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Bill

Bill

A 3269

Establishes "2020 New Jersey Burial Assistance Program;" appropriates $20 million.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

New Jersey allocates $20 million to establish a burial assistance program for low-income residents to help cover funeral and burial costs.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee
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Bill Summary · A 3269

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 3269 establishes a "2020 New Jersey Burial Assistance Program" and appropriates $20 million in state funding for this initiative. The bill was introduced in the New Jersey Assembly in January 2024 and referred to the Aging and Human Services Committee. The specific eligibility criteria, benefit amounts, and administrative details are not provided in the summary, though the timing reference to "2020" may relate to pandemic-era needs.

Why is this important

Burial assistance programs address a documented financial hardship for low-income families facing end-of-life expenses, which can range from $7,000-$12,000 on average. This $20 million commitment could provide meaningful relief to hundreds or thousands of New Jersey residents who otherwise struggle to afford funeral and burial costs. Such programs can also reduce the burden on municipalities and emergency assistance systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Program scope and eligibility: Without clear details on income thresholds, asset limits, and who qualifies, there may be debate about whether funds target the most vulnerable populations or are too broadly/narrowly defined
  • Adequacy of funding: $20 million's sufficiency depends entirely on benefit amounts per recipient and program demand; the allocation could prove insufficient if uptake is high
  • Administrative efficiency: Questions about how quickly applicants receive assistance, whether existing infrastructure can manage enrollment, and potential fraud prevention measures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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