Funding to Aid Hire of Security Personnel, Purchase of Security Equipment
Following an unprecedented increase in violence against certain religious and racial groups among others, a measure to provide an additional $1 million to the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program, which provides funding to eligible nonprofits in the State at risk of terrorist attacks, was signed into law by the Governor on Wednesday.
Sponsors of the legislation (A-6123), now law, released the following statements:
Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Bergen, Passaic): “Hate and terror are devastating our communities like never before. The rise of anti-Semitic domestic terror attacks like those in Jersey City, Monsey and too many others all across the country are frightening. As we work to change attitudes, we have a responsibility to protect those communities left vulnerable by this incessant culture of violence.”
Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union): “Hate crimes have risen for a third consecutive year in New Jersey. We have residents living in fear and no apparent end to the violence-inciting rhetoric in sight. By increasing accessibility of security, we can ensure groups are equipped to fight violence in all its forms.”
Assemblywoman Lisa Swain (D-Bergen, Passaic): “In a time when there is so much hate and violence permeating throughout our communities, the need to fortify security for nonprofit organizations at risk of becoming targets of hate crimes and terrorism has never been more critical. Expanded safety, under this law, could prove to save many lives making perpetrators think twice before acting.”