Senate Budget and Appropriations Approves Bill Allocating Voter Designated Open Space, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Funding

TRENTON, N.J. – The New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee approved, with bipartisan support, a bill to appropriate the voter approved funds for open space, farmland, and historic preservation and stewardship. New Jersey Keep It Green (NJ KIG), the state’s largest coalition of conservation and historic preservation organizations, applauds the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for voting to approve S969. This bill ensures that corporate business tax (CBT) revenues constitutionally dedicated to preservation and stewardship of New Jersey’s land, water and historic resources are used as intended by the voters. NJ Keep It Green urges members of the Assembly Budget Committee, and the full Legislature to vote on the bill swiftly. S969/A780 is sponsored by Senators Smith and Bateman, and Assembly members Andrzejczak, McKeon, Spencer, Pintor Marin, Dancer, Vainieri Huttle, and Land.
 
“S969 is critical to protecting our drinking water sources, family farms, and historic treasures. This bill authorizes the distribution of open space funds in a predictable, reliable and transparent manner. Every day that passes without using the constitutionally dedicated voter approved funds threatens the quality of life and environment in New Jersey,” said Ed Potosnak, NJ KIG Chair.
 
In November 2014, 65 percent of New Jersey voters approved Public Question 2 and established stable funding for the preservation and stewardship of open space, parks, farms, historic and flood-prone areas by dedicating four percent of existing corporate business tax revenues to preservation and environmental programs through fiscal year 2019, and dedicating an additional two percent of existing corporate business tax revenues from fiscal year 2020 going forward. 
 
“We’re glad  the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee moved swiftly, and in bipartisan fashion, to advance the open space implementation bill.. It is critical for the State that the bill be passed so that funds can be released to build new community parks, preserve critical open spaces, and protect our family farms”.,” said Kelly Mooij, NJ KIG Coordinator.
 
About NJ Keep It Green 
​NJ Keep It Green is a coalition of more than 180 park and conservation organizations working to create a long-term, dedicated source of funding for the preservation and stewardship of New Jersey’s natural areas, waterways, parks, farmland and historic sites. NJ Keep It Green led successful campaigns to pass statewide ballot measures in 2006, 2007, and 2009 generating $600 million for state open space, farmland and historic preservation programs. In 2014, NJ Keep It Green led a successful campaign that supports sustained, long-term funding for preservation and stewardship. For more information or to sign the NJ Keep It Green Statement of Support, visit www.njkeepitgreen.org.