TRENTON – The following is a statement from Staci Berger, president and chief executive officer of the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network), in response to Governor Phil Murphy’s State of the State Address:

“We applaud Governor Murphy’s efforts to make our state a place everyone can afford to call home. Under this administration, NJ has made an unprecedented effort to solve our severe shortage of affordable and available homes. We commend the Governor for his commitment to signing legislation sponsored by Senate President Nicholas Scutari, Speaker Craig Coughlin, Senator Troy Singleton, and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez to make building affordable homes more effective and equitable. Our 300-member organizations and the communities they serve are grateful that the Governor continues to fulfill his commitment to make housing affordability, security and stability a cornerstone of his Administration.

“NJ can only thrive by continuing historic and essential housing investments and removing systemic barriers that have harmed our Black and Brown communities. We look forward to continuing to work with the Murphy Administration, Senate President Scutari, Assembly Speaker Coughlin, and the members of both houses to implement policies and programs that will help to HouseNJ by creating more opportunities for all residents to live in healthy, safe and affordable homes.”

About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 275 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.