In a landmark decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court has affirmed the state’s charity care program, ruling that it does not constitute an unconstitutional “per se” physical or regulatory taking of private property from hospitals. The case, Englewood Hospital & Medical Center v. State, challenged a core tenet of New Jersey’s healthcare policy, which mandates that hospitals cannot refuse treatment to patients based on their inability to pay and are prohibited from billing those who qualify for charity care.
The Court’s ruling, penned by Justice Douglas Fasciale, distinguishes the charity care program from a direct government seizure of property. The court clarified that the program does not give the public a physical right to occupy hospital facilities, nor does it require hospitals to set aside property for government use. Instead, it places limits on a hospital’s right to exclude or bill certain patients, which the court found to be within the bounds of a highly regulated industry.
Furthermore, the Court addressed the argument that the program is a regulatory taking, which occurs when a government regulation goes too far, effectively seizing property without compensation. While acknowledging the program’s economic impact on hospitals, the court reasoned that the hospital industry is heavily regulated and has a long history of providing care to those in need, thereby diminishing any “investment-backed expectations” that would support a takings claim. The court emphasized the “paramount public interest” served by the charity care program, which it found to be a crucial factor in its decision. This ruling solidifies the legal foundation for New Jersey’s commitment to ensuring all residents have access to essential healthcare services, regardless of their financial status. To learn more about this and other important legal developments, please visit our Politics section.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce’s Call for a New Direction
As New Jersey heads into a pivotal 2025 gubernatorial election, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is urging the next administration to prioritize economic competitiveness and fiscal responsibility. The Chamber has released a set of priorities aimed at charting a course for long-term growth and stability, highlighting the need to address economic headwinds and a disappointing business climate.
The Chamber’s call to action comes in the wake of New Jersey’s low ranking in national business surveys, including a concerning position at number 49 in business friendliness by CNBC. This data underscores a critical need for change, and the Chamber believes the upcoming election provides a vital opportunity to reset the state’s priorities. The organization’s agenda reflects key issues that must be addressed to build a stronger, more inclusive economy.
While the Chamber’s detailed policy recommendations are extensive, they generally focus on several key areas. These include overhauling the state’s energy policy to create a more reliable and affordable energy mix, reforming land-use regulations to speed up development and reduce bureaucratic red tape, and enhancing economic development incentives to attract new investments to the state. The Chamber also advocates for increasing infrastructure spending and supporting workforce training and education to ensure New Jersey has the skilled labor force needed to support future economic growth. The organization’s message is clear: the next governor and Legislature must put the economy at the forefront of their agenda to ensure a prosperous future for the Garden State. For more insights into the state’s political landscape, visit our Politics page.
Gottheimer Leads Bipartisan Push for Transparency in Nonprofit Security Grants
In a bipartisan effort to support vulnerable community organizations, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) has led a letter signed by more than 70 members of Congress, urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to immediately release information about this year’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) awards. The letter highlights a break from a long-standing precedent, where FEMA has traditionally provided congressional offices with a list of the grant recipients in their districts.
The lack of transparency has created a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty for nonprofits, particularly faith-based institutions like synagogues, churches, and mosques. With the application deadline for next year’s funding fast approaching, these organizations are in limbo, unable to accurately plan for or apply for much-needed security investments. The NSGP provides critical funding to help high-risk nonprofits enhance their physical security and access training to protect against threats of hate and violence.
The letter, co-led by Representatives Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), and Mike Lawler (NY-17), calls on FEMA to adhere to its past practice of sharing the list of June grant awardees. The members of Congress stressed that timely and transparent communication is essential for helping communities navigate the application process and maintain a proactive security posture in a challenging threat environment. To stay informed on how our elected officials are working to protect New Jersey communities, explore our Politics section.
