NJ Citizens To Be Better Informed By Org. Through Wyckoff Pol's Bill, He Says

WYCKOFF, NJ — A proposed piece of legislation backed by a former Wyckoff mayor would make structural changes to a statewide organization supporting local news and information for residents.

The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Kevin Rooney, would, if passed, amend state law concerning the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium — "an independent nonprofit that promotes public engagement through local media and other civic-minded projects," the lawmaker said.

“Since 2018, (the consortium) has encouraged citizens to get involved in matters that impact their daily lives, but we’ve also evolved as an organization," said Rooney, who is also the Republican appointee to the nonprofit's board of directors. "There are better and more efficient ways to do this important work, and that is what this bill accomplishes."

Rooney's bill — which would, in effect, give the consortium greater ability to manage affairs and award grants — advanced out of committee last Thursday with 6-0 support and goes to the Assembly speaker for further consideration, the District 40 rep. said.

In the past two years, the consortium, which solicits funds to improve civic life information in New Jersey, has awarded grants to support reporter training, journalism equipment, youth outreach, Spanish translation services, and more. It was created in 2018 by the state to address a "lack of (local news) access."

"I am honored to be a member of this organization that gives New Jersey residents greater access to relevant news so they can be more informed and engaged citizens," Rooney said. "It helps build connections in communities while acknowledging the limitations of mainstream media to reach all residents in a meaningful way."

His bill, co-sponsored with two Democrats from Districts 6 and 31 (respectively), would stagger the terms of service for board appointees — "for more continuity" —, and broaden categories of academic representatives who can serve as grantee partners. It would also permit the board to hire administrative staff, and allow for unspent state appropriations to carry over from one fiscal year to the next, Rooney said.

"By allowing the organization to have more flexibility in its administrative processes, we will be able to better respond to the evolving needs of citizens," the assemblyman added.