Official Site of The State of New Jersey

June 2026

Progress! PNA Increase Advances in State Assembly

Legislation to nearly triple the personal needs allowance (PNA) took a big step forward in May, thanks in large part to nursing home residents who shared their stories at an Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee hearing.

Assembly Bill A2691—which raises the PNA from $50 to $140 a month and sets up yearly cost-of-living adjustments —was the subject of the May 7 hearing.

Residents Louis Bonilla, Tanette Clegg, and James Cook testified, and statements written by residents Stacy Moore, Gail Smith, and Helen Tucci were read aloud by staff members of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) Community Engagement Program. The LTCO submitted written testimony from resident Gretchen Pfeffer, former resident Ray DiFrancesco, and the Ombudsman, Laurie Facciarossa Brewer.

The residents related similar experiences from living on only $50 a month —scrimping every dollar to afford takeout and skip the nursing home food once in a while; going without things they want because they have to spend money on needs the nursing home fails to fulfill; and trying to save money for new shoes or clothes. Residents shared a frustrating truth: The pensions and Social Security they worked hard for are handed over to the nursing home. The PNA is all residents get to keep. Residents said they deserve to keep more than $50 of their money each month.

Committee members, clearly moved by the testimony, pledged their support for the residents. The committee voted 6-0 to approve A2691and refer it to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. An identical bill (S1576) awaits a hearing in the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee.

NJ Nursing Home Residents United will lead efforts to help move the PNA bills through the legislative process. If you would like to get involved, please call 609-690-4740 or email community@ltco.nj.gov.

Resident Consumer Protection Bill Passes NJ Senate

That invitation from the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care will serve as this year’s theme for Residents’ Rights Month, which is observed every October to honor the dignity, respect, and rights of long term care residents everywhere.

As part of the commemoration, Consumer Voice organizes the Residents’ Rights Challenge. This year, residents are invited to share favorite recipes, as well as stories, poems, pictures, artworks, or videos that fit the theme. Consumer Voice will consider the submissions for inclusion in a book featuring recipes, meal traditions, and the memories that surround them.

Visit the website to learn more.

Submissions are due by July 10.

Read the full challenge criteria .

Resident Voices: Father's Day is on June 21. Tell me something special you remember about your father.

• He worked so hard. But when he came home from work, he would always carry me up to bed. He used to say, "I will probably carry you up these stairs until you are a grown-up.” – Marilyn L.
• My dad was a hard-working man who could dance better than anyone. I loved dancing with my father. No matter how long his day was he would dance up the steps. - Marion W.
• My father was very strict and hard working. And he had the very best laugh. I can still hear it. – Laura H.