It is widely acknowledged that OPRA needs fixing. Recent legislative hearings highlighted that. But debates about changes often involve accusations between parties, making productive discussion impossible. Reforms attempted in private by a few groups fail because they do not consider different viewpoints or unintended impacts. This causes more public distrust in government.
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NJSPL – Marc Pfeiffer On Fixing the Open Public Records Act
OPRA, the state’s Open Public Records Act is showing its age. Now 22 years old, this important public policy suffers, in part, from age, neglect, unintended consequences, and unexpected use cases. Efforts to repair OPRA must recognize that the law affects all levels of New Jersey government, not just municipal.
Sarlo’s OPRA stink bomb needs to be defused
Pfeiffer’s take is blunt: “Bludgeons create a mess, and rapiers are surgical. This bill uses a bludgeon to try to deal with outliers that exist within OPRA.”
Fast-tracked bill would gut N.J.’s open public records law, experts warn
Marc Pfeiffer, a senior fellow at the Bloustein Local Government Research Center at Rutgers University who helped draft the current law in the early 2000s, said reform was “long overdue” but that the bill as written doesn’t solve many of OPRA’s shortcomings.
American Dream sued by woman who says she was injured by motorized stuffed animal ride
The lawsuits and failure to pay debts “has the effect of buying them time, which gives them the opportunity to renegotiate things” more in the mall owners’ favor, said Marc Pfeiffer, assistant director at Rutgers University’s Bloustein local government research center.
The big property tax promise
Altogether, the state’s tax break programs are a confusing jumble piled on top of each other, said Marc Pfeiffer, “it’s getting confusing,” he said.
‘Creepy’ YouTuber preys on young women getting DWIs, N.J. cops say. It’s legal for now.
The issue is the old one of how society balances individual privacy with a valid public interest when public officials or employees are involved,” said Marc Pfeiffer.
Virtual Workshop – Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Local Governments
Marc Pfeiffer and the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) presented ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ITS IMPACT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS as the first in a series of free virtual workshops NJAC will host in 2024 on a variety of topics that impact county governments across the State.
Experts see clouds on the fiscal horizon for NJ government
During a news conference Tuesday afternoon, several members of the workgroup offered their takes on the likelihood of there being enough revenue available by then to launch an altogether new relief program in the current economic environment. “Right now, it’s a wait-and-see,” said Marc Pfeiffer,
New Jersey faces steep deficits in coming years, group warns
There are certain things that the state is committed to by constitution or by law. Medicaid is increasing, school aid is increasing,” said Richard Keevey, a former state budget director and comptroller.
Upcoming Events
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Bloustein and New Brunswick: Beyond Civic Square– Historic Preservation and Redevelopment Walking Tour
Bloustein School, Civic Square Building 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, United StatesNew Brunswick, NJ has many architectural gems that often go unappreciated. The city has also experienced significant redevelopment and in tandem, historic preservation versus development challenges. This tour will consider […]
Virtual Career Drop-ins
VirtualStop by virtually on Mondays (except for holidays) beginning September 9th through December 16th between 11 am and 1 pm to ask a quick (15 min) career-related question of Bloustein […]
Bloustein Librarian Open Office Hours
Bloustein School, Civic Square Building 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, United StatesHave a research or library question you need assistance with? Visit Open Office Hours with Bloustein Librarian Julia Maxwell. Every Monday from 12:00 - 1:00 pm unless otherwise noted. Can't […]
Pre-Election Conversation with Bloustein Dean Stuart Shapiro
Bloustein School, Civic Square Building 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, United StatesPlease join us for a discussion about the upcoming federal election. Bloustein School Dean Stuart Shapiro will attempt to answer questions you might have about the election and the U.S. […]
Public Transit and Accessibility: Inclusivity and Personal Empowerment Through Travel Training
VirtualNJTIP @ Rutgers teaches persons with disabilities and older adults how to safely and independently use public transportation to access where they need and want to go. Join us for […]