long, wealthier municipalities have been able to pass on their responsibility to provide affordable housing options by paying local urban centers to take on their obligations through the use of Regional Contribution Agreements (RCAs).

ROBERTS REITERATES URBAN HOUSING ASSISTANCE IS NECESSARY INGREDIENT FOR ELIMINATING RCAs

(TRENTON) - Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr., today issued the following statement regarding his sponsorship of legislation to eliminate Regional Contribution Agreements (RCAs) and his corresponding commitment to provide urban communities with replacement revenue to fund affordable housing efforts: