Singleton Bill to Provide Funding to NJSHARES S.M.A.R.T. Program Clears Committee

Trenton – Legislation to provide $10 million to the NJSHARES S.M.A.R.T. program, which offers energy assistance to homeowners in financial trouble cleared the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee today. The bill is sponsored by Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee Chair Senator Troy Singleton.

“Since mid-March, New Jersey has not only been in a public health crisis, but an economic crisis as well,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “During these unprecedented times, New Jerseyans are unexpectedly unemployed which has put a tremendous strain on their household finances. Being able to afford their mortgage or rent, groceries, or even utilities has become a daily struggle. That is why this additional funding for NJSHARES is so desperately needed.”

The bill, S-2362, would appropriate $10 million in grants to the Department of Community Affairs earmarked for the NJSHARES – S.M.A.R.T. program. The appropriated funds would be given to homeowners and tenants who have suffered financial loss during the public health emergency and state of emergency due to COVID-19.

The NJSHARES – S.M.A.R.T. Program within the DCA is an energy and utility assistance safety net for households in an emergency or crisis situation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Superstorm Sandy, who are not eligible for other forms of assistance due to income.

The bill was released from committee by a vote of 5-0.