ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1983

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MARCH 3, 1997

      The Assembly Appropriations Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1983.

      Assembly Bill No. 1983 appropriates $6.5 million from the Developmental Disabilities' Waiting List Reduction and Human Services Facilities Construction Fund created by the "Developmental Disabilities' Waiting List Reduction and Human Services Facilities Construction Bond Act of 1994," P.L.1994, c.108, for projects, such as capital costs for group homes, to reduce the Division of Developmental Disabilities' community services waiting list.

      The bond act authorizes the issuance of $160 million to be used for State and community-based human services facilities, including the creation and expansion of community residences for clients of the Division of Developmental Disabilities. The bond proceeds are to be allocated as follows: $30 million for necessary capital improvements at the various institutions operated by the Department of Human Services; and $130 million for renovations of existing community-based facilities and expansion and creation of new community-based facilities. The expenditure of these funds is contingent upon the preparation of an updated institutional master plan and the preparation of a master plan for the expenditure of the community funds.

      In September, 1995, the State appropriated $10 million for that purpose. To serve 500 clients, a total of $16.5 million is needed. This bill appropriates the $6.5 million necessary to accomplish the goal.

      As reported, this bill is identical to Senate Bill No. 877 (Bassano/Codey).

FISCAL IMPACT:

      This bill appropriates $6.5 million from the Developmental Disabilities' Waiting List Reduction and Human Services Facilities Construction Fund created by the "Developmental Disabilities' Waiting List Reduction and Human Services Facilities Construction Bond Act of 1994," P.L.1994, c.108, for projects, such as capital costs for group homes, to reduce the Division of Developmental Disabilities' community services waiting list.