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Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs
Building Knowledge for Policy and Practice in Southern New Jersey
An innovative social-emotional learning (SEL) program established in the Clayton Public School District will be expanded in up to 30 schools across New Jersey, thanks to a legislative effort that became law on May 11, 2021. Implementation of the program will be evaluated by the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs at Rutgers University–Camden.
In April 2020, WRI released a report written by Faculty Fellow Michael Hayes examining the 25 largest South Jersey school districts’ financial status and vulnerability to financial recession. This follow up brief examines the financial status of all 179 school districts in southern New Jersey.
To help the state distribute cuts fairly, and to help school districts plan for the future, it is vital that state and local policymakers in South Jersey are aware of the most financially vulnerable school districts in the region. This study provides actionable and pertinent school district funding information.
The 2020 lame-duck Legislature included the Electric Vehicle Bill (S2252/A4819), sponsored by Senator Bob Smith (D) and Senator Linda Greenstein (D). It passed 27-12 in the Senate and 65-9 in the Assembly, and on Jan. 17, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the bill into law. Learn about what it means for New Jersey’s clean air goals.
In South Jersey, a region challenged by high unemployment and low labor participation rates, the full impact of a declining labor force remains unclear. Research by WRI will help identify barriers to successful employment that both employers and employees face.
On November 5, New Jersey residents voted for all 80 seats in the General Assembly and decided on a ballot question to amend the State Constitution. The New Jersey Division of Elections will certify election results in December. But here’s where we currently stand.