ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4578

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4578.

      This bill requires the Department of Health, within 18 months of the effective date of the bill, to submit to the Governor and the Legislature a proposal for a comprehensive plan to invest in the State’s public health system.  The plan is to outline: a summary of existing policies, as well as recommendations for new initiatives, which strengthen public health infrastructure, develop a robust public health workforce, address health equity, and improve public health messaging and trust;  clear objectives, actionable steps, and timelines for each recommendation; and identify responsible agencies or entities for the implementation of each recommendation.  The plan is required to be developed with input from health partners across the State, including local health departments, healthcare providers, community organizations, and academia.