New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2591

Introduced
2/8/24  
Introduced
1/13/26  
Refer
2/8/24  

Caption

Provides for student recipients of educational opportunity funds to be exempt from 20 hour weekly work requirement ordinarily required for student SNAP participation.

Impact

One significant aspect of S2591 is its emphasis on addressing learning loss, particularly in light of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. By enabling local education providers to access grant funding for tutoring services, the bill aims to increase student engagement and performance in critical subjects such as mathematics and English language arts. The funding structure will include a matching grant system, incentivizing local providers to integrate high-impact tutoring into their educational strategies.

Summary

Senate Bill S2591 establishes the High Efficiency Accelerated Learning Grant Program, aimed at providing high-impact tutoring opportunities to students across the state. The program will be administered by the Department of Education, which will support local education providers in partnership with certified tutoring providers. The bill sets forth specific criteria that tutoring programs must meet to qualify for grants, ensuring that they align with best practices and effectively address the educational needs identified by local districts.

Sentiment

The sentiment around S2591 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among educators and advocates for student success. Proponents view the bill as a necessary response to the educational challenges heightened by the pandemic. However, there may be concerns regarding the equitable distribution of funds and the accessibility of high-quality tutoring services, especially for underfunded districts that may struggle to match the grant requirements.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the qualifications and scrutiny of the tutoring providers included on the state’s approved list. The bill outlines that tutoring providers must demonstrate high-quality instruction, which requires a robust and transparent evaluation process. Some stakeholders may argue that the criteria could limit the participation of valuable community-based organizations that could enhance educational support, particularly in underserved areas.

Companion Bills

NJ A3186

Same As Provides for student recipients of educational opportunity funds to be exempt from 20 hour weekly work requirement ordinarily required for student SNAP participation.

NJ A349

Carry Over Provides for student recipients of educational opportunity funds to be exempt from 20 hour weekly work requirement ordinarily required for student SNAP participation.

NJ S1749

Carry Over Provides for student recipients of educational opportunity funds to be exempt from 20 hour weekly work requirement ordinarily required for student SNAP participation.

NJ S2029

Carry Over Establishes prisoner reentry peer support hotline.

Previously Filed As

NJ S3669

Provides for student recipients of educational opportunity funds to be exempt from 20 hour weekly work requirement ordinarily required for student SNAP participation.

NJ A3773

Provides for student recipients of educational opportunity funds to be exempt from 20 hour weekly work requirement ordinarily required for student SNAP participation.

NJ SCR130

Urges USDA to revise 20 hour weekly work requirement for student participation in SNAP.

NJ S779

Requires students to complete free application for federal student aid as part of high school graduation requirements or request an exemption.

NJ S2598

Establishes requirements for removal of students from public school pending mental health clearance.

NJ SB609

Exempting students of higher education from compulsory vaccination requirements

NJ S2487

Establishes "New Jersey College Ready Students Program Act"; provides tuition-free dual enrollment opportunities at county college for certain high school students.

NJ A4318

Establishes requirements for removal of students from public school pending mental health clearance.

NJ HB910

Exempts the Dept. of Education from enrollment verification requirements for certain students

NJ HB2605

qualified students; statewide assessment; requirements

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.