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Committee amends and releases bill to establish New Jersey Haiti Commission after public testimony
Summary
Committee approved amended Assembly Bill A4343 (and identical S31991R) to create a New Jersey Haiti Commission. Supporters including local elected officials and Haitian-American organizations testified in favor; amendments changed the commission's membership to 13 and made the Assembly and Senate versions identical.
The Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Regulations Committee voted to amend and release Assembly Bill A4343 and its identical Senate companion S31991R, which would establish a New Jersey Haiti Commission.
Committee amendments read into the record changed the commission’s membership: the commission will consist of 13 members, including the secretary of state and multiple public members appointed by the governor at the recommendation of legislative leaders. The amendments make the Assembly and Senate versions identical.
Two public witnesses testified in support. Olympia Illu Perry, co-chair of the New Jersey chapter of NEON (the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network) and a Lawrence Township councilwoman, told the committee the commission would provide a central organization to speak for Haitian Americans and help coordinate resources. Councilman Burksen Linus, who identified himself as the first Haitian American elected in East Orange’s history and as a co-chair of NJ for Haiti, also urged passage and requested the bill be scheduled for full-assembly consideration in May, during Haitian Heritage Month.
On the roll call to amend and release A4343 and S31991R, committee members voted: Assemblyman Turrisi — yes; Assemblyman Ngannemore — yes; Assemblyman Egan — yes; Assemblyman Bailey — yes; Vice Chair Freiman — yes; Chairman Atkins — yes. Chairman Atkins said, “This is the first of its kind. And New Jersey is where it needs to be, in the front leading,” as he cast his vote. The committee announced the bill as released as amended.
