Are you available for a 30-minute virtual research interview before February 15th? The New Jersey State Office of Innovation would like to talk to residents who graduated from high school but did not attend college, to hear about their experiences and goals. The interview will be conducted over Zoom, requires no prep, and anything you share will remain anonymous.

Participants who complete the research by interview will receive a $40 gift card to compensate them for their time.

2023 was the warmest year on record in New Jersey. As the region continues to warm, the New Jersey Interagency Council on Climate Resilience is developing the State's first Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan. The perspectives of New Jerseyans are vital to shaping this plan.

Residents are encouraged to share their experiences and needs by completing the online survey, available in English and Spanish, at the NJ Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan Survey webpage. Promotional materials to help spread the word within the community are also available. Please submit responses by February 29th, 2024.

Families with newborns in Cumberland, Gloucester, Middlesex, Mercer, and Essex counties can now receive complimentary in-home visits from trained nurses within their child's first two weeks of life through the Family Connects NJ program. After a family requests a visit, a nurse will conduct health and developmental screenings, provide postpartum care education, and practical advice on feeding and sleep routines. The initiative also facilitates connections to valuable community resources, including nutritional programs and support services. The program will expand to the rest of the state in coming years.

The State Treasury holds $6.3 billion in unclaimed assets such as forgotten bank accounts, unpaid life insurance benefits, and utility deposits. Some of it might belong to you. Search for unclaimed property for free by visiting https://www.unclaimedproperty.nj.gov.

Income limits for New Jersey's PAAD and Senior Gold programs have risen by $10,000, extending prescription savings to more seniors and individuals with disabilities. PAAD now accepts single applicants earning up to $52,142 and couples up to $59,209. The Senior Gold thresholds are $62,142 for singles and $69,209 for couples.

Eligible residents can lower their medication costs and are urged to apply via the NJSave online portal. For eligibility details and to apply, visit njsave.org or call 1-866-NJSAVE-5.

New Jersey students in grades 6-12 can now be excused from school for one day each academic year to attend civic events. This provision enables direct engagement with community service, government processes, or nonprofit activities.

Civic events that qualify for this excused absence include, but are not limited to, service at local charities, attendance at city council meetings, or involvement in environmental initiatives.

To utilize this excused absence, a written notice must be submitted by the student's parent or guardian to the school administration at least five school days before the event. The excused absence will be officially recorded, maintaining the integrity of the student's attendance record.

This initiative provides an avenue for students to experience civic responsibility firsthand and allows them to contribute to their communities while ensuring their academic records remain unaffected. The full text of the legislation can be found online.