SENATE COMMUNITY AND URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 84

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED:  JUNE 25, 2018

 

      The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee reports favorably Senate Joint Resolution No. 84.

      This joint resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the signing of the federal Fair Housing Act. Prior to the signing of the Fair Housing Act, discriminatory housing policies rendered many Americans unable to find safe and adequate housing. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing policies based on the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin of the tenant or purchaser. Access to quality housing has a direct impact on an individual’s health, education, and economic opportunity. Fair housing policies ensure that every citizen has access to adequate housing and community, as well as educational and economic opportunity.

      Although the Fair Housing Act outlawed discriminatory practices such as redlining, a lack of access to safe and adequate housing continues to persist in some communities. A continuous effort is needed to ensure that all individuals have access to quality housing. Therefore, to demonstrate that New Jersey is committed to advancing fair housing policies and fostering inclusive communities, the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act should be commemorated.