Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Jerry Green, chair of the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee, issued the following statement on Tuesday regarding the unanimous decision of the New Jersey Supreme Court to direct disputes over affordable housing requirements to the judiciary rather than the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing:
"While the Supreme Court's decision is indicative of some progress when it comes to affordable housing, this is a sad day for the state of New Jersey. We're reminded that this process could have been avoided entirely if the governor had worked with the legislature to resolve this matter, as the people expect their elected officials to do," said Green (D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union).
"We put forth legislation to address affordable housing on behalf of our most vulnerable residents - including working mothers and fathers, senior citizens and those with disabilities - only to have it vetoed. Unfortunately, instead of working with us to find a viable solution to an urgent and ongoing problem, the governor consistently has turned his back on low-income families.
"All that aside, this ruling is a welcome contrast to the inaction that thus far has plagued our housing policy. As we continue to review the decision issued today, what's most important is that municipalities statewide make it a priority to comply with the requirements of the Mount Laurel doctrine and uphold the right to affordable housing in New Jersey."
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