The leaders of the Senate and Assembly came together to talk all things COVID-19 at the New Jersey State Bar Association’s (NJSBA) first-ever Virtual Annual Meeting last week. Moderated by Carolyn V. Chang, the panel, titled “What’s Next? The Changing Priorities in a Post-Pandemic Legislature,” featured Senate President Stephen Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Republican Leader Senator Tom Kean Jr. and Republican Leader Assemblyman Jon Bramnick.
The continuing legal education (CLE) program covered everything from virtual meetings to property taxes, and from budget forecasts to prisoner release. In discussing the state budget, panelists candidly noted that cuts could be expected in all areas. On the issue of property taxes, again the response was unanimous that property tax increases are expected. Topping the program was a question-and-answer period where the panel discussed workers’ compensation, nursing home liability, and funding for school districts to close the gap on distance learning.
