On February 19, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) Director of Government Affairs Hilary Chebra was invited to testify at the inaugural meeting of the Assembly Health Infrastructure Committee.

The committee’s first hearing focused on healthcare innovation in New Jersey, the state’s ability to attract medical research and development, and how effectively technological advancements are being integrated into hospitals and long-term care facilities. CCSNJ was specifically asked to address technology and artificial intelligence gaps impacting South Jersey.

In her testimony, Ms. Chebra emphasized that a persistent barrier facing the region is that many healthcare funding formulas rely heavily on population size. While South Jersey is less densely populated, the need for resources is no less significant. Counties such as Salem, Cumberland, Burlington, Cape May, Ocean, and Atlantic include some of the state’s most rural and underserved communities.

She also highlighted CCSNJ’s recent op-ed on the Rural Health Transformation Fund, noting that the Fund will help alleviate financial strain, address workforce shortages, and support critical infrastructure investments needed by healthcare systems across the region.

Ms. Chebra underscored that the issue is not rural versus urban. Healthcare providers statewide are navigating modernization challenges, workforce shortages, and rapid technological change. However, South Jersey faces unique structural realities that can make scaling innovation more difficult despite the equal importance of delivering high-quality care.

To read the CCSNJ's testimony, click here.

To listen to the testimony, click here. (CCSNJ remarks begin at 1:57:58)

Please reach out to Hilary Chebra, Director, Government Affairs at hchebra@chambersnj.com if you have any questions.