February 2025 Newsletter
Goodbye February—Welcome to March!
As we move closer to spring and welcome March, I’m pleased to share an update as I enter the second month of my second year serving as your Sussex County Commissioner.
Continued Strength in Agricultural Education at SCCC
I’m happy to report that Sussex County Community College (SCCC) has continued its valuable partnership with Hudson Farms. This collaboration has once again placed a student in Hudson Farms’ greenhouse, providing them a hands-on experience during the non-growing season.
This sustainable partnership equips students with real-world agricultural experience, strengthening the student’s résumés and four-year college applications. Looking ahead, to enhance this experience, I will continue working with our congressional representatives to ensure that HR Bill 3425, the Community College Agriculture Advancement Act of 2023, is reintroduced in the 119th Congress and passed or incorporated into the Farm Bill.
This legislation seeks to amend The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 by providing grants to enhance community college agriculture and natural resources programs. A key provision would offer financial compensation to agriculture students working on partnered farms. With the partnership between SCCC and Hudson Farms already established, we have a direct opportunity to advocate for funding to benefit our students and local agricultural industry.
County Seed Library: Update
I’m excited to announce that an additional educational session for the County Seed Library has been scheduled in Hopatcong through the Division of Senior Services. This session will take place on:
April 21st | 2:30–4:00 PM | Hopatcong Senior Center
Once again, this initiative is in partnership with Rutgers Master Gardeners of Sussex County. Previously announced sessions include:
March 12th | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Newton Liberty Towers
April 9th | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Vernon Senior Center
Additional educational sessions will be announced soon! Registration is required.
Farmland Preservation & Open Space: Empowering Voters
I’m proud to share that three more municipalities have passed resolutions in support of Sussex County authorizing a public referendum for the November 4, 2025 general election ballot, seeking voter approval to continue the Sussex County Farmland Preservation, Recreation, and Open Space Trust Fund for another 10 years. This brings the total to 10 municipalities and two agriculture-affiliated boards that have shown their commitment:
New Resolutions of Support From:
Lafayette Township Committee
Vernon Township Committee
Hampton Township Committee
Previously Announced Resolutions From:
Sandyston Township Committee
Green Township Committee
Fredon Township Committee
Stillwater Township Committee
Frankford Township Committee
Hamburg Borough Council
Montague Township Committee
Sussex County Agriculture Development Board
Sussex County Board of Agriculture
Let democracy reign—Power to the People!
Looking Ahead
March marks the beginning of Sussex County’s budget season. I look forward to working alongside my fellow commissioners to craft a fiscally conservative & responsible budget that optimizes services while maintaining our commitment to financial prudence. With my background in finance, mathematics, and statistics, I will ensure that every dollar is used efficiently to best serve our residents.
Each and every day serving as your Sussex County Commissioner is a great honor, and I deeply appreciate your trust and support. God Bless Sussex County and all who call it home!
Sincerely,
Jack DeGroot