Furthering his Economic Assistance and Recovery Plan for the State, Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed legislation providing $22.5 million for food, energy and legal aid assistance for individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. The Governor signed the bill, A3374/S1, after his AARP Teletown Hall meeting at the Bernice Muha Senior Center in Hamilton.

“In New Jersey, we’ve long maintained the progressive ideal that the disadvantaged, the vulnerable, and just those caught in a down cycle in the economy deserve assistance,” said Governor Corzine.  “Today, we sign this bill to redouble our efforts to provide the most basic needs of shelter, food and heat to those in need.  I thank the legislature for coming together and moving on this legislation to provide assistance at this critical time.”

The legislation appropriates $3 million for the State’s Hunger Initiative and Food Assistance Program.  As a result of the sagging economy, many families and individuals have turned to food pantries for assistance, spurring an increase of up to 40 percent in usage.  Through the State Food Purchase Program, funds will be distributed to the six regional emergency feeding operations found throughout the state.

“Today’s bill signing sends a clear signal that New Jersey puts people first,” said Senator Teresa Ruiz, (D-Essex and Union).  “While we support laws which are intended to boost the business community and create jobs, this bill is the most basic economic stimulus initiative there is a direct investment in the programs people rely on to get through the difficult economic times.  This new law will make sure that the State doesn’t abandon struggling families in their time of greatest need, and guarantees them the support and resources they need to get by.”

Another $10 million in funding will be used for the expansion of NJSHARES (Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services) to provide temporary assistance to residents in paying their energy bills.. Traditionally, qualified recipients have received a one time grant of up to $700 for gas, up to $300 for electric, or up to $700 for electrically heated homes. The program is being expanded to include those using deliverable fuels, such as oil, to heat their homes. With an increase in federal and state assistance, there is the ability to reach 200,000 homes with an average benefit of $1,000.

“Through today’s bill signing, we’re recognizing that we have a moral responsibility to help those who can least afford to help themselves during the current economic crisis,” said Senator  Joseph Vitale, (D-Middlesex). “This bill is about government priorities — particularly standing up for the most vulnerable in our society when they need our help the most.  Despite difficult budget shortfalls and a faltering national economy, we must do our part to make sure New Jersey’s safety net is adequate to meet the needs of our hardest-hit State residents.”

The remaining $9.5 million in funding is dedicated to foreclosure legal assistance. Nearly one third of legal services cases in the State have involved foreclosure cases. This increase will provide legal services to homeowners and tenants in civil matters related to financial distress, including but not limited to mortgage foreclosure, bankruptcy, debt collection and eviction.

“Families who never before would have thought they would need to rely on a helping hand to pay their heating bills or put food on their tables now are facing that harsh reality,” said Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D-Bergen). “We need to ensure programs that are now servicing record numbers can meet the growing demand.”

“The economic meltdown has hit hard, so we’re doing what we can to help households emerge stronger from this crisis,” said said Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester) “This help will give them one less thing to worry about and ensure they don’t spend the winter worrying how they will get by.”

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