Asm. Tennille McCoy

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3425) increases New Jersey's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) benefit from 40% to 60% of the federal EITC amount for qualifying residents. It directly affects low-to-moderate-income workers and families in New Jersey who already qualify for the federal EITC and file state taxes. The key change amends existing law to raise the state credit percentage, meaning eligible taxpayers would receive a larger refundable tax credit directly paid to them. This adjustment, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2022, expands tax relief for working individuals and families without requiring new state program administration.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution declares September 22-28, 2024, as "Diaper Need Awareness Week" in New Jersey. It urges state government agencies to organize diaper drives and requests the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public awareness and donations to diaper banks. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but aims to highlight that one in three mothers experience diaper need, which can affect infant health and childcare access for low-income families. It is a non-binding awareness measure focused on community action, not policy change.

Maddy summaryAJR 105 designates November of each year as "New Jersey Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month" to highlight homelessness among children and youth in the state. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public awareness activities during this month. It does not create new programs or funding but aims to raise public attention on this issue, referencing New Jersey's 2022 data showing 988 homeless families with children and 780 homeless youth identified. This is a symbolic, awareness-focused resolution with no binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryAJR 113 designates November of each year as "Transgender Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with activities that raise awareness of transgender issues and recognize the community's contributions. It does not create new laws or requirements but formally acknowledges challenges transgender individuals face, including discrimination and violence, while highlighting their societal contributions. The measure follows existing New Jersey designations for Transgender Awareness Week (November 14-20) and Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public parking lots with 100+ spaces to set aside 5% of spots for hybrid, electric, and alternative fuel vehicles. These spaces must be the most accessible (but not closer than handicap spots), marked with green paint and "Hybrid and Alternatives Parking Only" signs. Drivers must display a state-issued window sticker proving their vehicle meets fuel efficiency standards (initially 45 MPG, later 163% of federal CAFE standards) to use these spots, with a $250 fine for unauthorized parking. The policy applies to all qualifying vehicles and runs as a 10-year pilot program.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3428) expands New Jersey's child tax credit to include children aged six to 11, in addition to existing coverage for children under six. It increases the credit amount for all children under 12 over a two-year period: for 2023-2024, families with children aged six to 11 receive $500 (up to $30,000 income) or less at higher income levels, with the credit rising to $600 for 2025 and beyond. The credit phases out completely for taxpayers earning over $80,000 annually, regardless of filing status. It directly affects New Jersey taxpayers with children aged six to 11 who file state income taxes and earn under $80,000.

Maddy summaryAJR 98 designates the fourth week in April each year as "Every Kid Healthy Week" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging schools, parents, and community organizations to promote healthy eating and physical activity during this week. It does not create new programs or funding but aims to raise awareness about childhood obesity, which affects an estimated 94,000 children aged 10-17 in the state. The resolution focuses on community engagement rather than policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR 97) is a symbolic resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). It does not create new laws or directly affect any specific group; instead, it formally requests Congress act on the ERA, which was first proposed in 1923 and last reintroduced in 2017 by several U.S. Senators including New Jersey's Cory Booker and Bob Menendez. The resolution cites the ERA's goal of guaranteeing constitutional equality under the law regardless of sex, noting it was passed by Congress in 1972 but fell short of ratification by the required number of states. Copies of the resolution will be sent to New Jersey's congressional delegation as part of this symbolic advocacy effort.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the NJSKILLS Commission within New Jersey's Department of State to align education and workforce training with labor market needs. The commission, composed of 21 members including education leaders, school district representatives (prioritizing areas with low graduation rates and high unemployment), business leaders, and labor experts, will produce annual reports analyzing employment trends and training gaps. Key provisions require the commission to recommend curriculum updates to the State Board of Education, advise on unmet training needs, and oversee consumer report cards for vocational training providers. The commission's work directly affects state agencies, schools, and training providers by guiding resource allocation and program improvements based on labor market data.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May of each year as "Foster Care Month" in New Jersey to raise awareness about the state's foster care system and honor child welfare professionals. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public recognition of foster parents, kinship caregivers, and agencies supporting children in care. The designation aligns with National Foster Care Month and acknowledges New Jersey's foster care system, which served over 3,100 children in 2021. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new policies or funding but promotes community awareness and appreciation.