ASSEMBLY HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION No. 27

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 5, 2020

      The Assembly Higher Education Committee reports favorably Assembly Joint Resolution No. 27.

     This joint resolution designates April of each year as “County College Month” in New Jersey in order to recognize the critical role that county colleges play in the education of the citizens of the State and in fostering and addressing the State’s economic development through its educational and workforce development efforts.  In 1985, President Ronald Reagan, recognizing the vital role of county colleges, issued Proclamation No. 5418 proclaiming February 1986 as “National Community College Month.” Later moved to April, National Community College Month is celebrated at community colleges throughout the nation as a time to recognize and raise awareness of the hard work and achievement happening every day on community college campuses.  Establishing a County College Month in New Jersey will recognize the contributions made by these institutions and serve to improve the understanding of the citizens of the State on the critical role performed by county colleges and the hard work and achievement occurring every day on county college campuses by students, faculty, and staff.

     Under the joint resolution, the Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing April as “County College Month” in New Jersey and calling upon schools, county colleges, the citizens of the State, and other interested groups to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.       

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2020-2021 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.