Legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado (R-Bergen, Essex, Passaic) aimed at increasing funding for Code Blue Shelters has advanced in the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
“When the State expanded Code Blue requirements, warming shelters were required to open their doors more often. What the State didn’t do was increase the funding to match the additional resources needed to meet that demand,” said Sen. Corrado. “This bill would provide more funding to shelters to ensure the safety of vulnerable residents during dangerously cold weather conditions.”
The bill responds to a 2020 change that raised the threshold temperature for opening warming shelters from 25 degrees Fahrenheit to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This adjustment means shelters must now open more frequently during periods of extreme cold. The proposed legislation, S-1155, seeks to establish a matching grant program for community-based nonprofit organizations that offer shelter services during Code Blue alerts.
Senator Anthony M. Bucco serves as Senate Republican Leader and chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee while also serving on the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, according to his official website. He represents New Jersey’s 25th Legislative District and is involved in legislative activities such as sponsoring bills and participating in committee discussions on state issues.
More information about constituent services provided by Senator Bucco can be found through his district office or via email for legislative inquiries as listed on his official page.
The full text of Senator Corrado’s bill is available online.