Bill to Help Shelter Homeless During Extreme Cold, Heat Clears Assembly Panel

Legislation Assemblymen Bruce Land and Bob Andrzejczak sponsored to identify and assist people in need of shelter during severe weather events was advanced by an Assembly committee on Thursday.

“No one in New Jersey should have exposure to the elements be his or her cause of death. The mere notion of that is just unacceptable,” said Land (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “This legislation has the potential to save thousands of lives in New Jersey and help some of our most vulnerable residents as they try to get back on their feet.”

The bill (A-815) would require county emergency management coordinators to establish Code Blue programs to shelter homeless individuals during snow emergencies, excessive cold or heat or other weather-related conditions. The legislation is part of an effort by Assembly Democrats to help the 2.8 million adults and 800,000 children living in poverty in New Jersey.

Read more here: http://bergendispatch.com/articles/37755756/Bill-to-Help-Shelter-Homeless-During-Extreme-Cold-Heat-Clears-Assembly-Panel.aspx