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January 19, 2024NJ Republicans Applaud Murphy’s Excused-Absence Bill
On Tuesday, NJ Governor Murphy signed the “Involve Our Youth Act” into law. The bill was passed with near-unanimous support, now granting students grades 6-12 an annual excused absence for attending a civic event.
After more than two and a half years in the legislature, the “Involve Our Youth Act” (S2304) was approved unanimously by the NJ Senate, and 75-1 by the Assembly. Originally introduced in May 2021, the bill has seen 15 legislative sponsors between both chambers, Republican and Democrat. It was first introduced in the state legislature after a joint NJ High School Republican and Democrat campaign.
William Atkins, former NJ and National Chair of High School Republicans, oversaw and led the bill’s development throughout its lifetime. He had the following to say:
“I am thrilled to see the Involve Our Youth Act be signed into law. After two and a half years of dedication, our bipartisan coalition has set an example for America; that people of opposing ideologies can come together and accomplish meaningful change. We are truly shaping America’s future leaders.”
In December, NJHSR and NJHSD Chairs Katie Mirne and Julien Catalon testified before the Assembly State and Local Government Committee. Katie Mirne had the following to say:
“Giving young people more opportunities to be civically engaged is crucial to building the next generation of leaders. I’m proud of the bipartisan work our team has accomplished and look forward to helping forge the future of America.”
NJHSD Chair Julien Catalon had the following to say:
“New Jersey is sending a bold statement to the rest of the country by taking its students’ civic engagement to the experiential level. I am incredibly hopeful and excited for young New Jersey students to have access to and feel encouraged to participate in the political process.”
The bipartisan bill takes immediate effect, and shall be applicable for the 2023-2024 school year.
New Jersey High School Republicans is a state-wide, youth-based political organization with chapters in eight counties. On the local level, NJHSR members work with allied organizations and local Republican parties to advocate for conservative policies and elect Republicans on all levels.
