1. What is the Department of the Public Advocate?
  2. Is this a new department?
  3. Is the Public Advocate a member of the Governor's cabinet?
  4. Why do we need a Department of Public Advocate? Aren't our elected representatives supposed to look out for the public interest?
  5. How much does it cost taxpayers to run the Department of Public Advocate?
  6. Can the Public Advocate sue state and local governments?
  7. Can the Public Advocate sue private entities?
  8. Can the Public Advocate help me with a particular problem that is impacting me or my family?

  1. What is the Department of the Public Advocate?
    The Department of the Public Advocate is a government agency that gives a voice to New Jerseyans who often lack adequate representation in our political system. This includes consumers, the poor, the elderly, children, individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities, and other citizens who don't have the resources to advocate on their own behalf. For more about the department, click here.
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  2. Is this a new department?
    Yes. The Department of the Public Advocate was originally established in 1974, but it was abolished by the Legislature and Governor Whitman in 1994. In 2005, the Legislature and Governor Codey enacted legislation to re-establish the department, finding that "there is great need for consumer protection and advocacy on behalf of the indigent, the elderly, children, and other persons unable to protect themselves as individuals or a class." This new law was implemented by Governor Corzine, and the new Department of the Public Advocate officially opened on March 27, 2006.
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  3. Is the Public Advocate a member of the Governor's cabinet?
    Yes.  The Department is part of the executive branch of state government, and the Public Advocate is a cabinet member, appointed by the Governor.
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  4. Why do we need a Department of Public Advocate? Aren't our elected representatives supposed to look out for the public interest?
    In our democratic system, a wide array groups organize themselves around their particular interests in order to make their voices heard.  New Jersey established the Public Advocate in recognition of the fact that certain groups simply don’t have the time, money or other resources to make their voices heard in the same way that other interests do.  The Department of the Public Advocate helps serve as a voice for these citizens so that our state and local governments can better serve the public interest.
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  5. How much does it cost taxpayers to run the Department of Public Advocate?
    For FY 2007, Governor Corzine has proposed a budget for the Department of the Public Advocate of approximately $19 million, including all its divisions and 'in but not of" Office of the Child Advocate. We are the smallest departments in state government, and we strive to fulfill our mission in a cost-effective manner on behalf of New Jersey taxpayers.
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  6. Can the Public Advocate sue state and local governments?
    Yes.  The Public Advocate has subpoena power, and the power to bring lawsuits on behalf of the citizens of New Jersey against state and local governments.  However, before resorting to litigation, the Department will exhaust all possible means to resolve disputes by working together with all interested parties.
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  7. Can the Public Advocate sue private entities?
    Yes.  The Public Advocate can bring lawsuits on behalf of the citizens of New Jersey against private entities.
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  8. Can the Public Advocate help me with a particular problem that is impacting me or my family?
    The Public Advocate strives to be responsive to the concerns and problems of New Jersey citizens, particularly among our core constituencies, which include consumers, the poor, the elderly, children, individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities.  Our Office of Citizen Relations responds to individual complaints and concerns. Responding to calls for help from people in every part of New Jersey, Citizen Relations works to resolve specific problems people are having with government agencies, as well as bringing widespread concerns and issues to the attention of the Public Advocate.

    Contact the Office of Citizen Relations at 1-609-826-5070, during the hours of  8:30am until 4:30pm, Monday-Friday. 

    You may also e-mail us by filling out the online complaint form, or print and mail/fax the office a Request for Assistance or Investigation.

    In making your complaint, please provide the following information:

    • Your name, address and phone number(s).
    • Names of relevant agency personnel, including all people you have spoken with about the problem.
    • Brief description of the problem.
    • Step(s) you have taken to resolve the problem.
    • Action(s) you are requesting from the Office of Citizen Relations. 

     

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