Housing and Community Development Committee Chair Jerry Green (Middlesex/Somerset/Union) issued the following statement yesterday after hearing testimony about the need for more affordable housing options for working-class and low-income residents in New Jersey:

“I want to thank all those who took the time to attend today’s hearing.

“I also want to thank Speaker Prieto for leading the charge against poverty in New Jersey.

“We cannot address poverty without addressing the high cost of living and the shortage of affordable housing in New Jersey, and how this keeps low-income families in a perpetual state of survival.

“We have the highest property taxes in the country and rank fifth in the nation for high rents.

“Unless we take action and turn this around, the future of our state is grim.

“That is why hearing directly from individuals and organizations – that are working diligently to make New Jersey a more equitable place for all residents, was so important. The input provided today will be essential as we take heed of the task in front of us, and begin working on legislation to tackle New Jersey’s high cost of living, and ensure working-class and low-income families have more affordable housing options.”