(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Jerry Green on Thursday welcomed Gov. Chris Christie’s plan to abolish the Council on Affordable Housing and again asked the governor to work cooperatively to improve affordable housing in New Jersey.
Green recommended COAH be abolished in legislation he sponsored earlier this legislative session (A-3447) that was conditionally vetoed by the governor in January.
The bill would have abolished COAH and its bureacracy and provided major housing obligation reductions for municipalities throughout New Jersey.
Green (D-Union/Middlesex/Somerset) released the following statement:
“I’m pleased to see the governor do the right thing and devise a responsible plan to abolish the Council on Affordable Housing. This bureacracy had long become unworkable and never fulfilled the goal of responsibly providing affordable housing throughout our state. That’s why I proposed abolishing it in my legislation.
“But this is only half the battle.
“I continue to hope to work cooperatively with the governor to devise reform legislation that meets the needs of economic development and affordable housing. New Jersey needs a viable housing plan for its hard-working families that is also good for business and workable for mayors.
“If we’re willing, we can find a sound and reasonable approach that bodes well for New Jersey’s future.”
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Assembly Approves McKeon, Stender, Chivukula, Vainieri Huttle Bill to Criminalize 'Bath Salts'
Legislation Cracking Down on Dangerous Substance Heads to Governor's Desk
(Trenton) - A measure sponsored by Assembly members John F. McKeon, Linda Stender, Upendra Chivukula and Valerie Vainieri Huttle to crackdown on the dangerous practice of selling illegal drugs disguised as "bath salts" received final legislative approval by the Assembly on Wednesday and now heads to the Governor's desk.
The legislation (A-3984), known as "Pamela's Law," was first announced by McKean and Stender in March after the body of Pamela Schmidt, a Rutgers student and resident of Warren Township, was discovered in the basement of her boyfriend's parent's home in Cranford. According to newspaper articles, the boyfriend, who has been charged with murder, may have been using "bath salts" and consequently suffering from paranoia and mania.
The measure, which was approved by the Senate earlier this month, passed the Assembly today by a vote of 74-2.
"Bath salts, by all accounts, are one of the most dangerous drugs to enter the market in many years," said McKeon (D-Essex). "The side effects can lead to extremely violent and disturbing behavior, as we've seen in a number of tragic reports. This bill will help get them off the market and crack down on anyone attempting to push the substance."
"It's truly unnerving the way these substances were slipped onto the market disguised as 'bath salts.'" said Stender (D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union). "Given the dangerous and deadly side effects that have been reported, this legislation will help ensure that stiff penalties are in place for anyone selling or buying the substance."
The measure would criminalize the possession and sale of products containing narcotic substances such as mephedrone or methylenedioxpyrovalerone, commonly known as MDPV, which are being sold over the counter as "bath salts" and easily available at gas stations, convenience stores or head shops.
"The fact that this product was sold openly on the market is astonishing," said Chivukula (D-Middlesex/Somerset). "This legislation will crack down on its sale both on the open market and the black market and send a tough message to anyone looking to profit off of these drugs."
"Given the dangerous side effects caused by these substances, it's my hope that this legislation will help save lives," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "Criminalizing its sale and possession will help limit the avenues for obtaining this product, and hopefully help us avoid more tragedies of this nature."
Some of the after affects of using these products, which are believed to be highly addictive, include high blood pressure, increased heart rate, agitation, hallucinations, extreme paranoia, delusions, and suicidal thoughts.
Users experience an intense high, extreme energy, hallucinations, insomnia and are easily provoked to anger, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is currently investigating the drugs.
Under the bill, it would become a crime of the third degree to possess, manufacture, or distribute products containing; 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone, 4-MMC); 3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV); 3, 4-methylenedioxymethcathinone (methylone, MDMC), 4-methoxymethcathinone (methedrone, bk-PMMA, PMMC); 3-fluoromethcathinone (3-FMC); or 4-fluoromethcathinone (flephedrone, 4-FMC).
A crime of the third degree is punishable by a three to five year term of imprisonment, a $15,000 fine or both.
These products have emerged as legal alternatives to cocaine and methamphetamines, and one or both have already been banned in the European Union, Australia, Canada, and Israel.
In the United States, Florida, Louisiana and North Dakota have all recently banned the substances.
(Trenton) - A measure sponsored by Assembly members John F. McKeon, Linda Stender, Upendra Chivukula and Valerie Vainieri Huttle to crackdown on the dangerous practice of selling illegal drugs disguised as "bath salts" received final legislative approval by the Assembly on Wednesday and now heads to the Governor's desk.
The legislation (A-3984), known as "Pamela's Law," was first announced by McKean and Stender in March after the body of Pamela Schmidt, a Rutgers student and resident of Warren Township, was discovered in the basement of her boyfriend's parent's home in Cranford. According to newspaper articles, the boyfriend, who has been charged with murder, may have been using "bath salts" and consequently suffering from paranoia and mania.
The measure, which was approved by the Senate earlier this month, passed the Assembly today by a vote of 74-2.
"Bath salts, by all accounts, are one of the most dangerous drugs to enter the market in many years," said McKeon (D-Essex). "The side effects can lead to extremely violent and disturbing behavior, as we've seen in a number of tragic reports. This bill will help get them off the market and crack down on anyone attempting to push the substance."
"It's truly unnerving the way these substances were slipped onto the market disguised as 'bath salts.'" said Stender (D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union). "Given the dangerous and deadly side effects that have been reported, this legislation will help ensure that stiff penalties are in place for anyone selling or buying the substance."
The measure would criminalize the possession and sale of products containing narcotic substances such as mephedrone or methylenedioxpyrovalerone, commonly known as MDPV, which are being sold over the counter as "bath salts" and easily available at gas stations, convenience stores or head shops.
"The fact that this product was sold openly on the market is astonishing," said Chivukula (D-Middlesex/Somerset). "This legislation will crack down on its sale both on the open market and the black market and send a tough message to anyone looking to profit off of these drugs."
"Given the dangerous side effects caused by these substances, it's my hope that this legislation will help save lives," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "Criminalizing its sale and possession will help limit the avenues for obtaining this product, and hopefully help us avoid more tragedies of this nature."
Some of the after affects of using these products, which are believed to be highly addictive, include high blood pressure, increased heart rate, agitation, hallucinations, extreme paranoia, delusions, and suicidal thoughts.
Users experience an intense high, extreme energy, hallucinations, insomnia and are easily provoked to anger, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is currently investigating the drugs.
Under the bill, it would become a crime of the third degree to possess, manufacture, or distribute products containing; 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone, 4-MMC); 3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV); 3, 4-methylenedioxymethcathinone (methylone, MDMC), 4-methoxymethcathinone (methedrone, bk-PMMA, PMMC); 3-fluoromethcathinone (3-FMC); or 4-fluoromethcathinone (flephedrone, 4-FMC).
A crime of the third degree is punishable by a three to five year term of imprisonment, a $15,000 fine or both.
These products have emerged as legal alternatives to cocaine and methamphetamines, and one or both have already been banned in the European Union, Australia, Canada, and Israel.
In the United States, Florida, Louisiana and North Dakota have all recently banned the substances.
Riley, Coughlin & Coutinho Bill to Restore AIDS Drug Program Eligibility Gets Final Legislative OK
(Trenton) - Legislation Assembly Democrats Celeste M. Riley, Craig J. Coughlin and Albert Countinho sponsored to restore the income eligibility for New Jersey's AIDS Drug Distribution Program to the level it was at before it was slashed back by Gov. Chris Christie received final legislative approval on Wednesday when it was approved 47-31 by the Assembly.
The budget signed by the governor in June 2010 reduced eligibility for the AIDS Drugs Distribution Program from 500 percent of the federal poverty level to 300 percent. The bill (A-3286) restores income eligibility levels to 500 percent of the federal poverty level.
"Shared sacrifice has become a popular refrain in New Jersey, but to deny AIDS patients the drugs vital to their well being as a cost saving measure is simply unconscionable," said Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). "We must restrain spending, but not at the expense of people's lives and public health. By restoring eligibility, this bill aims to rectify this reckless cut by the governor."
"This program means life or death for many people," said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). "Spending cuts are needed, but we cannot be inhumane in the decisions we make when lives are on the line. We also shouldn't be making decisions that lead to higher medical costs when AIDS patients who lose their drugs grow sicker and require more expensive treatments."
"This funding cut is, without exaggeration, a death sentence for the nearly 1,000 people who cannot afford to purchase AIDS medication on their own," said Coutinho (D-Essex). "No one argues that we must reduce our budgetary spending, but that does not mean we can simply cut without a conscience. The governor may not think so, but as public servants, it is incumbent on us to help those who need it most."
The sponsors said the Department of Health and Senior Services must achieve other savings and receive additional rebates for prescription drugs purchased by the program to provide the additional funding needed to restore income eligibility.
The budget signed by the governor in June 2010 reduced eligibility for the AIDS Drugs Distribution Program from 500 percent of the federal poverty level to 300 percent. The bill (A-3286) restores income eligibility levels to 500 percent of the federal poverty level.
"Shared sacrifice has become a popular refrain in New Jersey, but to deny AIDS patients the drugs vital to their well being as a cost saving measure is simply unconscionable," said Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). "We must restrain spending, but not at the expense of people's lives and public health. By restoring eligibility, this bill aims to rectify this reckless cut by the governor."
"This program means life or death for many people," said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). "Spending cuts are needed, but we cannot be inhumane in the decisions we make when lives are on the line. We also shouldn't be making decisions that lead to higher medical costs when AIDS patients who lose their drugs grow sicker and require more expensive treatments."
"This funding cut is, without exaggeration, a death sentence for the nearly 1,000 people who cannot afford to purchase AIDS medication on their own," said Coutinho (D-Essex). "No one argues that we must reduce our budgetary spending, but that does not mean we can simply cut without a conscience. The governor may not think so, but as public servants, it is incumbent on us to help those who need it most."
The sponsors said the Department of Health and Senior Services must achieve other savings and receive additional rebates for prescription drugs purchased by the program to provide the additional funding needed to restore income eligibility.
DeAngelo: State Budget Provides Relief to Middle-Class Families, Seniors
(Trenton) - Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo (D-Hamilton) today hailed the Legislature's Fiscal Year 2012 State Budget as a spending document that recognizes the need to provide relief to middle-class families and senior citizens struggling in the current national economy. DeAngelo pointed out two key financial priorities outlined in the budget that will directly help New Jerseyans - direct school aid and funding for the "Senior Freeze" (Property Tax Reimbursement Program).
"As we made very careful and specific spending choices in these economic times, it is critical that we dedicated necessary funding for areas that affected the lives of middle-class New Jerseyans the most," said DeAngelo, deputy speaker pro tempore. "I am pleased that the school aid to our communities and millions of dollars in direct property tax relief for our most vulnerable senior citizens and disabled homeowners.
"Our schools took a dramatic hit last year when a billion dollars was taken out of our schools. Classroom sizes have increased; academic and athletic programs have been cut; and our schools and middle-income homeowners who faced property tax increases in order to fund schools at an appropriate level.
"When the 'Senior Freeze' program was put on ice last year, it sent a chilling affect through the homes of countless senior citizens all throughout New Jersey. The money allocated for the 'Senior Freeze' will provide a modicum of property tax relief for senior citizen and disabled homeowners struggling to make ends meet," added DeAngelo.
"As we made very careful and specific spending choices in these economic times, it is critical that we dedicated necessary funding for areas that affected the lives of middle-class New Jerseyans the most," said DeAngelo, deputy speaker pro tempore. "I am pleased that the school aid to our communities and millions of dollars in direct property tax relief for our most vulnerable senior citizens and disabled homeowners.
"Our schools took a dramatic hit last year when a billion dollars was taken out of our schools. Classroom sizes have increased; academic and athletic programs have been cut; and our schools and middle-income homeowners who faced property tax increases in order to fund schools at an appropriate level.
"When the 'Senior Freeze' program was put on ice last year, it sent a chilling affect through the homes of countless senior citizens all throughout New Jersey. The money allocated for the 'Senior Freeze' will provide a modicum of property tax relief for senior citizen and disabled homeowners struggling to make ends meet," added DeAngelo.
Coutinho Bill to Reduce the Minimum Tax on S-Corporations Approved by Assembly
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Albert Coutinho to reduce the minimum tax on S-Corporations by 25 percent was approved Wednesday by the Assembly.
"This bill boosts New Jersey's ability to better compete with our neighboring states and attract small and startup businesses which will create jobs for New Jerseyans," said Coutinho. "There are tough economic times for everyone. This bill will help ease the burden by stimulating economic development and creating jobs."
An S-Corporation is a form of corporation that meets the IRS requirements to be taxed under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code. This gives a corporation with 100 shareholders or less the benefit of incorporation while being taxed as a partnership. This means that any profits earned by the corporation are not taxed at the corporate level, but rather at the level of the shareholders.
Every one of New Jersey's neighboring states has lower S-corporation minimum taxes, while three states have no minimum tax whatsoever.
The bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration.
"This bill boosts New Jersey's ability to better compete with our neighboring states and attract small and startup businesses which will create jobs for New Jerseyans," said Coutinho. "There are tough economic times for everyone. This bill will help ease the burden by stimulating economic development and creating jobs."
An S-Corporation is a form of corporation that meets the IRS requirements to be taxed under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code. This gives a corporation with 100 shareholders or less the benefit of incorporation while being taxed as a partnership. This means that any profits earned by the corporation are not taxed at the corporate level, but rather at the level of the shareholders.
Every one of New Jersey's neighboring states has lower S-corporation minimum taxes, while three states have no minimum tax whatsoever.
The bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration.
Wisniewski: Democrats Budget Provides Relief for Middle Class Families
If Shared Sacrifice is more than a talking point, Christie will support Democrats budget
Trenton - New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman John Wisniewski issued this statement following the passage of the Democrats balanced budget that restores many of Chris Christie's cuts and provides relief for middle class families:
"Despite this Governor's continued demagoguery of middle class families, this Democratic budget restores funding for New Jersey's most glaring areas of need," said Wisniewski.
"This budget fully funds our schools, provides support for our seniors and protects our most vulnerable residents. Not only does this budget abide by the court's ruling to fund New Jersey's schools, it provides additional support for suburban districts that have suffered under Christie's cuts.
"If shared sacrifice is anything more than a talking point for Chris Christie, he will support our Democratic efforts to provide relief from higher taxes for New Jersey's middle class, just one of the many byproducts of Christie's irresponsible budget cuts. With a clear majority of residents supporting meaningful shared sacrifice, I hope the Governor will learn from the past mistakes and join with Democrats."
Trenton - New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman John Wisniewski issued this statement following the passage of the Democrats balanced budget that restores many of Chris Christie's cuts and provides relief for middle class families:
"Despite this Governor's continued demagoguery of middle class families, this Democratic budget restores funding for New Jersey's most glaring areas of need," said Wisniewski.
"This budget fully funds our schools, provides support for our seniors and protects our most vulnerable residents. Not only does this budget abide by the court's ruling to fund New Jersey's schools, it provides additional support for suburban districts that have suffered under Christie's cuts.
"If shared sacrifice is anything more than a talking point for Chris Christie, he will support our Democratic efforts to provide relief from higher taxes for New Jersey's middle class, just one of the many byproducts of Christie's irresponsible budget cuts. With a clear majority of residents supporting meaningful shared sacrifice, I hope the Governor will learn from the past mistakes and join with Democrats."
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Lampitt Bill Expanding Tax Credits for Corporate Research and Development Advances
Measure Would Encourage More R&D; Stimulate Economy
(Trenton) - Legislation Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt sponsored that would remove restrictions on the amount of research and development spending businesses in New Jersey could claim against their corporate business taxes was released 12 to 0 Monday by the Assembly Budget Committee.
"Research and development is an expensive investment for most businesses to make, especially when it doesn't pay off with a viable new product," said Lampitt (D-Camden). "Allowing New Jersey businesses to apply the money they spend doing R&D in the state against their corporate tax liability without restriction removes some of that risk and will hopefully encourage more R&D investment in our economy."
Currently, New Jersey businesses can only claim up to 50 percent of their total corporate tax liability in corporation business tax research expense credits and may not reduce their overall tax liability below the state's statutory minimum level for corporate business taxes.
Lampitt's bill (A-4205) would remove the 50 percent cap, allowing businesses conducting R&D in New Jersey to claim up to 100 percent of their research costs in corporation business tax research expense credits, provided it does not reduce their overall tax liability below the state's statutory minimum level.
"Encouraging companies to invest more in R&D through an unrestricted tax credit will benefit the state in several ways," said Lampitt. "It will stimulate our economy and encourage economic growth. It will create new science and technology jobs, putting people back to work and reducing the state's brain drain. And it will help give New Jersey businesses a competitive advantage over businesses in neighboring states."
The bill now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.
(Trenton) - Legislation Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt sponsored that would remove restrictions on the amount of research and development spending businesses in New Jersey could claim against their corporate business taxes was released 12 to 0 Monday by the Assembly Budget Committee.
"Research and development is an expensive investment for most businesses to make, especially when it doesn't pay off with a viable new product," said Lampitt (D-Camden). "Allowing New Jersey businesses to apply the money they spend doing R&D in the state against their corporate tax liability without restriction removes some of that risk and will hopefully encourage more R&D investment in our economy."
Currently, New Jersey businesses can only claim up to 50 percent of their total corporate tax liability in corporation business tax research expense credits and may not reduce their overall tax liability below the state's statutory minimum level for corporate business taxes.
Lampitt's bill (A-4205) would remove the 50 percent cap, allowing businesses conducting R&D in New Jersey to claim up to 100 percent of their research costs in corporation business tax research expense credits, provided it does not reduce their overall tax liability below the state's statutory minimum level.
"Encouraging companies to invest more in R&D through an unrestricted tax credit will benefit the state in several ways," said Lampitt. "It will stimulate our economy and encourage economic growth. It will create new science and technology jobs, putting people back to work and reducing the state's brain drain. And it will help give New Jersey businesses a competitive advantage over businesses in neighboring states."
The bill now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.
Coutinho Bill to Extend Commercial Development Fee Moratorium Cleared by Assembly Panel
(Trenton) - Legislation Assemblyman Albert Countinho sponsored to extend for two years the moratorium on a commercial development tax kept alive last year by Gov. Chris Christie was released Monday by an Assembly panel.
The bill (A-4221) extends until July 1, 2013 the moratorium on the fee and requires the return of any monies paid during the period since July 1, 2010.
Coutinho and Democrats attempted to abolish the fee last year as part of comprehensive affordable housing reform legislation passed by the Legislature, but the bill was opposed by Republicans and vetoed by Christie.
"This moratorium is about one thing - job creation," Coutinho said. "We did the right thing and tried last year to repeal this fee and make it easier for commercial developers in this difficult economy, but Republicans were opposed and the governor kept it alive, causing problems for job creation and economic development. Hopefully they have seen the light and at least support this moratorium."
The bill was released by the Assembly Budget Committee.
The bill (A-4221) extends until July 1, 2013 the moratorium on the fee and requires the return of any monies paid during the period since July 1, 2010.
Coutinho and Democrats attempted to abolish the fee last year as part of comprehensive affordable housing reform legislation passed by the Legislature, but the bill was opposed by Republicans and vetoed by Christie.
"This moratorium is about one thing - job creation," Coutinho said. "We did the right thing and tried last year to repeal this fee and make it easier for commercial developers in this difficult economy, but Republicans were opposed and the governor kept it alive, causing problems for job creation and economic development. Hopefully they have seen the light and at least support this moratorium."
The bill was released by the Assembly Budget Committee.
Speaker Oliver Bill to Reverse Christie Tax Hike & Restore Earned Income Tax Credit Approved by Assembly Panel
(Trenton) - Legislation Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver sponsored to reverse the governor's income tax increase on working poor families was released Monday by the Assembly Budget Committee.
Gov. Chris Christie last year cut the Earned Income Tax Credit for New Jersey families, effectively raising their income tax liability by $45 million.
The bill (A-4204) would reverse that cut and restore the program to its previous level, which equates to 25 percent of the federal tax credit.
"Working people living on the economic edges don't need income tax increases," said Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic). "They need progressive tax policies like this that are considered by many to be amongst our best tools to combat poverty. The governor and Republicans may support tax cuts for millionaires and tax increases for working poor families, but that's not our priority. This Christie tax increase must go away."
The New Jersey Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a credit for working poor residents who work and have earned income.
Last year, Republicans changed the EITC from 25 percent to 20 percent. This bill would reverse the change and restore the 25 percent level.
The state tax credit is based on the federal credit, considered the nation's largest and most successful anti-poverty program. Created in 1975 to ease the burden of payroll taxes for the working poor, the federal earned-income tax credit was expanded by President Reagan, and has substantially reduced child poverty and increased incentives to work. Twenty-four states created their own credits to extend tax relief for their residents, based on a percentage of the federal credit.
"The governor's tax increase hurt working poor families throughout New Jersey," Oliver said. "This change will ensure that our tax credit works the way it is supposed to work: helping low-income working individuals earn their way out of poverty and into self sufficiency."
Gov. Chris Christie last year cut the Earned Income Tax Credit for New Jersey families, effectively raising their income tax liability by $45 million.
The bill (A-4204) would reverse that cut and restore the program to its previous level, which equates to 25 percent of the federal tax credit.
"Working people living on the economic edges don't need income tax increases," said Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic). "They need progressive tax policies like this that are considered by many to be amongst our best tools to combat poverty. The governor and Republicans may support tax cuts for millionaires and tax increases for working poor families, but that's not our priority. This Christie tax increase must go away."
The New Jersey Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a credit for working poor residents who work and have earned income.
Last year, Republicans changed the EITC from 25 percent to 20 percent. This bill would reverse the change and restore the 25 percent level.
The state tax credit is based on the federal credit, considered the nation's largest and most successful anti-poverty program. Created in 1975 to ease the burden of payroll taxes for the working poor, the federal earned-income tax credit was expanded by President Reagan, and has substantially reduced child poverty and increased incentives to work. Twenty-four states created their own credits to extend tax relief for their residents, based on a percentage of the federal credit.
"The governor's tax increase hurt working poor families throughout New Jersey," Oliver said. "This change will ensure that our tax credit works the way it is supposed to work: helping low-income working individuals earn their way out of poverty and into self sufficiency."
Wisniewski Statement on the Signing of S2937
Trenton - New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman John Wisniewski issued this statement following the signing of pension and benefit legislation by Governor Christie:
"The legislation signed into law today does not fix the problems of our state and merely shifts the burden for solving them onto the backs of the middle class families who were not responsible for creating them," said Wisniewski. "The fact is, a vast majority of Democrats in the Senate and Assembly opposed this legislation.
"If the Governor is so interested in shared sacrifice and working in a bi-partisan manner, he should support the Democratic budget proposals that help restore the cuts he has made which have led to increased property taxes, unemployment rates higher than the national average and compounded burdens on New Jersey's middle class. As Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, I would welcome this kind of meaningful bipartisan effort to correct the course for our state."
"The legislation signed into law today does not fix the problems of our state and merely shifts the burden for solving them onto the backs of the middle class families who were not responsible for creating them," said Wisniewski. "The fact is, a vast majority of Democrats in the Senate and Assembly opposed this legislation.
"If the Governor is so interested in shared sacrifice and working in a bi-partisan manner, he should support the Democratic budget proposals that help restore the cuts he has made which have led to increased property taxes, unemployment rates higher than the national average and compounded burdens on New Jersey's middle class. As Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, I would welcome this kind of meaningful bipartisan effort to correct the course for our state."
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Albano & Gusciora Bill Aims to Promote Fish & Wildlife Management
(Trenton) - Assembly Democrats Nelson Albano and Reed Gusciora are sponsoring legislation that would promote voluntary donations to help New Jersey fish and wildlife conservation management.
The bill (A-4039) establishes the "Fish and Wildlife Conservation Management Fund" and provides for a designation on the state income tax return that will permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to support efforts and initiatives administered by the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection.
"New Jersey's economy relies heavily on a healthy environment, tourism and proper conservation management," said Albano (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). "Our heritage as the Garden State will erode if we don't do more to manage fish and wildlife conservation, and I'm confident New Jerseyans agree. With this bill, they'll be able to help out if they choose to do so."
"We need strong fish and wildlife conservation if we're to build a strong future for our state," said Gusciora (D-Mercer). "New Jerseyans know that communities from Cape May to Mercer County to Bergen County rely on a strong environment, and I think they'd be more willing to help that effort. This bill simply aims to make that help easier to give."
The bill was recently released by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee chaired by Albano and is expected to get a Wednesday vote by the full Assembly.
The bill (A-4039) establishes the "Fish and Wildlife Conservation Management Fund" and provides for a designation on the state income tax return that will permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to support efforts and initiatives administered by the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection.
"New Jersey's economy relies heavily on a healthy environment, tourism and proper conservation management," said Albano (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). "Our heritage as the Garden State will erode if we don't do more to manage fish and wildlife conservation, and I'm confident New Jerseyans agree. With this bill, they'll be able to help out if they choose to do so."
"We need strong fish and wildlife conservation if we're to build a strong future for our state," said Gusciora (D-Mercer). "New Jerseyans know that communities from Cape May to Mercer County to Bergen County rely on a strong environment, and I think they'd be more willing to help that effort. This bill simply aims to make that help easier to give."
The bill was recently released by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee chaired by Albano and is expected to get a Wednesday vote by the full Assembly.
Problems for E=mc²
I recently read a blog which the sponsor identified himself as e=mc². Is this individual playing Einstein mind-games with me, or is this a gang member using code? Whatever the case, I will be sure to correct their, what I perceive as, negative comments. All I did was ask a question, I am entitled to do so.
The individual mentioned that I was $22,000 off the mark regarding Belin-Pyles salary, which was $129,000 and the stipend which was $47,000, which equals by his math, $176,000. I just wanted to have an understanding as to how we arrived at $47, 000, and what the use of the stipend is.
The individual mentioned the Governor’s cap on Superintendents which is at 2%. So the differential in the $200,000 that I talked about, and in your post, you mentioned $22,000. You fail to mention however, are we paying her health insurance? I am pretty sure her health insurance is costing the City around $15,000. Does she have a car allowance? Does she have workshop allowances, which includes lodging and travel expenses, billed to the Board of Education?
So I am sure that after getting through all the perks that come with that position, we are talking about the ball park figure of around $200,000 that I mentioned earlier.
If anyone needs to do their homework e=mc², it is surely you.
Twelve years ago, I was very successful in helping Plainfield become an Abbott district, which on average, brings in $100 million a year. So that comes to over $1 billion of State funding for the education of Plainfield’s children. I take pride in bringing in money to Plainfield, which has helped with new construction on elementary schools, like Emerson. Also, a lot of money has been spent to upgrade our schools in the City. Just recently, I was able to get over $500,000 to repair the roof of the Plainfield High School.
When the Board of Education had problems in the past, whether academic or in general, I was able to work with the past superintendents in means of bringing resolve to district issues. So if you can show me that you have done more for the children in the City than what I have done, I would love for you to put it on paper for us.
I was not involved in the hiring of Dr. Gallon, nor was I involved in the firing of Dr. Gallon. There are some current Board members who thought he was the best thing since sliced bread. But, the minute he ran into trouble, they stabbed him in the back. I do not operate that way, which is why I cannot take any credit for his hiring or firing. I did not take a trip to Florida to interview him, and return singing his praises, telling us we must hire him. And yet, when trouble came, those same supporters stood on Fox News in opposition of him.
So before you start criticizing others, you should stand up and share with us your ideas and how you are going to move this City in the right direction. Yes, I am helping in working with the community to deal with crime, as well as the ability to bring jobs into the City.
Just recently, I stood up on behalf of the unions. I took a position on the issue. I did not hear you complaining about how unions were being mistreated. This last year the district lost $17 million in school construction funds.
So all the issues you are talking about, I take pride in helping to try and move this City in the right direction. I would love for you to share with me the ideas you have for the City as well as those things in which you have accomplished; I will be the first to congratulate you. But, as long as you choose to take the road of other bloggers and write negatively, I will respond to you in this manner.
The individual mentioned that I was $22,000 off the mark regarding Belin-Pyles salary, which was $129,000 and the stipend which was $47,000, which equals by his math, $176,000. I just wanted to have an understanding as to how we arrived at $47, 000, and what the use of the stipend is.
The individual mentioned the Governor’s cap on Superintendents which is at 2%. So the differential in the $200,000 that I talked about, and in your post, you mentioned $22,000. You fail to mention however, are we paying her health insurance? I am pretty sure her health insurance is costing the City around $15,000. Does she have a car allowance? Does she have workshop allowances, which includes lodging and travel expenses, billed to the Board of Education?
So I am sure that after getting through all the perks that come with that position, we are talking about the ball park figure of around $200,000 that I mentioned earlier.
If anyone needs to do their homework e=mc², it is surely you.
Twelve years ago, I was very successful in helping Plainfield become an Abbott district, which on average, brings in $100 million a year. So that comes to over $1 billion of State funding for the education of Plainfield’s children. I take pride in bringing in money to Plainfield, which has helped with new construction on elementary schools, like Emerson. Also, a lot of money has been spent to upgrade our schools in the City. Just recently, I was able to get over $500,000 to repair the roof of the Plainfield High School.
When the Board of Education had problems in the past, whether academic or in general, I was able to work with the past superintendents in means of bringing resolve to district issues. So if you can show me that you have done more for the children in the City than what I have done, I would love for you to put it on paper for us.
I was not involved in the hiring of Dr. Gallon, nor was I involved in the firing of Dr. Gallon. There are some current Board members who thought he was the best thing since sliced bread. But, the minute he ran into trouble, they stabbed him in the back. I do not operate that way, which is why I cannot take any credit for his hiring or firing. I did not take a trip to Florida to interview him, and return singing his praises, telling us we must hire him. And yet, when trouble came, those same supporters stood on Fox News in opposition of him.
So before you start criticizing others, you should stand up and share with us your ideas and how you are going to move this City in the right direction. Yes, I am helping in working with the community to deal with crime, as well as the ability to bring jobs into the City.
Just recently, I stood up on behalf of the unions. I took a position on the issue. I did not hear you complaining about how unions were being mistreated. This last year the district lost $17 million in school construction funds.
So all the issues you are talking about, I take pride in helping to try and move this City in the right direction. I would love for you to share with me the ideas you have for the City as well as those things in which you have accomplished; I will be the first to congratulate you. But, as long as you choose to take the road of other bloggers and write negatively, I will respond to you in this manner.
Legislation to Ensure Sacrifice by Wealthiest New Jerseyans & Boost Funding for Suburban Schools Released by Assembly Panel
Bill Also Expands Tax Break for Senior Citizens
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats John F. McKeon, Celeste Riley, L. Grace Spencer, Albert Coutinho and Lou Greenwald to ensure shared sacrifice by New Jersey's wealthiest residents, expand a tax break for senior citizens and boost funding for suburban schools shorted by the governor was released Monday by the Assembly Budget Committee.
One bill (A-4202) would increase the income tax rate on millionaires and expand the income tax exclusion for pensions, annuities and other retirement income. It's sponsored by McKeon, Riley, Spencer and Coutinho.
The other bill (A-4203) would provide school aid to about 365 districts consistent with the state's school funding formula, which Gov. Christie failed to follow in last year's state budget, especially hurting rural and suburban school districts and their property taxpayers.
"In these difficult times, we've seen working class and senior and disabled citizens bearing the heaviest burden, but a call for shared sacrifice should include all residents of New Jersey including the most affluent," said McKeon (D-Essex). "The millionaire's tax is a fair component to shared sacrifice."
"The recession has decimated many people's 401k's and other investments," said Riley (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester). "This measure would help provide a little more peace of mind for those in retirement who are worried about being able to get by. Protecting senior citizens needs to a constant goal."
"This governor and Republicans have continuously sided with millionaires over working class taxpayers," said Spencer (D-Essex). "This is another chance for them to do the right thing and help support quality education and property tax relief. Democrats remain committed to quality education and property tax relief and we will keep fighting for it."
"The governor and Republicans may prefer tax cuts for the rich, but Democrats prefer property tax relief for working class residents and a quality education for our children," said Countinho (D-Essex). "The governor's policies have led to painful property tax increases and school cuts in our suburban and rural areas. It's time to right that wrong."
According to the Office of Legislative Services, more than 70 percent of the funding cut by the governor should have gone to rural and suburban school districts. The cut contributed to education cuts, layoffs and last year's 4.1 percent property tax increase, the highest taxpayers have been since 2007.
"The governor's decision to ignore the school funding formula and threaten quality education for at-risk children has already been rebuked by the courts, and now we're fixing the rest of his mistake," said Greenwald (D-Camden). "Property taxpayers throughout our state are paying the price for the governor's misguided policies, but taxpayers and schools in our rural and suburban communities are especially suffering under this governor. This bill begins to repair the damage wrought by the governor."
The first bill would provide a two-year adjustment to the income tax rate for taxpayers with taxable incomes exceeding $1 million in taxable years beginning on or after January 1,2011. The bill would increase the rate from 8.97 percent to 10.75 percent.
It's estimated that 16,000 of New Jersey's 8.7 million residents earn more than $1 million in taxable income. A family of four in New Jersey earning $1.2 million would pay an additional $11,598 as a result of the increased tax rate in this legislation.
The Office of Legislative Services estimates that the tax change for millionaires would generate about $676 million in one year.
It would also permanently expand the exclusion under the gross income tax for pensions, annuities and certain other retirement income for qualified tax payers. At present, qualified taxpayers who are 62 years of age or disabled and who are eligible to receive Social Security payments and make $100,000 or less in annual gross income may exclude $20,000, $15,000 or $10,000 of various pension, annuity and retirement benefit income, depending on their tax filing status.
This bill would expand the exclusion by removing the $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000 exclusion caps, and providing full exclusions for qualified taxpayers with gross income less than $100,000. The bill also would provide new limited exclusions for qualified taxpayers with incomes between $100,000 and $10,000. With this new exclusion, the excluded amount would reduce in proportion to the amount of the taxpayer's gross income that is above $100,000.
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats John F. McKeon, Celeste Riley, L. Grace Spencer, Albert Coutinho and Lou Greenwald to ensure shared sacrifice by New Jersey's wealthiest residents, expand a tax break for senior citizens and boost funding for suburban schools shorted by the governor was released Monday by the Assembly Budget Committee.
One bill (A-4202) would increase the income tax rate on millionaires and expand the income tax exclusion for pensions, annuities and other retirement income. It's sponsored by McKeon, Riley, Spencer and Coutinho.
The other bill (A-4203) would provide school aid to about 365 districts consistent with the state's school funding formula, which Gov. Christie failed to follow in last year's state budget, especially hurting rural and suburban school districts and their property taxpayers.
"In these difficult times, we've seen working class and senior and disabled citizens bearing the heaviest burden, but a call for shared sacrifice should include all residents of New Jersey including the most affluent," said McKeon (D-Essex). "The millionaire's tax is a fair component to shared sacrifice."
"The recession has decimated many people's 401k's and other investments," said Riley (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester). "This measure would help provide a little more peace of mind for those in retirement who are worried about being able to get by. Protecting senior citizens needs to a constant goal."
"This governor and Republicans have continuously sided with millionaires over working class taxpayers," said Spencer (D-Essex). "This is another chance for them to do the right thing and help support quality education and property tax relief. Democrats remain committed to quality education and property tax relief and we will keep fighting for it."
"The governor and Republicans may prefer tax cuts for the rich, but Democrats prefer property tax relief for working class residents and a quality education for our children," said Countinho (D-Essex). "The governor's policies have led to painful property tax increases and school cuts in our suburban and rural areas. It's time to right that wrong."
According to the Office of Legislative Services, more than 70 percent of the funding cut by the governor should have gone to rural and suburban school districts. The cut contributed to education cuts, layoffs and last year's 4.1 percent property tax increase, the highest taxpayers have been since 2007.
"The governor's decision to ignore the school funding formula and threaten quality education for at-risk children has already been rebuked by the courts, and now we're fixing the rest of his mistake," said Greenwald (D-Camden). "Property taxpayers throughout our state are paying the price for the governor's misguided policies, but taxpayers and schools in our rural and suburban communities are especially suffering under this governor. This bill begins to repair the damage wrought by the governor."
The first bill would provide a two-year adjustment to the income tax rate for taxpayers with taxable incomes exceeding $1 million in taxable years beginning on or after January 1,2011. The bill would increase the rate from 8.97 percent to 10.75 percent.
It's estimated that 16,000 of New Jersey's 8.7 million residents earn more than $1 million in taxable income. A family of four in New Jersey earning $1.2 million would pay an additional $11,598 as a result of the increased tax rate in this legislation.
The Office of Legislative Services estimates that the tax change for millionaires would generate about $676 million in one year.
It would also permanently expand the exclusion under the gross income tax for pensions, annuities and certain other retirement income for qualified tax payers. At present, qualified taxpayers who are 62 years of age or disabled and who are eligible to receive Social Security payments and make $100,000 or less in annual gross income may exclude $20,000, $15,000 or $10,000 of various pension, annuity and retirement benefit income, depending on their tax filing status.
This bill would expand the exclusion by removing the $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000 exclusion caps, and providing full exclusions for qualified taxpayers with gross income less than $100,000. The bill also would provide new limited exclusions for qualified taxpayers with incomes between $100,000 and $10,000. With this new exclusion, the excluded amount would reduce in proportion to the amount of the taxpayer's gross income that is above $100,000.
Greenwald: Governor Will Accept Democratic Budget Plan If He Truly Cares About Working Class New Jersey
(Trenton) - Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald (D-Camden) released the following statement Monday after the panel released Democratic budget legislation (A-4200) for next fiscal year. The bill - supported by business groups, among others - was released 8-4:
"If the governor truly cares about working class New Jerseyans, then he will accept our proposals to boast property tax relief, protect senior citizens, restore health care for women and create jobs.
"This is the governor's chance to show he puts working class priorities above tax cuts for millionaires. We shall all see.
"The legislation advanced Monday by Assembly Democrats represents New Jersey's working class priorities. That's welcome relief to the residents suffering under the governor's conservative policies that have done nothing more than benefit the rich.
"Unlike the governor's plan, this budget plan invests in education in every community throughout the state.
"It provides much needed property tax relief, especially for senior citizens.
"It reverses the governor's harshest cuts by supporting valued programs such as after-school care, health insurance coverage for working families, tuition aid, health care for women, nursing homes, education for blind children and legal services for the poor.
"It creates jobs and economic development in our suburbs and cities. It reverses the Christie income tax increase on working poor families. It contains true shared sacrifice from our wealthiest residents for the benefit of school children and middle-class taxpayers throughout our state.
"New Jerseyans cannot put up with another year of painful property tax hikes and Gov. Christie's anti-working class policies. This Democratic budget plan is a fiscally responsible one that ensures our middle-class and poor residents are not left behind."
"If the governor truly cares about working class New Jerseyans, then he will accept our proposals to boast property tax relief, protect senior citizens, restore health care for women and create jobs.
"This is the governor's chance to show he puts working class priorities above tax cuts for millionaires. We shall all see.
"The legislation advanced Monday by Assembly Democrats represents New Jersey's working class priorities. That's welcome relief to the residents suffering under the governor's conservative policies that have done nothing more than benefit the rich.
"Unlike the governor's plan, this budget plan invests in education in every community throughout the state.
"It provides much needed property tax relief, especially for senior citizens.
"It reverses the governor's harshest cuts by supporting valued programs such as after-school care, health insurance coverage for working families, tuition aid, health care for women, nursing homes, education for blind children and legal services for the poor.
"It creates jobs and economic development in our suburbs and cities. It reverses the Christie income tax increase on working poor families. It contains true shared sacrifice from our wealthiest residents for the benefit of school children and middle-class taxpayers throughout our state.
"New Jerseyans cannot put up with another year of painful property tax hikes and Gov. Christie's anti-working class policies. This Democratic budget plan is a fiscally responsible one that ensures our middle-class and poor residents are not left behind."
Friday, June 24, 2011
Milam/Albano Bill Providing Military with Access to Free Recreational Activities Sails Through Assembly
(Trenton) - A bill sponsored by Assemblymen Matthew Milam and Nelson Albano to provide members of the military with free access to a number of recreational opportunities was approved Thursday by the full Assembly.
"This is a modest measure of gratitude to the men and women of our armed forced for the sacrifices they have made and the risks that they undertake in the name of our country," said Milam (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland).
The bill (A-2695) would expand upon current law to allow anyone with the following types of military service to be entitled to free admission to state parks and forests and to free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, permits, stamps, tags and certificates: (1) a member of a unit of the organized reserve of the Armed Forces of the United States which is located in New Jersey; and (2) an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States.
"Every little benefit we can provide to our members of the military is yet another small token of our appreciation for the sacrifices they make day in and day out," said Albano (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland).
These benefits would be available to both New Jersey residents and out-of-state residents who meet the established criteria.
Under current law, disabled veterans are entitled to free admission to state parks and forests.
The bill, approved in the Assembly by a vote of 76-0, now awaits consideration by the Senate.
"This is a modest measure of gratitude to the men and women of our armed forced for the sacrifices they have made and the risks that they undertake in the name of our country," said Milam (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland).
The bill (A-2695) would expand upon current law to allow anyone with the following types of military service to be entitled to free admission to state parks and forests and to free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, permits, stamps, tags and certificates: (1) a member of a unit of the organized reserve of the Armed Forces of the United States which is located in New Jersey; and (2) an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States.
"Every little benefit we can provide to our members of the military is yet another small token of our appreciation for the sacrifices they make day in and day out," said Albano (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland).
These benefits would be available to both New Jersey residents and out-of-state residents who meet the established criteria.
Under current law, disabled veterans are entitled to free admission to state parks and forests.
The bill, approved in the Assembly by a vote of 76-0, now awaits consideration by the Senate.
Riley, Coughlin & Burzichelli Bill to Allow Consumers to Get Gas Price Discounts Approved by Assembly
(Trenton) - Legislation Assembly Democrats Celeste Riley, Craig J. Coughlin and John Burzichello sponsored to help ease the blow of rising gas prices by allowing retailers to offer rebates, and promotions for purchasing gasoline was approved by a vote of 77-0 Thursday by the Assembly.
"It's time we push New Jersey's gasoline retail market into the 21st Century to benefit our motorists," said Riley (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). "If every other retailer is allowed to offer promotions to lure in customers with better deals, then gas retailer should be given that same opportunity, especially when gas prices are so high. Quite simply, this bill is common sense and a plus for New Jersey motorists."
"Consumers benefit daily from savings through coupons, discounts and other promotions at just about every business in New Jersey, except for gas stations," said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). "That's why this antiquated law needs changing. Gas is something most people have no choice but to buy, and this bill simply opens the door to more savings when New Jerseyans head to the pump. That's a good thing by any measure."
"This outdated law makes little sense for consumers, especially in this era of increased competition and volatile gas prices," said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). "Why shouldn't gas stations should be able to offer deals that cut prices to entice motorists to buy their products? That's what competition is all about, and competition can only benefit motorists who need these savings."
The bill (A-3133) stipulates that a consumer who earns credits through purchases on a credit card, debit card or rewards card may use those credits to receive a rebate or discount when purchasing gas.
It will now be referred to the Senate for more consideration.
"It's time we push New Jersey's gasoline retail market into the 21st Century to benefit our motorists," said Riley (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). "If every other retailer is allowed to offer promotions to lure in customers with better deals, then gas retailer should be given that same opportunity, especially when gas prices are so high. Quite simply, this bill is common sense and a plus for New Jersey motorists."
"Consumers benefit daily from savings through coupons, discounts and other promotions at just about every business in New Jersey, except for gas stations," said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). "That's why this antiquated law needs changing. Gas is something most people have no choice but to buy, and this bill simply opens the door to more savings when New Jerseyans head to the pump. That's a good thing by any measure."
"This outdated law makes little sense for consumers, especially in this era of increased competition and volatile gas prices," said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). "Why shouldn't gas stations should be able to offer deals that cut prices to entice motorists to buy their products? That's what competition is all about, and competition can only benefit motorists who need these savings."
The bill (A-3133) stipulates that a consumer who earns credits through purchases on a credit card, debit card or rewards card may use those credits to receive a rebate or discount when purchasing gas.
It will now be referred to the Senate for more consideration.
Assembly Passes Democratic Measure to Protect Future of Public Broadcasting in New Jersey
Diegnan, Stender, Burzichelli, Moriarty, Gusciora, DeAngelo, Watson Coleman, Pou Measure Would Veto Christie Administration's Attempt to Outsource Jersey Coverage at Taxpayers' Expense
(Trenton) - The full Assembly today voted to protect the future of public broadcasting in New Jersey by approving a Democratic-sponsored measure that would void the contract recently negotiated by the Christie administration to give away the broadcasting rights to an out-of-state entity while requiring New Jersey taxpayers to continue footing the bill.
The measure (ACR-201) is sponsored by Assembly members Patrick J. Diegnan Jr., Linda Stender, John Burzichelli, Paul Moriarty, Reed Gusciora, Wayne DeAngelo, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Nellie Pou. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 45-30.
"This is about preserving the integrity of public broadcasting in our state. WNET is the public broadcasting station for the New York metropolitan area. It's not a New Jersey based entity and there are many doubts about whether it will devote the resources necessary to continue covering the issues that are important to our residents while we still continue to subsidize the operation to a degree," said Diegnan (D-Middlesex).
"This is a bad deal that leaves New Jersey taxpayers on the hook to pay for New York to get better media coverage. We don't need more access to Charlie Rose; we need better coverage in New Jersey to shine a light on these kinds of backroom deals to prevent them from happening. In the end, this deal could end up costing us $4 million and we still may not have nightly news casts," said Stender (Middlesex/Somerset/Union).
The resolution (ACR-201), once approved by the Senate as well, would veto the contract recently negotiated by the State Treasurer to turn over the television operations of the state's public broadcasting system, currently operated by New Jersey Network Public Television and Radio, to Public Media NJ, Inc., a subsidiary of WNET.
The sponsors also expressed concern over a clause in the contract that would allow WNET to walk away from the agreement if it does not meet its financial target or the state could provide the funding necessary to keep WNET on board. In addition, the state will continue spending roughly $2 million per year to maintain the broadcast licenses and transmission towers.
"Dollar for dollar, this deal does not save New Jersey enough money to make up for what we're sacrificing. Under the contract negotiated, we may very well end up subsidizing WNET in the end. If that's the case, we are better off devoting our resources to preserving NJN and the unbiased and professional job they have done for roughly 40 years," said Burzichelli (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester).
"The administration is willing to give away valuable taxpayers assets to a private New York enterprise and allow them to use those assets for free. Not only would we be paying WNET $2 million a year to use our assets, but New Jersey taxpayers will also be on the hook financially to maintain and repair all of those assets at unknown costs in the future. This is a bad, bad deal for taxpayers," said Moriarty (D-Camden/Gloucester).
The "New Jersey Public Broadcasting System Transfer Act," passed in 2010, authorizes the Legislature to disapprove a proposed contract within 15 days of receiving the contract if the Legislature chooses. In order to disapprove of the contract, a concurrent resolution must be passed by a simply majority vote in each house within that time period.
"NJN has long been known as an unbiased and professional news outlet. This proposal threatens to replace hard news coverage with soft programming propped up by the opinions of talking heads," said Gusciora (D-Mercer).
"The bidding and selection process that the State Treasurer used when considering proposals to operate New Jersey's public broadcasting system lacked transparency and public input, which calls into question whether in fact this was the best proposal submitted," said DeAngelo (D-Middlesex/Mercer).
This resolution rejects the contract because WNET, the public broadcasting station for the New York metropolitan area, is not a New Jersey centric entity that would reliably continue to devote future resources to covering important issues to New Jersey, and to employing New Jerseyans in such programming. The sponsors stressed that they do not have faith that employment, as well as news coverage and other programming, will be maintained at high standards under the contract.
"The entire way this transition was conducted has left a foul taste in everyone's mouth, from the lack of public input in the process, to the taint of cronyism involved in the awarding of the contract, to the many unanswered questions that remain in regards to programming," said Watson Coleman (D-Mercer).
"The high level of professionalism and excellence that NJN currently provides to the residents of New Jersey could not possibly be matched by an operation that plans to hire a news staff of 15 to 20 people, about half of what NJN currently devotes to the job, to cover a state with a population of 8.5 million residents. It's simply not realistic," said Pou (D-Bergen/Passaic).
(Trenton) - The full Assembly today voted to protect the future of public broadcasting in New Jersey by approving a Democratic-sponsored measure that would void the contract recently negotiated by the Christie administration to give away the broadcasting rights to an out-of-state entity while requiring New Jersey taxpayers to continue footing the bill.
The measure (ACR-201) is sponsored by Assembly members Patrick J. Diegnan Jr., Linda Stender, John Burzichelli, Paul Moriarty, Reed Gusciora, Wayne DeAngelo, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Nellie Pou. It passed the Assembly by a vote of 45-30.
"This is about preserving the integrity of public broadcasting in our state. WNET is the public broadcasting station for the New York metropolitan area. It's not a New Jersey based entity and there are many doubts about whether it will devote the resources necessary to continue covering the issues that are important to our residents while we still continue to subsidize the operation to a degree," said Diegnan (D-Middlesex).
"This is a bad deal that leaves New Jersey taxpayers on the hook to pay for New York to get better media coverage. We don't need more access to Charlie Rose; we need better coverage in New Jersey to shine a light on these kinds of backroom deals to prevent them from happening. In the end, this deal could end up costing us $4 million and we still may not have nightly news casts," said Stender (Middlesex/Somerset/Union).
The resolution (ACR-201), once approved by the Senate as well, would veto the contract recently negotiated by the State Treasurer to turn over the television operations of the state's public broadcasting system, currently operated by New Jersey Network Public Television and Radio, to Public Media NJ, Inc., a subsidiary of WNET.
The sponsors also expressed concern over a clause in the contract that would allow WNET to walk away from the agreement if it does not meet its financial target or the state could provide the funding necessary to keep WNET on board. In addition, the state will continue spending roughly $2 million per year to maintain the broadcast licenses and transmission towers.
"Dollar for dollar, this deal does not save New Jersey enough money to make up for what we're sacrificing. Under the contract negotiated, we may very well end up subsidizing WNET in the end. If that's the case, we are better off devoting our resources to preserving NJN and the unbiased and professional job they have done for roughly 40 years," said Burzichelli (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester).
"The administration is willing to give away valuable taxpayers assets to a private New York enterprise and allow them to use those assets for free. Not only would we be paying WNET $2 million a year to use our assets, but New Jersey taxpayers will also be on the hook financially to maintain and repair all of those assets at unknown costs in the future. This is a bad, bad deal for taxpayers," said Moriarty (D-Camden/Gloucester).
The "New Jersey Public Broadcasting System Transfer Act," passed in 2010, authorizes the Legislature to disapprove a proposed contract within 15 days of receiving the contract if the Legislature chooses. In order to disapprove of the contract, a concurrent resolution must be passed by a simply majority vote in each house within that time period.
"NJN has long been known as an unbiased and professional news outlet. This proposal threatens to replace hard news coverage with soft programming propped up by the opinions of talking heads," said Gusciora (D-Mercer).
"The bidding and selection process that the State Treasurer used when considering proposals to operate New Jersey's public broadcasting system lacked transparency and public input, which calls into question whether in fact this was the best proposal submitted," said DeAngelo (D-Middlesex/Mercer).
This resolution rejects the contract because WNET, the public broadcasting station for the New York metropolitan area, is not a New Jersey centric entity that would reliably continue to devote future resources to covering important issues to New Jersey, and to employing New Jerseyans in such programming. The sponsors stressed that they do not have faith that employment, as well as news coverage and other programming, will be maintained at high standards under the contract.
"The entire way this transition was conducted has left a foul taste in everyone's mouth, from the lack of public input in the process, to the taint of cronyism involved in the awarding of the contract, to the many unanswered questions that remain in regards to programming," said Watson Coleman (D-Mercer).
"The high level of professionalism and excellence that NJN currently provides to the residents of New Jersey could not possibly be matched by an operation that plans to hire a news staff of 15 to 20 people, about half of what NJN currently devotes to the job, to cover a state with a population of 8.5 million residents. It's simply not realistic," said Pou (D-Bergen/Passaic).
June 24, 2011
Reading Doc’s blog today, we normally do not agree on issues, but I must agree with him when it comes down to some of the decisions that are being made at the Plainfield Board of Education.
Recently in one of his blogs, he publicly acknowledged that I am not responsible for the decisions being made at the BOE. He is probably the first person that has finally acknowledged that I do not run this City, nor do I make day-to-day operating decisions for the City. My job as Chairman of the local Party is to help Democrats get elected. That is the end of my relationship with these people. Plainfield voters vote the candidates into office. Once they are in office, they make their own decisions. 90% of that time, they are making the wrong decisions. When bad decisions are made, they are the first to blame me. So I am happy that Doc is finally putting the blame where it needs to go.
I would like my blog readers and Doc to know that I think the Board of Education, as well as the interim superintendent, need to explain to the public, not only the salary in which she is receiving as a interim superintendent, but also the $47,000+ that she will be receiving as a stipend.
When you get through with her salary, stipends and benefits, it will be well over $200,000. This seems to me like going over the 2% cap the Governor has mandated, which is why I am in contact with the State Department of Education regarding this issue. I want them to look at every aspect when it comes to financing at the Board of Education, so that the public can be reassured after taking all the cuts Plainfield has taken, that every dollar that should be going into educating our children, is being spent to educate our children. I feel that the extra money that is going to be in the budget, if the Governor supports it, is spent on our children, and not ‘sweetheart’ deals.
I am hoping that the message Doc sent out is one that everyone else in the City will begin to understand; that when something goes wrong, the local elected officials want to get amnesia and blame me, but my mind is made up with the support I received in June for the Chairmanship of the Party, that I will be holding every elected official accountable.
They spent years keeping their mouths quiet when I got blamed for the mistakes they made, rather than owning up to their mistakes. They allowed the community to believe that I ‘was the problem.’ Now I am prepared to move forward on the community’s side; if I see anything that I feel is being done incorrectly by any elected official, I have no problem going to the proper authority and community with that issue.
The difference in my approach versus theirs is that when I go to the community, I am going to put the blame where it rightfully needs to be put. I am not going to sit back and keep my mouth shut, allowing false blame to be placed on undeserving individuals.
Recently in one of his blogs, he publicly acknowledged that I am not responsible for the decisions being made at the BOE. He is probably the first person that has finally acknowledged that I do not run this City, nor do I make day-to-day operating decisions for the City. My job as Chairman of the local Party is to help Democrats get elected. That is the end of my relationship with these people. Plainfield voters vote the candidates into office. Once they are in office, they make their own decisions. 90% of that time, they are making the wrong decisions. When bad decisions are made, they are the first to blame me. So I am happy that Doc is finally putting the blame where it needs to go.
I would like my blog readers and Doc to know that I think the Board of Education, as well as the interim superintendent, need to explain to the public, not only the salary in which she is receiving as a interim superintendent, but also the $47,000+ that she will be receiving as a stipend.
When you get through with her salary, stipends and benefits, it will be well over $200,000. This seems to me like going over the 2% cap the Governor has mandated, which is why I am in contact with the State Department of Education regarding this issue. I want them to look at every aspect when it comes to financing at the Board of Education, so that the public can be reassured after taking all the cuts Plainfield has taken, that every dollar that should be going into educating our children, is being spent to educate our children. I feel that the extra money that is going to be in the budget, if the Governor supports it, is spent on our children, and not ‘sweetheart’ deals.
I am hoping that the message Doc sent out is one that everyone else in the City will begin to understand; that when something goes wrong, the local elected officials want to get amnesia and blame me, but my mind is made up with the support I received in June for the Chairmanship of the Party, that I will be holding every elected official accountable.
They spent years keeping their mouths quiet when I got blamed for the mistakes they made, rather than owning up to their mistakes. They allowed the community to believe that I ‘was the problem.’ Now I am prepared to move forward on the community’s side; if I see anything that I feel is being done incorrectly by any elected official, I have no problem going to the proper authority and community with that issue.
The difference in my approach versus theirs is that when I go to the community, I am going to put the blame where it rightfully needs to be put. I am not going to sit back and keep my mouth shut, allowing false blame to be placed on undeserving individuals.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Good morning, Assemblyman Green
I want to thank you for publicly declaring your opposition to the Pen Ben Bill. I encourage you to stand strong on this matter and to insist that the other members of the Assembly recognize the harm this bill would bring. I have emailed a number of them urging them to vote "No!" As you know, despite public protest, some politicians have dismissed real concerns as "whining." You know that kind of spin is political and insensitive to the voice of the people you represent. It is unconscionable that some can even laugh at the public outcry. So, I appreciate you and others who have stood firm. I tried to reach out to you, but understandably your voice mailbox was full. I will follow-up to thank others who stand with you.
Many of my members have contacted legislators and I sent the following message to some members of the Assembly, with some slight variations.
"Please vote AGAINST the Sweeney/Christie Pen Ben bill. Please join and encourage other Democrats to stop this bill. When there are other less drastic ways to address budget concerns, how can anyone consider stripping workers rights? The proposal is to do this on the backs of working people, breaking them to the point where government no longer represents and protects them; but rather, creates new piercing problems for them, when they have already sacrificed more than enough. It is simply NOT fair! The immediate and growing harm that this bill will cause outweighs its proposed objectives. Please pull this bill and work with labor representatives to draft a new, more reasonable one.
As a Democrat, I want you to have the courage to stop this bill and insist that it be revisited. It will have a devastating effect on me financially and on many, many others that I know. As you reconsider, please demand that government work for the people and not sacrifice their well being!" This bill will cost low income and middle class workers up to $7,000 or more each year. This is simply unaffordable for the average family. It equates to $700 or more out of their pockets each month. Just imagine what this will do a teacher, firefighter or policeman trying to make ends meet in an already tough economy. So many family members are already unemployed, the foreclosure rate is high and to radically impose this legislation on already struggling, breadwinners in working families is simply unjust! Stop this bill and bring labor representatives to the table so that sensible measures can be taken to rectify problems.
The public outcry against this bill is not just rhetoric. People are suffering. I am not only a taxpaying and voting citizen who looks to representatives to make sensible decisions, I see on a day to day basis the negative impact of the financial fallout from the budget and funding reductions imposed last year. I pay taxes, I have paid into the pension system. I earn significantly less than others with my skill set. The basic provision of bargained health coverage should not be stripped from public employees. That was the trade-off for being able to give to children through my expertise and commitment to public education. WE take care of public needs, we provide services that allow others to thrive. So, I have no problem with paying taxes to support government and programs that make us who we are as Americans, but this bill goes far beyond basic Democratic responsiveness to public needs! It is too drastic and harmful!
The components of this bill should be bargained, not legislated. This problem can be fixed over time, but I fear that New Jersey is headed in the wrong direction at this point. Since when did educators, firefighters, policemen and other public workers become the enemy? We all know better. Easy targets, yes, but not the enemy. To pass this bill is to break the backs of workers!
Democrats have always stood for the working class. I urge you to vote, "No," and to urge others to vote, "No!" I am a lifelong Democrat and I fear that if Democrats in the Assembly do not stop this bill, November will tell a sad story!
Please vote "No!"
I would love to speak with you and others personally. Real reform can be good when it is reasonable and practical.
Thank you for your attention.
Katherine Cardona, President
Plainfield Education Association
1449A East Second St.
P.O. Box 2703
Plainfield, NJ 07062
*******************************************************************************
Many of my members have contacted legislators and I sent the following message to some members of the Assembly, with some slight variations.
"Please vote AGAINST the Sweeney/Christie Pen Ben bill. Please join and encourage other Democrats to stop this bill. When there are other less drastic ways to address budget concerns, how can anyone consider stripping workers rights? The proposal is to do this on the backs of working people, breaking them to the point where government no longer represents and protects them; but rather, creates new piercing problems for them, when they have already sacrificed more than enough. It is simply NOT fair! The immediate and growing harm that this bill will cause outweighs its proposed objectives. Please pull this bill and work with labor representatives to draft a new, more reasonable one.
As a Democrat, I want you to have the courage to stop this bill and insist that it be revisited. It will have a devastating effect on me financially and on many, many others that I know. As you reconsider, please demand that government work for the people and not sacrifice their well being!" This bill will cost low income and middle class workers up to $7,000 or more each year. This is simply unaffordable for the average family. It equates to $700 or more out of their pockets each month. Just imagine what this will do a teacher, firefighter or policeman trying to make ends meet in an already tough economy. So many family members are already unemployed, the foreclosure rate is high and to radically impose this legislation on already struggling, breadwinners in working families is simply unjust! Stop this bill and bring labor representatives to the table so that sensible measures can be taken to rectify problems.
The public outcry against this bill is not just rhetoric. People are suffering. I am not only a taxpaying and voting citizen who looks to representatives to make sensible decisions, I see on a day to day basis the negative impact of the financial fallout from the budget and funding reductions imposed last year. I pay taxes, I have paid into the pension system. I earn significantly less than others with my skill set. The basic provision of bargained health coverage should not be stripped from public employees. That was the trade-off for being able to give to children through my expertise and commitment to public education. WE take care of public needs, we provide services that allow others to thrive. So, I have no problem with paying taxes to support government and programs that make us who we are as Americans, but this bill goes far beyond basic Democratic responsiveness to public needs! It is too drastic and harmful!
The components of this bill should be bargained, not legislated. This problem can be fixed over time, but I fear that New Jersey is headed in the wrong direction at this point. Since when did educators, firefighters, policemen and other public workers become the enemy? We all know better. Easy targets, yes, but not the enemy. To pass this bill is to break the backs of workers!
Democrats have always stood for the working class. I urge you to vote, "No," and to urge others to vote, "No!" I am a lifelong Democrat and I fear that if Democrats in the Assembly do not stop this bill, November will tell a sad story!
Please vote "No!"
I would love to speak with you and others personally. Real reform can be good when it is reasonable and practical.
Thank you for your attention.
Katherine Cardona, President
Plainfield Education Association
1449A East Second St.
P.O. Box 2703
Plainfield, NJ 07062
*******************************************************************************
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
My Opposition to the Christie/Sweeney Bill
Recently there has been false information put out in reference to my position on the Gov. Chris Christie and Senate President Steve Sweeney legislation dealing with pension and health reform, as well as the budget. I made my decision on this issue a long time ago, and I have shared this position with numerous unions around the State. Fortunately, the majority of them have acknowledged my position, but unfortunately, the literature that went out over the weekend stating that no one knew where I stood with this issue was not true.
I feel it is important to publicly make my position known on the blog before tomorrow’s vote, that I will not be supporting the proposal being put forward by Gov. Chris Christie and Senate President Steve Sweeney regarding pension and health reform. I cannot speak for others, but I certainly can speak for myself, so I plan on voting opposing that bill.
If some want to attack me because of my position on the issue, I will respond to those attacks. I did not support the budget last year, and so far, I have no intentions on supporting the budget this year.
I feel that the increases public employees are going to have to pay are indeed tax increases, and it is as simple as that. So why are we continuously saying that we do not want to raise taxes on the millionaires, when in reality, we are raising taxes on those who cannot afford them?
So today, I am officially announcing I will not be supporting Chris Christie and Steve Sweeney’s proposal.
Ps
I think my opponents in November, Joan Van Pelt and Jeffrey D. First, should publicly state their stance on this issue as well. The people of the 22nd district should know how they stand on this issue. Speak up now; are you for the working class families, or do you support the millionaires getting a break? Do they support what Christie’s doing? The people in the 22nd need to know this now, not in November.
Since I have been asked to publicly state my stance on this issue, I think it is only fair as candidates that they make their positions known as well. And we do not need the finessing the average lawyer gives us; we just need a simple yes or no. The public needs to know if you all support millionaires who will benefit from this budget, or do you support middle income families who will have to bear the burden again.
I feel it is important to publicly make my position known on the blog before tomorrow’s vote, that I will not be supporting the proposal being put forward by Gov. Chris Christie and Senate President Steve Sweeney regarding pension and health reform. I cannot speak for others, but I certainly can speak for myself, so I plan on voting opposing that bill.
If some want to attack me because of my position on the issue, I will respond to those attacks. I did not support the budget last year, and so far, I have no intentions on supporting the budget this year.
I feel that the increases public employees are going to have to pay are indeed tax increases, and it is as simple as that. So why are we continuously saying that we do not want to raise taxes on the millionaires, when in reality, we are raising taxes on those who cannot afford them?
So today, I am officially announcing I will not be supporting Chris Christie and Steve Sweeney’s proposal.
Ps
I think my opponents in November, Joan Van Pelt and Jeffrey D. First, should publicly state their stance on this issue as well. The people of the 22nd district should know how they stand on this issue. Speak up now; are you for the working class families, or do you support the millionaires getting a break? Do they support what Christie’s doing? The people in the 22nd need to know this now, not in November.
Since I have been asked to publicly state my stance on this issue, I think it is only fair as candidates that they make their positions known as well. And we do not need the finessing the average lawyer gives us; we just need a simple yes or no. The public needs to know if you all support millionaires who will benefit from this budget, or do you support middle income families who will have to bear the burden again.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Benson & Riley Bill to Establish Mold Exposure Limits in Residential Buildings Released by Assembly Panel
Bill would also create certification program to help protect public health and safety
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Daniel R. Benson and Celeste M. Riley requiring the state to establish standards for exposure limits to mold in residential buildings and certification of mold inspectors and abatement workers has been released by an Assembly panel.
The bill (A-3773) would require the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) in consultation with the Department of Health and Senior Services to establish standards for exposure limits to mold in residential buildings, and procedures for the inspection, identification, and evaluation of the interior of residential buildings for mold.
"This creates rules and regulations that currently don't exist to protect the public health and safety against mold," said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "Mold presents a particular problem for sensitive populations like children or people with compromised immune systems or respiratory problems, and right now there is no agency they can call to get help when it comes to mold."
"Mold can exacerbate health problems including asthma and allergies in children, and currently there are no standards to control its harmful potential," said Riley (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester). "Other states have passed laws establishing guidelines, and now it's time for New Jersey to follow suit and protect its residents against the health risks that can be caused by mold."
Under the bill, the DCA would also be required to: (1) establish standards for mold hazard abatement procedures including specialized cleaning, repairs, maintenance, painting, temporary containment and ongoing monitoring of mold hazards; and (2) establish a certification program for persons who inspect for the presence of mold hazards in residential buildings and who perform mold hazard abatement work in residential buildings.
On the first day of the sixth month following the adoption of these rules and regulations, any person who inspects for the presence of mold hazards in residential buildings and performs mold hazard abatement work in residential buildings would be required to be certified by the DCA.
The DCA must adopt the standards within a year after the bill is enacted into law.
The bill was released by the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Daniel R. Benson and Celeste M. Riley requiring the state to establish standards for exposure limits to mold in residential buildings and certification of mold inspectors and abatement workers has been released by an Assembly panel.
The bill (A-3773) would require the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) in consultation with the Department of Health and Senior Services to establish standards for exposure limits to mold in residential buildings, and procedures for the inspection, identification, and evaluation of the interior of residential buildings for mold.
"This creates rules and regulations that currently don't exist to protect the public health and safety against mold," said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "Mold presents a particular problem for sensitive populations like children or people with compromised immune systems or respiratory problems, and right now there is no agency they can call to get help when it comes to mold."
"Mold can exacerbate health problems including asthma and allergies in children, and currently there are no standards to control its harmful potential," said Riley (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester). "Other states have passed laws establishing guidelines, and now it's time for New Jersey to follow suit and protect its residents against the health risks that can be caused by mold."
Under the bill, the DCA would also be required to: (1) establish standards for mold hazard abatement procedures including specialized cleaning, repairs, maintenance, painting, temporary containment and ongoing monitoring of mold hazards; and (2) establish a certification program for persons who inspect for the presence of mold hazards in residential buildings and who perform mold hazard abatement work in residential buildings.
On the first day of the sixth month following the adoption of these rules and regulations, any person who inspects for the presence of mold hazards in residential buildings and performs mold hazard abatement work in residential buildings would be required to be certified by the DCA.
The DCA must adopt the standards within a year after the bill is enacted into law.
The bill was released by the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.
Stender, Conaway, Vainieri Huttle, Wagner Vow to Restore Women's Health Funding
Join With Other Democratic Legislators to Fight for Funding Restoration to Protect Women & Children
(Trenton) - Assembly Democrats today joined with their counterparts in the Senate to stand up for women's health, vowing to fight to pass legislation reversing the Christie administration's budget cuts that have endangered women's access to healthcare throughout the state.
Assembly members Linda Stender, Herb Conaway Jr. M.D., Valerie Vainieri Huttle, and Connie Wagner spoke to a packed crowd on the steps of the Statehouse in Trenton. They were also joined in support by Assembly members Pete Barnes, Dan Benson, Elease Evans, Mila Jasey, John McKeon and Jason O'Donnell.
"Today we are standing up for women's rights," said Stender (D-Union/Middlesex/Somerset). "The Governor and his Republican colleagues have made their choice to turn their backs on women's health and stand with millionaires instead. We must carry on this fight and make sure we have the votes to override any veto by the Governor. Republicans in the legislature need to search their souls and decide if they want to continue in lockstep with the Governor or stand up for the working poor of this state and their right to healthcare."
"The Governor has made it clear that this is not about the money. It's about his ideology," said Conaway (D-Burlington/Camden). "I work in a clinic and I see the ravages of his budget decisions day in and day out. He has cut funding for AIDS drugs, for women's healthcare and for the poor while giving the state's wealthiest a tax cut. It's not right for the poor to suffer while the rich go on vacation. Our Republican colleagues need to assert their independence and join us in standing up for this legislation."
"This issue transcends all of us," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "I wish I could say 'what a difference a year makes' and mean it in a positive way. Instead, when we look back over the last 12 months, we see scores of women's health clinics closing, 19,000 families unable to enroll in FamilyCare and now the Governor is proposing to kick 93,000 people off Medicaid. With only those families earning less than $5,000 eligible for Medicaid under the Governor's proposed budget, now more than ever we need to fight for women's health funding."
"Not only is this about standing up for women's health, this is about fighting for all of the working families in this state who are falling through the cracks thanks to the Governor's disastrous budget decisions," said Wagner (D-Bergen). "This weekend I met a woman who lost her husband a few years ago, as well as her job and her health benefits. She now has a job in emergency medical services making $18 an hour with no health benefits. She relies on Planned Parenthood for life-saving services like mammograms and pap smears. These are the people we need to continue fighting for and I urge my Republican colleagues to stand with us."
The lawmakers noted that prior to the Governor's funding cut last year, more than 131,000 patients were served by family planning centers in New Jersey. Since the Governor's cuts in funding, many clinics have scaled back their services and hours and six clinics throughout the state have closed, including the Bayonne Women's Health Center, the Dover Health Center, FamCare in Millville, and two sites operated by the Burlington County Health Department in Browns Mills and Mount Holly.
Family planning centers and women's health clinics provide routine gynecological exams; screening for high blood pressure, anemia and diabetes; breast and cervical cancer screening and education; screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections; contraception; HIV testing and counseling, pre-pregnancy counseling and education; pregnancy testing and confirmation and prenatal care.
(Trenton) - Assembly Democrats today joined with their counterparts in the Senate to stand up for women's health, vowing to fight to pass legislation reversing the Christie administration's budget cuts that have endangered women's access to healthcare throughout the state.
Assembly members Linda Stender, Herb Conaway Jr. M.D., Valerie Vainieri Huttle, and Connie Wagner spoke to a packed crowd on the steps of the Statehouse in Trenton. They were also joined in support by Assembly members Pete Barnes, Dan Benson, Elease Evans, Mila Jasey, John McKeon and Jason O'Donnell.
"Today we are standing up for women's rights," said Stender (D-Union/Middlesex/Somerset). "The Governor and his Republican colleagues have made their choice to turn their backs on women's health and stand with millionaires instead. We must carry on this fight and make sure we have the votes to override any veto by the Governor. Republicans in the legislature need to search their souls and decide if they want to continue in lockstep with the Governor or stand up for the working poor of this state and their right to healthcare."
"The Governor has made it clear that this is not about the money. It's about his ideology," said Conaway (D-Burlington/Camden). "I work in a clinic and I see the ravages of his budget decisions day in and day out. He has cut funding for AIDS drugs, for women's healthcare and for the poor while giving the state's wealthiest a tax cut. It's not right for the poor to suffer while the rich go on vacation. Our Republican colleagues need to assert their independence and join us in standing up for this legislation."
"This issue transcends all of us," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "I wish I could say 'what a difference a year makes' and mean it in a positive way. Instead, when we look back over the last 12 months, we see scores of women's health clinics closing, 19,000 families unable to enroll in FamilyCare and now the Governor is proposing to kick 93,000 people off Medicaid. With only those families earning less than $5,000 eligible for Medicaid under the Governor's proposed budget, now more than ever we need to fight for women's health funding."
"Not only is this about standing up for women's health, this is about fighting for all of the working families in this state who are falling through the cracks thanks to the Governor's disastrous budget decisions," said Wagner (D-Bergen). "This weekend I met a woman who lost her husband a few years ago, as well as her job and her health benefits. She now has a job in emergency medical services making $18 an hour with no health benefits. She relies on Planned Parenthood for life-saving services like mammograms and pap smears. These are the people we need to continue fighting for and I urge my Republican colleagues to stand with us."
The lawmakers noted that prior to the Governor's funding cut last year, more than 131,000 patients were served by family planning centers in New Jersey. Since the Governor's cuts in funding, many clinics have scaled back their services and hours and six clinics throughout the state have closed, including the Bayonne Women's Health Center, the Dover Health Center, FamCare in Millville, and two sites operated by the Burlington County Health Department in Browns Mills and Mount Holly.
Family planning centers and women's health clinics provide routine gynecological exams; screening for high blood pressure, anemia and diabetes; breast and cervical cancer screening and education; screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections; contraception; HIV testing and counseling, pre-pregnancy counseling and education; pregnancy testing and confirmation and prenatal care.
Outgoing Plainfield Principal Brian Bilal... the unanswered question is why?
This is why the city of Plainfield cannot grow. Here is a young man born and raised in the city. A man that understands the educational process. A man that turned the district around,received respect from me,as well as educators and politicians around the state. Now the Board of Education wants to kick him to the curb without explaining "WHY".
As we talk about our young people and the gang problem what type of message are we sending to them when they see how we treat a young man of his caliber? This is an embarrassment to the city and it makes them feel that they have no hope.
In this last election less than 10% of the people of Plainfield voted. Yet and still the Board of Education gets to continue spending 100 million of the taxpayers dollars per year.
I am happy that people are realizing that I don't run the city and I am not involved with the Board of Education. When local government does dumb things of this nature I don't get the blame.
I am responding because it is time for the ones that actually run the city to shoulder their responsibility in this ordeal and carry their own blame rather then go door to door blaming me.
The June election proved that the city no longer believes in the lies. Personally I am glad to see Plainfield waking up.
Bilal out as PHS principal; board mulls search for new permanent superintendent Jun 20th Comment | By MARK SPIVEY STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD - Plainfield High School will have a new principal for the 2011–12 school year, and a new permanent superintendent for the district may not be far behind.
The city’s Board of Education recently decided to uphold the decision of interim Schools Superintendent Anna Belin–Pyles not to grant tenure to Principal Brian Bilal, and officials added that a pending search is expected to identify new candidates for the permanent position vacated when former schools chief Steve Gallon III resigned in December.
The decision to let Bilal go followed an emotional public hearing last week, as about 100 people packed into the high school’s media center to hear Bilal outline why he felt he should be retained. The high school has made strides in areas of graduation rates, disciplinary criteria and some forms of standardized testing during Bilal’s three years, but Belin–Pyles during the hearing suggested that the improvements weren’t enough.
Outgoing Plainfield High School Principal Brian Bilal.
“I’m just disappointed, because I’m from Plainfield, and Plainfield shouldn’t treat its own like this — especially if you’re doing the job right,” Bilal said Monday. “If I’m not doing the job, by all means, get rid of me, but the numbers showed that I was.”
Bilal, who said he didn’t take a single sick or personal day in three years, added that he still has not received a sufficient explanation as to why he did not receive a formal evaluation during his final year on the job.
“I really think that it was very wrong — very wrong — not to even tell me that there was an issue or a perceived issue with the job that I was doing until April 30,” Bilal said. “The bottom line is that if evaluations were done throughout the year, and I had known there were some issues, things might have been different. There were other (job) opportunities that came my way throughout the year that I declined to apply for because I wanted to make a difference here in Plainfield.”
“Still,” Bilal added, “I can hold my head up high and say I’m leaving the school better than it was when I got here.”
Belin–Pyles did not return multiple phone calls seeking comment Monday. Board of Education President Renata Hernandez declined to discuss Bilal’s employment at length, citing the confidential nature of personnel matters, but said the board’s decision “was not unanimous.”
“We supported the superintendent in her recommendation because we thought it was the best thing for the district,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez said Belin–Pyles has yet to recommend a replacement for Bilal, and it remains to be seen whether the high school will have an interim or a permanent principal for the 2011–12 school year. Board member Rasheed Abdul–Haqq said he “has a feeling” that the replacement will be Otis Brown, who served as principal of the high school from 2000 through 2005.
Plainfield interim Schools Superintendent Anna Belin-Pyles.
Abdul–Haqq said he supported Bilal and “thought that he could have stayed, and we could have worked with him,” but said he also supports Belin–Pyles and her judgment in the matter.
“She doesn’t want to keep people who just cut the mustard,” Abdul–Haqq said. “She wants really good leadership in order to move the district forward.”
Bilal and others during recent weeks have suggested that a factor holding the district back is a high rate of administrative turnover that has persisted for more than 40 years. The high school has experienced nearly two dozen changes in leadership since 1970, while a new superintendent could be the eighth different person to serve in that role since 2002.
Hernandez said no time frame currently is in place outlining the search process for a new superintendent, but added that details “definitely” will be made public by the end of the summer. Belin–Pyles and district Assistant Superintendent Caryn Cooper both are listed on Tuesday night’s board agenda to be renewed as interims for the 2011–12 school year, with salaries “to be announced” for each.
According to the agenda, Belin–Pyles has recommended contract renewals for the heads of all 14 district schools aside from the high school, including three principals who are being recommended to earn tenure following three years in their respective positions. All three vice principals at the high school also are being recommended for renewal.
“Obviously, there was a movement out there to remove me,” Bilal concluded, adding that he felt there were some “preconceived notions” that led to his dismissal and that a lack of communication from Belin–Pyles since her May 2010 appointment was “par for the course.”
“I know that the board members who didn’t vote for me didn’t look at the data. They didn’t look at anything,” Bilal said. “I wish Plainfield no ill will ... but after being there for three successful years, I think they treated me pretty badly.”
As we talk about our young people and the gang problem what type of message are we sending to them when they see how we treat a young man of his caliber? This is an embarrassment to the city and it makes them feel that they have no hope.
In this last election less than 10% of the people of Plainfield voted. Yet and still the Board of Education gets to continue spending 100 million of the taxpayers dollars per year.
I am happy that people are realizing that I don't run the city and I am not involved with the Board of Education. When local government does dumb things of this nature I don't get the blame.
I am responding because it is time for the ones that actually run the city to shoulder their responsibility in this ordeal and carry their own blame rather then go door to door blaming me.
The June election proved that the city no longer believes in the lies. Personally I am glad to see Plainfield waking up.
Bilal out as PHS principal; board mulls search for new permanent superintendent Jun 20th Comment | By MARK SPIVEY STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD - Plainfield High School will have a new principal for the 2011–12 school year, and a new permanent superintendent for the district may not be far behind.
The city’s Board of Education recently decided to uphold the decision of interim Schools Superintendent Anna Belin–Pyles not to grant tenure to Principal Brian Bilal, and officials added that a pending search is expected to identify new candidates for the permanent position vacated when former schools chief Steve Gallon III resigned in December.
The decision to let Bilal go followed an emotional public hearing last week, as about 100 people packed into the high school’s media center to hear Bilal outline why he felt he should be retained. The high school has made strides in areas of graduation rates, disciplinary criteria and some forms of standardized testing during Bilal’s three years, but Belin–Pyles during the hearing suggested that the improvements weren’t enough.
Outgoing Plainfield High School Principal Brian Bilal.
“I’m just disappointed, because I’m from Plainfield, and Plainfield shouldn’t treat its own like this — especially if you’re doing the job right,” Bilal said Monday. “If I’m not doing the job, by all means, get rid of me, but the numbers showed that I was.”
Bilal, who said he didn’t take a single sick or personal day in three years, added that he still has not received a sufficient explanation as to why he did not receive a formal evaluation during his final year on the job.
“I really think that it was very wrong — very wrong — not to even tell me that there was an issue or a perceived issue with the job that I was doing until April 30,” Bilal said. “The bottom line is that if evaluations were done throughout the year, and I had known there were some issues, things might have been different. There were other (job) opportunities that came my way throughout the year that I declined to apply for because I wanted to make a difference here in Plainfield.”
“Still,” Bilal added, “I can hold my head up high and say I’m leaving the school better than it was when I got here.”
Belin–Pyles did not return multiple phone calls seeking comment Monday. Board of Education President Renata Hernandez declined to discuss Bilal’s employment at length, citing the confidential nature of personnel matters, but said the board’s decision “was not unanimous.”
“We supported the superintendent in her recommendation because we thought it was the best thing for the district,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez said Belin–Pyles has yet to recommend a replacement for Bilal, and it remains to be seen whether the high school will have an interim or a permanent principal for the 2011–12 school year. Board member Rasheed Abdul–Haqq said he “has a feeling” that the replacement will be Otis Brown, who served as principal of the high school from 2000 through 2005.
Plainfield interim Schools Superintendent Anna Belin-Pyles.
Abdul–Haqq said he supported Bilal and “thought that he could have stayed, and we could have worked with him,” but said he also supports Belin–Pyles and her judgment in the matter.
“She doesn’t want to keep people who just cut the mustard,” Abdul–Haqq said. “She wants really good leadership in order to move the district forward.”
Bilal and others during recent weeks have suggested that a factor holding the district back is a high rate of administrative turnover that has persisted for more than 40 years. The high school has experienced nearly two dozen changes in leadership since 1970, while a new superintendent could be the eighth different person to serve in that role since 2002.
Hernandez said no time frame currently is in place outlining the search process for a new superintendent, but added that details “definitely” will be made public by the end of the summer. Belin–Pyles and district Assistant Superintendent Caryn Cooper both are listed on Tuesday night’s board agenda to be renewed as interims for the 2011–12 school year, with salaries “to be announced” for each.
According to the agenda, Belin–Pyles has recommended contract renewals for the heads of all 14 district schools aside from the high school, including three principals who are being recommended to earn tenure following three years in their respective positions. All three vice principals at the high school also are being recommended for renewal.
“Obviously, there was a movement out there to remove me,” Bilal concluded, adding that he felt there were some “preconceived notions” that led to his dismissal and that a lack of communication from Belin–Pyles since her May 2010 appointment was “par for the course.”
“I know that the board members who didn’t vote for me didn’t look at the data. They didn’t look at anything,” Bilal said. “I wish Plainfield no ill will ... but after being there for three successful years, I think they treated me pretty badly.”
Coutinho & Wagner Bill Aims to Create Jobs & Economic Development in New Jersey's Port Regions
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Albert Coutinho and Connie Wagner to help create jobs at New Jersey's ports was released recently by an Assembly panel.
"New Jersey's ports have the potential to be among our biggest drivers of job creation and economic development," said Coutinho (D-Essex). "We must take advantage of this as much as possible for the benefit of working class New Jerseyans and the businesses that employ them. Improving our economic climate is a shared goal and this is a key part of that effort."
"Job creation and keeping New Jersey competitive must remain our top priority," said Wagner (D-Bergen). "A bill like this is a vital piece of our effort to create jobs and economic development to help our communities and residents thrive. Smart incentives like this can go a long way toward creating a better New Jersey."
The bill expands the eligibility criteria under the Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit program to permit a business to qualify at a location in municipalities that are part of the port districts of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey or the South Jersey Port Corporation.
The business would have to demonstrate to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority at the time of application, that the business is committed to making a capital investment on real property of more than 100 contiguous acres within a port district municipality, and the authority shall certify after rigorous review, that there are no suitable 100 or more contiguous acre sites in the nine eligible urban municipalities that could satisfy all of the program requirements.
Further, the bill allows other types of businesses to be eligible under the program, including business trusts, sole proprietorships or any legal entity organized under the laws of New Jersey or of any other state or foreign jurisdiction. Current law allows eligible businesses under the program to be organized as corporations, partnerships, S corporations,, or limited liability corporations.
The bill (A-4105) on June 13 was released 5-0 by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee chaired by Coutinho.
"New Jersey's ports have the potential to be among our biggest drivers of job creation and economic development," said Coutinho (D-Essex). "We must take advantage of this as much as possible for the benefit of working class New Jerseyans and the businesses that employ them. Improving our economic climate is a shared goal and this is a key part of that effort."
"Job creation and keeping New Jersey competitive must remain our top priority," said Wagner (D-Bergen). "A bill like this is a vital piece of our effort to create jobs and economic development to help our communities and residents thrive. Smart incentives like this can go a long way toward creating a better New Jersey."
The bill expands the eligibility criteria under the Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit program to permit a business to qualify at a location in municipalities that are part of the port districts of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey or the South Jersey Port Corporation.
The business would have to demonstrate to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority at the time of application, that the business is committed to making a capital investment on real property of more than 100 contiguous acres within a port district municipality, and the authority shall certify after rigorous review, that there are no suitable 100 or more contiguous acre sites in the nine eligible urban municipalities that could satisfy all of the program requirements.
Further, the bill allows other types of businesses to be eligible under the program, including business trusts, sole proprietorships or any legal entity organized under the laws of New Jersey or of any other state or foreign jurisdiction. Current law allows eligible businesses under the program to be organized as corporations, partnerships, S corporations,, or limited liability corporations.
The bill (A-4105) on June 13 was released 5-0 by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee chaired by Coutinho.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Conners & Milam Bill to Create Veterans Haven Council Released by Assembly Panel
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Jack Conners and Matthew W. Milam to create a council to oversee Veterans Haven, a state operated facility for homeless veterans serving veterans from all over New Jersey, was released Thursday by an Assembly panel.
"We are indebted to veterans who served and fought for the freedoms we continue to enjoy today," Conners (D-Burlington/Camden). "The council will ensure that our veterans who find themselves without a home to call their own are receiving the care they need and require."
"The council will make sure that this facility is indeed a haven for veterans in need," said Milam (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). "They put their lives on the line for our country. It is now time for us to return the favor at a time in their lives when they most need it."
The Veterans Haven Council will formulate policies for the coordination of services for the veterans housed at Neterans Haven located in Camden County; will consult with and advise the Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affair and the Director of Veterans Services with respect to the work of Veterans Haven; recommend standards and procedures for application and termination of eligibility for admission to Veterans Haven; and recommend standards of care, treatment and discipline governing the relationship between Veterans Haven and the persons admitted there.
The council will consist of seven members. The Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs will serve as a nonvoting ex-officio member. Each member will be appointed by the Adjutant General with the approval of the Governor. The term of each member will be three years. Council members are subject to removal by the Adjutant General at any time for good and sufficient cause.
The bill (A-4111) was released by the Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs
"We are indebted to veterans who served and fought for the freedoms we continue to enjoy today," Conners (D-Burlington/Camden). "The council will ensure that our veterans who find themselves without a home to call their own are receiving the care they need and require."
"The council will make sure that this facility is indeed a haven for veterans in need," said Milam (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). "They put their lives on the line for our country. It is now time for us to return the favor at a time in their lives when they most need it."
The Veterans Haven Council will formulate policies for the coordination of services for the veterans housed at Neterans Haven located in Camden County; will consult with and advise the Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affair and the Director of Veterans Services with respect to the work of Veterans Haven; recommend standards and procedures for application and termination of eligibility for admission to Veterans Haven; and recommend standards of care, treatment and discipline governing the relationship between Veterans Haven and the persons admitted there.
The council will consist of seven members. The Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs will serve as a nonvoting ex-officio member. Each member will be appointed by the Adjutant General with the approval of the Governor. The term of each member will be three years. Council members are subject to removal by the Adjutant General at any time for good and sufficient cause.
The bill (A-4111) was released by the Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs
Wagner, Conners & Ramos Bill Providing Active Duty Military with Free or Reduced Beach Passes Signed into Law
(Trenton) - Just as summer is heating up, legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Connie Wager, Jack Conners and Ruben J. Ramos Jr. has been signed into law, which would allow municipalities to offer free or discounted beach badges to military personnel and their families.
"These brave men and women give so much for our state and our country," said Wagner (D-Bergen). "Giving our armed forces one more way to capitalize on their valuable down time is the least we can do to say 'thank you' for their service."
Previously, towns were allowed to offer free or reduced price beach tags for individuals over 65 years of age, disabled residents and children under 12.
The new law (A-2299/S-114) allows municipalities to provide free or reduced fees for access to beach, bathing and recreational grounds for individuals in active military service, their spouses and children over the age of 12 and members of the New Jersey National Guard who have completed Initial Active Duty Training, their spouses and children over 12.
Municipalities choosing to provide free or reduced beach tags for service members will be required to track the number of individuals who qualify for them.
"The families of service men and women don't always have a lot of discretionary spending money, whether it's because they're waiting on back-pay or are experiencing a salary cut due to the transition from civilian to active duty status," said Conners (D-Camden) the chairman of the Assembly Military and Veteran's Affairs committee and a former Army National Guardsman and Army Reservist.
"Allowing them to take advantage of our beaches at a free or reduced rate will give them one more way to take their minds off of loved ones fighting for our freedoms and interests overseas," said Ramos (D-Hudson).
"These brave men and women give so much for our state and our country," said Wagner (D-Bergen). "Giving our armed forces one more way to capitalize on their valuable down time is the least we can do to say 'thank you' for their service."
Previously, towns were allowed to offer free or reduced price beach tags for individuals over 65 years of age, disabled residents and children under 12.
The new law (A-2299/S-114) allows municipalities to provide free or reduced fees for access to beach, bathing and recreational grounds for individuals in active military service, their spouses and children over the age of 12 and members of the New Jersey National Guard who have completed Initial Active Duty Training, their spouses and children over 12.
Municipalities choosing to provide free or reduced beach tags for service members will be required to track the number of individuals who qualify for them.
"The families of service men and women don't always have a lot of discretionary spending money, whether it's because they're waiting on back-pay or are experiencing a salary cut due to the transition from civilian to active duty status," said Conners (D-Camden) the chairman of the Assembly Military and Veteran's Affairs committee and a former Army National Guardsman and Army Reservist.
"Allowing them to take advantage of our beaches at a free or reduced rate will give them one more way to take their minds off of loved ones fighting for our freedoms and interests overseas," said Ramos (D-Hudson).
Assemblywoman Quijano Introduces NJ State Employee Wellness Incentive Program
(Union) - Assemblywoman Annette Quijano has introduced the NJ State Employee Wellness Incentive Program designed to provide all state employees with financial incentives to complete regular health screenings and participate in various wellness programs.
"If we are to be serious about reforming our state's healthcare, we must recognize the importance of preventative care," said Quijano (D-Union). "Not only will this promote a healthier lifestyle for state employees, it will save a significant amount of money over the long-term."
As Quijano continues to meet with key stakeholders to flesh out the finer details of the program, specific guidelines have been determined:
*Participating state employees would be offered a $50 premium discount per year for obtaining a comprehensive biannual health screening that would include blood pressure readings, cholesterol, glucose, and body mass index.
*Employees will receive an additional $50 discount from the plan premium per half year for maintaining a Body Mass Index of 24 or lower; a $25 biannual discount from their plan premium for a BMI between 25 and 29; and employees who have a BMI greater than 24 will receive a $50 discount from the plan premium for each 5 point reduction in BMI.
*An additional $100 premium discount per bi-annual checkup could be obtained for becoming and/or remaining certifiably tobacco-free for each half-year.
*A portion of gym or health club memberships would also be refunded for up to 10% or $50 of the membership fee, whichever is less.
Quijano noted that participation in the Wellness Incentive Program would be optional but strongly encouraged, as it will mean long term savings for the State.
"The program will promote healthier lifestyles which will in turn reduce the need for employees to draw from the state's medical benefits," added Quijano.
Several research studies have consistently shown that on average, wellness incentive programs maintain a return on investment of approximately $3 on every $1 spent. Various types of Employee Wellness Programs have already been implemented in 21 other states.
"If we are to be serious about reforming our state's healthcare, we must recognize the importance of preventative care," said Quijano (D-Union). "Not only will this promote a healthier lifestyle for state employees, it will save a significant amount of money over the long-term."
As Quijano continues to meet with key stakeholders to flesh out the finer details of the program, specific guidelines have been determined:
*Participating state employees would be offered a $50 premium discount per year for obtaining a comprehensive biannual health screening that would include blood pressure readings, cholesterol, glucose, and body mass index.
*Employees will receive an additional $50 discount from the plan premium per half year for maintaining a Body Mass Index of 24 or lower; a $25 biannual discount from their plan premium for a BMI between 25 and 29; and employees who have a BMI greater than 24 will receive a $50 discount from the plan premium for each 5 point reduction in BMI.
*An additional $100 premium discount per bi-annual checkup could be obtained for becoming and/or remaining certifiably tobacco-free for each half-year.
*A portion of gym or health club memberships would also be refunded for up to 10% or $50 of the membership fee, whichever is less.
Quijano noted that participation in the Wellness Incentive Program would be optional but strongly encouraged, as it will mean long term savings for the State.
"The program will promote healthier lifestyles which will in turn reduce the need for employees to draw from the state's medical benefits," added Quijano.
Several research studies have consistently shown that on average, wellness incentive programs maintain a return on investment of approximately $3 on every $1 spent. Various types of Employee Wellness Programs have already been implemented in 21 other states.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Vainieri Huttle & Conaway Bill to Re-Open NJ FamilyCare for Parents Released by Assembly Panel
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Herb Conaway, M.D. to restore eligibility for parents Gov. Chris Christie tossed out of the successful NJ FamilyCare program was released Thursday by an Assembly panel.
The bill (A-3938) appropriates $6.4 million to the Department of Human Services to enable parents to enroll and continue to be enrolled in the NJ FamilyCare program. The state money would help bring in an additional $11.9 million in federal funds for the program.
NJ FamilyCare is a federal and state funded health insurance program created to help New Jersey's uninsured children and low-income parents and guardians obtain affordable health coverage. For example, children in a family of four with a monthly income of up to $6,432 could be eligible.
Last year the governor barred enrollment from some parents in NJ FamilyCare. Since March 2010, the number of adults enrolled in NJ FamilyCare has been reduced by 19,200.
"We know this program saves money and we know allowing parents to enroll in it helps ensure coverage for children, which ultimately saves taxpayer money and makes last year's cut by the governor highly questionable," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "NJ FamilyCare is for families who do not have available or affordable employer insurance, and cannot afford to pay the high cost of private health insurance. If they don't get his coverage, they will go to the emergency room for even more expensive care, so this bill is fiscally sensible and responsible."
"This bill is the right thing to do for our taxpayers and our families," said Conaway (D-Burlington/Camden). "Last year's decision by the governor to slice this program will simply lead to higher costs to taxpayers through costlier hospital visits. This plan to attract federal help, bring about a healthier New Jersey and save taxpayer money is a sound approach."
The bill was released by the Assembly Human Services Committee chaired by Vainieri Huttle.
The bill (A-3938) appropriates $6.4 million to the Department of Human Services to enable parents to enroll and continue to be enrolled in the NJ FamilyCare program. The state money would help bring in an additional $11.9 million in federal funds for the program.
NJ FamilyCare is a federal and state funded health insurance program created to help New Jersey's uninsured children and low-income parents and guardians obtain affordable health coverage. For example, children in a family of four with a monthly income of up to $6,432 could be eligible.
Last year the governor barred enrollment from some parents in NJ FamilyCare. Since March 2010, the number of adults enrolled in NJ FamilyCare has been reduced by 19,200.
"We know this program saves money and we know allowing parents to enroll in it helps ensure coverage for children, which ultimately saves taxpayer money and makes last year's cut by the governor highly questionable," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "NJ FamilyCare is for families who do not have available or affordable employer insurance, and cannot afford to pay the high cost of private health insurance. If they don't get his coverage, they will go to the emergency room for even more expensive care, so this bill is fiscally sensible and responsible."
"This bill is the right thing to do for our taxpayers and our families," said Conaway (D-Burlington/Camden). "Last year's decision by the governor to slice this program will simply lead to higher costs to taxpayers through costlier hospital visits. This plan to attract federal help, bring about a healthier New Jersey and save taxpayer money is a sound approach."
The bill was released by the Assembly Human Services Committee chaired by Vainieri Huttle.
Burzichelli, Spencer & Prieto Bill to Allow Service Animals to Accompany Special Needs Students to School Released by Assembly Panel
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats John J. Burzichelli, L. Grace Spencer and Vincent Prieto to allow students with special needs to bring service animals to school was released Thursday by an Assembly panel.
The bill (A-1718) would allow a student classified as eligible for special education programs and services for autism or other developmental disability to bring a service animal in school buildings, including the classroom, and on school grounds.
"All students regardless of disability deserve the best educational tools available to prosper academically," said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland). "Allowing a student with autism or other developmental disability to bring a service animal to school will enhance the learning process and help the student reach his or her full potential."
"Service animals can be trained to be a calming influence for students with autism or other developmental disabilities by providing a connection to the familiar in unfamiliar surroundings," Spencer (D-Bergen and Hudson). "This is especially important in a school setting, where an environment conducive to learning is key for students to succeed."
"The needs of children with autism or other developmental disabilities are not limited to the home," said Prieto (D-Bergen and Hudson). "Their needs extend to the classroom where they are expected to learn. If bringing a service animal to school helps these students better navigate the learning process, there's no reason to deny them that."
Under the bill, a school official may inquire about the necessity of the service animal and the tasks the service animal will perform, if the information is not readily apparent.
A school official may require certification from a veterinarian that the service animal has been properly vaccinated, and documentation that a license has been obtained for the service animal, if one is required by the municipality where the student resides. The bill stipulates that the school is not responsible for the care or supervision of the service animal, but does require the school to make reasonable accommodations for its care and feeding.
The bill was released by the Assembly Education Committee.
The bill (A-1718) would allow a student classified as eligible for special education programs and services for autism or other developmental disability to bring a service animal in school buildings, including the classroom, and on school grounds.
"All students regardless of disability deserve the best educational tools available to prosper academically," said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland). "Allowing a student with autism or other developmental disability to bring a service animal to school will enhance the learning process and help the student reach his or her full potential."
"Service animals can be trained to be a calming influence for students with autism or other developmental disabilities by providing a connection to the familiar in unfamiliar surroundings," Spencer (D-Bergen and Hudson). "This is especially important in a school setting, where an environment conducive to learning is key for students to succeed."
"The needs of children with autism or other developmental disabilities are not limited to the home," said Prieto (D-Bergen and Hudson). "Their needs extend to the classroom where they are expected to learn. If bringing a service animal to school helps these students better navigate the learning process, there's no reason to deny them that."
Under the bill, a school official may inquire about the necessity of the service animal and the tasks the service animal will perform, if the information is not readily apparent.
A school official may require certification from a veterinarian that the service animal has been properly vaccinated, and documentation that a license has been obtained for the service animal, if one is required by the municipality where the student resides. The bill stipulates that the school is not responsible for the care or supervision of the service animal, but does require the school to make reasonable accommodations for its care and feeding.
The bill was released by the Assembly Education Committee.
Assembly Democratic Bill Creating Specialized Care Facilities for Patients with Huntington's Disease Advances
Barnes, Diegnan, Stender, Ramos & Green Measure Would Help Sufferers of Rare Neurological Disorder Receive Necessary Treatments & 27/7 Care
(Trenton) - Legislation Assembly members Peter J. Barnes III, Patrick J. Diegnan Jr., Linda Stender, Ruben J. Ramos Jr., and Jerry Green sponsored to create specialized care nursing facilities for the treatment and care of patients with Huntington's Disease was released Monday from the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
"There is a real need to establish specialized care for Huntington's patients," said Barnes (D-Middlesex). "The quality of life of patients and their families should not erode completely, simply because of the disease. To prevent that requires specific supervision and care, 24/7, especially in the late stages of the disease."
Huntington's Disease is a hereditary neurological disorder that instigates a programmed degeneration of brain cells in sufferers, causing uncontrolled movements, loss of intellectual faculties and emotional disturbances. It is a familial disease, passed from parent to offspring via genetic mutation. The child of a Huntington's parent has a fifty percent chance of inheriting the disease gene.
Early symptoms of Huntington's Disease include: mood swings; depression; irritability; trouble driving; difficulty learning new things; difficulty remembering facts; and increased difficulty in decision making. As the disease progresses, concentrating on intellectual tasks becomes more and more difficult and Huntington's sufferers have difficulty feeding themselves and swallowing.
"Individuals with degenerative brain disorders require a level of care that few places in the state can provide," said Diegnan (D-Middlesex). "Creating a place where they can receive the specialized care they need is the only humane thing to do for Huntington's patients and their families."
The bill (A-387) would require the state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to designate two facilities in the state - JFK Hartwyck Nursing, Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center at Cedar Brook and Leisure Chateau Care and Rehabilitation Center in Lakewood - as specialized care nursing facilities for individuals requiring long-term care for the treatment of Huntington's Disease.
Currently, JFK Hartwyck at Cedar Brook is New Jersey's only Medicaid-approved Special Care Nursing Facility (SCNF) for the treatment of patients with Huntington's Disease, with a capacity to care for 24 Huntington's patients.
This measure would expand the SCNF licensed beds at JFK Hartwyck at Cedar Brook and extend a SCNF designation to Leisure Chateau. Under the SCNF designation, the facilities would receive a $339-per-day Medicaid reimbursement, as opposed to the $193.48-per-day rate for typical long-term patient care.
"The ramifications of this disease are devastating - in late stages patients must be hand fed meals and require intensive intervention for even the simplest tasks, like sitting up or going to the bathroom," said Stender (D-Union). "We have the capability to better serve this segment of our state's population, so that their last days may be lived with a modicum of comfort and dignity."
Under the bill, the DHSS would be required to:
*Issue SCNF license with 40 beds for the current Huntington's Disease unit at JFK Hartwyck at Cedar Brook;
*Issue a SCNF license with 40 beds for the creation of a Huntington's Disease unit at Leisure Chateau;
*Continue the existing Medicaid participation agreement for specialized care of Huntington's patients;
*Authorize JFK Hartwyck at Cedar Brook and Leisure Chateau to expand their Huntington's Disease unit license and Medicaid provider agreement upon demonstration that there is appropriate utilization and future need; and
*Adopt admission and discharge criteria for SCNF serving persons with Huntington's Disease, which will also serve as the prior authorization criteria for Medicaid coverage.
"Given the severity and unique nature of Huntington's Disease it's imperative that we ensure that patients in New Jersey have access to proper treatment and care," said Ramos (D-Hudson). "Expanding their capacity so that more families facing this disease can get the help they desperately need is more than just the right thing to do. It's the compassionate thing to do."
"The terrible thing about Huntington's Disease is that patients progressively get worse," said Green (D-Union). "If it is possible to give patients and their families the option of slowing or combating the ravages of this terrible disease through expanding access to the proper specialized care, we must seize the opportunity to do so."
(Trenton) - Legislation Assembly members Peter J. Barnes III, Patrick J. Diegnan Jr., Linda Stender, Ruben J. Ramos Jr., and Jerry Green sponsored to create specialized care nursing facilities for the treatment and care of patients with Huntington's Disease was released Monday from the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
"There is a real need to establish specialized care for Huntington's patients," said Barnes (D-Middlesex). "The quality of life of patients and their families should not erode completely, simply because of the disease. To prevent that requires specific supervision and care, 24/7, especially in the late stages of the disease."
Huntington's Disease is a hereditary neurological disorder that instigates a programmed degeneration of brain cells in sufferers, causing uncontrolled movements, loss of intellectual faculties and emotional disturbances. It is a familial disease, passed from parent to offspring via genetic mutation. The child of a Huntington's parent has a fifty percent chance of inheriting the disease gene.
Early symptoms of Huntington's Disease include: mood swings; depression; irritability; trouble driving; difficulty learning new things; difficulty remembering facts; and increased difficulty in decision making. As the disease progresses, concentrating on intellectual tasks becomes more and more difficult and Huntington's sufferers have difficulty feeding themselves and swallowing.
"Individuals with degenerative brain disorders require a level of care that few places in the state can provide," said Diegnan (D-Middlesex). "Creating a place where they can receive the specialized care they need is the only humane thing to do for Huntington's patients and their families."
The bill (A-387) would require the state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to designate two facilities in the state - JFK Hartwyck Nursing, Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center at Cedar Brook and Leisure Chateau Care and Rehabilitation Center in Lakewood - as specialized care nursing facilities for individuals requiring long-term care for the treatment of Huntington's Disease.
Currently, JFK Hartwyck at Cedar Brook is New Jersey's only Medicaid-approved Special Care Nursing Facility (SCNF) for the treatment of patients with Huntington's Disease, with a capacity to care for 24 Huntington's patients.
This measure would expand the SCNF licensed beds at JFK Hartwyck at Cedar Brook and extend a SCNF designation to Leisure Chateau. Under the SCNF designation, the facilities would receive a $339-per-day Medicaid reimbursement, as opposed to the $193.48-per-day rate for typical long-term patient care.
"The ramifications of this disease are devastating - in late stages patients must be hand fed meals and require intensive intervention for even the simplest tasks, like sitting up or going to the bathroom," said Stender (D-Union). "We have the capability to better serve this segment of our state's population, so that their last days may be lived with a modicum of comfort and dignity."
Under the bill, the DHSS would be required to:
*Issue SCNF license with 40 beds for the current Huntington's Disease unit at JFK Hartwyck at Cedar Brook;
*Issue a SCNF license with 40 beds for the creation of a Huntington's Disease unit at Leisure Chateau;
*Continue the existing Medicaid participation agreement for specialized care of Huntington's patients;
*Authorize JFK Hartwyck at Cedar Brook and Leisure Chateau to expand their Huntington's Disease unit license and Medicaid provider agreement upon demonstration that there is appropriate utilization and future need; and
*Adopt admission and discharge criteria for SCNF serving persons with Huntington's Disease, which will also serve as the prior authorization criteria for Medicaid coverage.
"Given the severity and unique nature of Huntington's Disease it's imperative that we ensure that patients in New Jersey have access to proper treatment and care," said Ramos (D-Hudson). "Expanding their capacity so that more families facing this disease can get the help they desperately need is more than just the right thing to do. It's the compassionate thing to do."
"The terrible thing about Huntington's Disease is that patients progressively get worse," said Green (D-Union). "If it is possible to give patients and their families the option of slowing or combating the ravages of this terrible disease through expanding access to the proper specialized care, we must seize the opportunity to do so."
Cryan & Coutinho Bill to Improve Job-Creating Urban Enterprise Zone Program Advanced by Assembly Committee
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Cryan and Assemblyman Albert Coutinho to improve how money is allocated in New Jersey's job-creating Urban Enterprise Zones was released Monday by an Assembly panel.
"UEZs have played a vital role in creating jobs and economic developments throughout New Jersey," said Cryan (D-Union). "The administration may want to rip that apart and hurt these communities and working class New Jerseyans, but the better approach is to take our success and make it better. Fostering an economic climate that revitalizes these communities and stimulates economic growth by encouraging businesses to develop and create private sector jobs must be our shared goal."
"The UEZ program supports more than 133,000 full-time jobs and has attracted $31.6 billion in private investment," said Coutinho (D-Essex). "We have nearly 6,800 businesses of all sizes and types participating and benefiting from the advantage of the program. It's hard to believe that some would want to take a program as successful as this and throw it away, but we'll instead work hard to make it even better. That's the smarter way of doing things."
The bill would:
*Set the allocation of revenues to be received by municipalities under the UEZ program from a decreasing percentage amount to a stable amount of 33.3% of revenues due until July 1, 2022 when all funding to UEZ municipalities under the UEZ program would cease;
*Provide the UEZ municipalities are to annually receive that percentage of funding as a grant after application for the funds to the UEZ Authority, with 10 percent of that amount allowed for administrative purposes.
*UEZ municipalities would be required to report to the UEZ Authority on all outstanding projects and on whether the qualifying municipality requests any reallocation of outstanding balances for other approved projects;
*Provide that any outstanding balances from the UEZ assistance fund on any UEZ-approved project may be carried over from one fiscal year and, if any outstanding balances are carried over for more than one year, that remaining amount shall be credited to the general fund;
*Phase out the use of UEZ monies from the fund for police and fire services;
*Clarify that future UEZ project funds be used only for capital investment and associated costs which will lead to increased economic activity and job creation;
*Permit UEZ municipalities to use up to 75 percent of the interest amount received from the repayment of any loans made to UEZ businesses for the cost of administering those loans; and
*Provide that if in any fiscal year where monies were due to be deposited in the UEZ assistance fund for use by UEZ municipalities but were allocated to the general fund, those monies removed from the assistance fund are to be paid back to the assistance fund at the earliest possible date and be made available for approved UEZ projects.
Further, the bill would provide that two or more UEZs receiving less than $1 million from the assistance fund annually would be permitted and encouraged to regionalized the administration of their UEZ operations to maximize efficiency and that regionalization may be done on a countywide or multi-countywide basis.
Finally, the bill would allow businesses qualifying for UEZ program benefits to annually certify to the UEZ authority that it is a qualified business in a manner that, without any additional requirements, allows the business to indicate on its annual business filing with the state the number of employees the business employs for the prior calendar year and during the current calendar year.
The bill was released 4-1 by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee chaired by Coutinho, with Democrats supporting.
"UEZs have played a vital role in creating jobs and economic developments throughout New Jersey," said Cryan (D-Union). "The administration may want to rip that apart and hurt these communities and working class New Jerseyans, but the better approach is to take our success and make it better. Fostering an economic climate that revitalizes these communities and stimulates economic growth by encouraging businesses to develop and create private sector jobs must be our shared goal."
"The UEZ program supports more than 133,000 full-time jobs and has attracted $31.6 billion in private investment," said Coutinho (D-Essex). "We have nearly 6,800 businesses of all sizes and types participating and benefiting from the advantage of the program. It's hard to believe that some would want to take a program as successful as this and throw it away, but we'll instead work hard to make it even better. That's the smarter way of doing things."
The bill would:
*Set the allocation of revenues to be received by municipalities under the UEZ program from a decreasing percentage amount to a stable amount of 33.3% of revenues due until July 1, 2022 when all funding to UEZ municipalities under the UEZ program would cease;
*Provide the UEZ municipalities are to annually receive that percentage of funding as a grant after application for the funds to the UEZ Authority, with 10 percent of that amount allowed for administrative purposes.
*UEZ municipalities would be required to report to the UEZ Authority on all outstanding projects and on whether the qualifying municipality requests any reallocation of outstanding balances for other approved projects;
*Provide that any outstanding balances from the UEZ assistance fund on any UEZ-approved project may be carried over from one fiscal year and, if any outstanding balances are carried over for more than one year, that remaining amount shall be credited to the general fund;
*Phase out the use of UEZ monies from the fund for police and fire services;
*Clarify that future UEZ project funds be used only for capital investment and associated costs which will lead to increased economic activity and job creation;
*Permit UEZ municipalities to use up to 75 percent of the interest amount received from the repayment of any loans made to UEZ businesses for the cost of administering those loans; and
*Provide that if in any fiscal year where monies were due to be deposited in the UEZ assistance fund for use by UEZ municipalities but were allocated to the general fund, those monies removed from the assistance fund are to be paid back to the assistance fund at the earliest possible date and be made available for approved UEZ projects.
Further, the bill would provide that two or more UEZs receiving less than $1 million from the assistance fund annually would be permitted and encouraged to regionalized the administration of their UEZ operations to maximize efficiency and that regionalization may be done on a countywide or multi-countywide basis.
Finally, the bill would allow businesses qualifying for UEZ program benefits to annually certify to the UEZ authority that it is a qualified business in a manner that, without any additional requirements, allows the business to indicate on its annual business filing with the state the number of employees the business employs for the prior calendar year and during the current calendar year.
The bill was released 4-1 by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee chaired by Coutinho, with Democrats supporting.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
DeAngelo & Benson Bill to Require On-Line Transparency From Local Commissions & Authorities Advanced by Assembly Panel
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Wayne DeAngelo and Daniel R. Benson to combat the lack of basic online budget information about many local commissions and authorities was released Monday by the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee.
The bill (A-3908) would implement changes recommended by the Office of the State Comptroller in its report entitled, "An Analysis of the On-Line Transparency of New Jersey's Local Authorities and Commissions."
"Democracy relies on open and transparent government that hides nothing, and unfortunately, New Jersey taxpayers aren't getting that in many cases," said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "Failing to post fiscal information is bad enough, but it's horrendous that only 8 percent of these agencies post their schedule, agendas and minutes of public meetings. It's unfortunate that we need a bill like this, but clearly these agencies won't provide transparency on their own, so it's time to take action."
"It's just flat out wrong that only seven of the 587 local authorities and commissions satisfied all the transparency measures tested as part of the comptroller's analysis," said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "Taxpayers deserve better. Open and transparent government is always the best approach, and that's what this bill will accomplish."
The comptroller's report identified 587 local agencies with independent fiscal authority responsibility for the expenditure of public funds.
The agencies subject to the state comptroller's review were local authorities and commissions, fire districts, housing authorities, joint insurance funds, workforce investment boards, soil conservation districts, Urban Enterprise Zone development corporations, regional health commissions and county park commissions.
The report found that even when local agencies establish websites, the websites often lack basic and significant information about the operations and fiscal affairs of local commissions and authorities.
According to the report, 377 local agencies have established a web presence. Of these agencies, only 15 posted a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report or other similar information on their website.
Only 8 percent of these agencies post the schedule, agendas, and minutes of their public meetings, 53 percent make one of those three documents available and the remaining 40 percent do not post any meeting information.
The sponsors said the bill requires all local authorities and commissions to maintain an Internet website for the purpose of providing increased public access to each entity's operations and activities. The following information must be posted on each website:
-a description of the entity's mission and responsibilities;
-the adopted budget for the current fiscal year and three preceding fiscal years;
-the most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report or other similar financial information;
-the annual audit for the most recent fiscal year and three preceding fiscal years;
-the entity's rules, regulations, resolutions, and official policy statements;
-notice, posted at least five business days prior to a meeting of the entity's governing body or any of its committees, setting forth the time, date, location, and agenda of the meeting;
-the approved minutes of each meeting of the governing body and its committees; and
-the name and phone number of a principal executive officer having overall responsibility for the operations of the entity.
The bill was released 5-2 by the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee, with Democrats supporting and Republicans opposed.
The bill (A-3908) would implement changes recommended by the Office of the State Comptroller in its report entitled, "An Analysis of the On-Line Transparency of New Jersey's Local Authorities and Commissions."
"Democracy relies on open and transparent government that hides nothing, and unfortunately, New Jersey taxpayers aren't getting that in many cases," said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "Failing to post fiscal information is bad enough, but it's horrendous that only 8 percent of these agencies post their schedule, agendas and minutes of public meetings. It's unfortunate that we need a bill like this, but clearly these agencies won't provide transparency on their own, so it's time to take action."
"It's just flat out wrong that only seven of the 587 local authorities and commissions satisfied all the transparency measures tested as part of the comptroller's analysis," said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "Taxpayers deserve better. Open and transparent government is always the best approach, and that's what this bill will accomplish."
The comptroller's report identified 587 local agencies with independent fiscal authority responsibility for the expenditure of public funds.
The agencies subject to the state comptroller's review were local authorities and commissions, fire districts, housing authorities, joint insurance funds, workforce investment boards, soil conservation districts, Urban Enterprise Zone development corporations, regional health commissions and county park commissions.
The report found that even when local agencies establish websites, the websites often lack basic and significant information about the operations and fiscal affairs of local commissions and authorities.
According to the report, 377 local agencies have established a web presence. Of these agencies, only 15 posted a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report or other similar information on their website.
Only 8 percent of these agencies post the schedule, agendas, and minutes of their public meetings, 53 percent make one of those three documents available and the remaining 40 percent do not post any meeting information.
The sponsors said the bill requires all local authorities and commissions to maintain an Internet website for the purpose of providing increased public access to each entity's operations and activities. The following information must be posted on each website:
-a description of the entity's mission and responsibilities;
-the adopted budget for the current fiscal year and three preceding fiscal years;
-the most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report or other similar financial information;
-the annual audit for the most recent fiscal year and three preceding fiscal years;
-the entity's rules, regulations, resolutions, and official policy statements;
-notice, posted at least five business days prior to a meeting of the entity's governing body or any of its committees, setting forth the time, date, location, and agenda of the meeting;
-the approved minutes of each meeting of the governing body and its committees; and
-the name and phone number of a principal executive officer having overall responsibility for the operations of the entity.
The bill was released 5-2 by the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee, with Democrats supporting and Republicans opposed.
Milam, Albano & Burzichelli Bill to Encourage Out-of-State Tourism by Lifting Onerous Tax Advanced by Assembly Panel
(Trenton) - Legislation Assemblymen Matthew W. Milam, Nelson Albano and John Burzichelli sponsored to encourage bus companies to continue taking passengers to Atlantic City and other New Jersey tourism locales was released Monday by an Assembly panel.
The bill (A-3489) would prohibit the imposition of the corporation business tax on out-of-state corporations whose only contact with New Jersey is carrying passengers into the state in a motor vehicle or bus to a destination in the state, and the return of those passengers to a location outside the state.
"We all know this difficult economy has been tough on our tourism industry, and applying corporate business taxes to companies doing nothing more than bringing tourists into our state makes no sense at all," said Milam (D-Cumberland/Cape May/Atlantic). "We should be encouraging out-of-state companies to bring people into our state, not taxing them for doing so."
A 2002 law extended the reach of the New Jersey corporation business tax to a corporation that derives income from New Jersey sources, explicitly expanding the reach of the tax to the full extent permitted under the United States Constitution and federal statute.
This bill would limit the corporation business tax so it is not imposed on a corporation whose only connection with the state is the delivery of passengers to a location in the state.
"Since the state began collecting taxes on tour bus operators, operators bringing visitors to New Jersey have suspended or threatened to suspend future trips into the state," said Albano (D-Cumberland/Cape May/Atlantic). "The loss of tax revenues resulting from this bill would be offset by the sales and use tax and the casino revenue generated by tour bus visitors that spend money in the state."
"Applying this tax this way has been bad for economic development, tourism and job creation in our state," said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem). "It's the complete opposite of what we should be doing, so this bill is a long-needed step in the right direction."
The bill was released by the Assembly Tourism and Arts Committee chaired by Milam.
The bill (A-3489) would prohibit the imposition of the corporation business tax on out-of-state corporations whose only contact with New Jersey is carrying passengers into the state in a motor vehicle or bus to a destination in the state, and the return of those passengers to a location outside the state.
"We all know this difficult economy has been tough on our tourism industry, and applying corporate business taxes to companies doing nothing more than bringing tourists into our state makes no sense at all," said Milam (D-Cumberland/Cape May/Atlantic). "We should be encouraging out-of-state companies to bring people into our state, not taxing them for doing so."
A 2002 law extended the reach of the New Jersey corporation business tax to a corporation that derives income from New Jersey sources, explicitly expanding the reach of the tax to the full extent permitted under the United States Constitution and federal statute.
This bill would limit the corporation business tax so it is not imposed on a corporation whose only connection with the state is the delivery of passengers to a location in the state.
"Since the state began collecting taxes on tour bus operators, operators bringing visitors to New Jersey have suspended or threatened to suspend future trips into the state," said Albano (D-Cumberland/Cape May/Atlantic). "The loss of tax revenues resulting from this bill would be offset by the sales and use tax and the casino revenue generated by tour bus visitors that spend money in the state."
"Applying this tax this way has been bad for economic development, tourism and job creation in our state," said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem). "It's the complete opposite of what we should be doing, so this bill is a long-needed step in the right direction."
The bill was released by the Assembly Tourism and Arts Committee chaired by Milam.
Gusciora Bill to Combat Overcrowded Parking at NJ Transit Stations Released by Panel
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora to remedy problems surrounding overcrowded parking at NJ Transit train stations was released Monday by an Assembly panel.
The bill (A-1080) would make clear that a vacant permit parking space at train stations operated by NJ Transit is available for general public use during off-peak times.
An individual may raise this inference as a defense when contesting a parking ticket for using a permit parking space during off-peak periods.
"In many cases, the NJ Transit lots are largely reserved for permit parking by daily commuters and that's understandable, but there's no reason why these spots shouldn't be open for general public use during nights and weekends," said Gusciora (D-Mercer). "Often times, the spots reserved for daily use are filled during off-peak times while the permit area is a vast sea of unused parking spots. That's no way to encourage use of mass transit."
The bill defines off-peak times as the hours from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. during the weekdays, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
"In many cases, during off-peak times non-permit areas are at full capacity while the permit parking areas remain empty," Gusciora said. "As a result, individuals who do not have parking permits are forced to park in permit-only parking areas and thus, they receive a citation. Let's face it - that's unfair. This bill is a simple and commonsense fix."
The bill was released 5-0-3 by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee, with Democrats supporting and Republicans abstaining.
The bill (A-1080) would make clear that a vacant permit parking space at train stations operated by NJ Transit is available for general public use during off-peak times.
An individual may raise this inference as a defense when contesting a parking ticket for using a permit parking space during off-peak periods.
"In many cases, the NJ Transit lots are largely reserved for permit parking by daily commuters and that's understandable, but there's no reason why these spots shouldn't be open for general public use during nights and weekends," said Gusciora (D-Mercer). "Often times, the spots reserved for daily use are filled during off-peak times while the permit area is a vast sea of unused parking spots. That's no way to encourage use of mass transit."
The bill defines off-peak times as the hours from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. during the weekdays, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
"In many cases, during off-peak times non-permit areas are at full capacity while the permit parking areas remain empty," Gusciora said. "As a result, individuals who do not have parking permits are forced to park in permit-only parking areas and thus, they receive a citation. Let's face it - that's unfair. This bill is a simple and commonsense fix."
The bill was released 5-0-3 by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee, with Democrats supporting and Republicans abstaining.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Vainieri Huttle, Chivukula & Ramos Bill to Help Improve Lives of Developmentally Disabled Advances
Measure Would Help Ensure Developmentally Disabled Are Properly Informed about Available State Services
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Upendra Chivukula and Ruben J. Ramos Jr. to improve the lives of developmentally disabled residents through increased awareness of and enrollment in the various programs offered by the state Division of Developmental Disabilities was released Monday from the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
"New Jersey provides some absolutely wonderful support and quality of life improvement services for individuals with developmental disabilities," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "Unfortunately, we're not that wonderful at informing residents about these programs. This bill would change that."
Under the legislation (A-2878), the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the state Department of Human Services would be required to collect a database of information on individuals in the state with developmental disabilities who are eligible to partake in services provided by the division.
The bill, as amended, would require the database to be constructed over a 12 month period, with new qualifying enrollees being added on a continuing basis. Once created, the division would be required to annually notify database members, in writing, of:
*The services currently being received from the division;
*The individual's status on any waiting lists;
*The best way for an individual to update their vital statistics; and
*Information about where to find services.
Annually, the division would be required to publish a report, available online, containing non-identifying data about New Jerseyans with developmental disabilities.
The bill also would require the division to do a database-wide needs and service reassessment, as needed, to ensure that developmentally disabled residents continue to receive pertinent notifications.
"As a society, we should be judged on how we treat our most vulnerable residents, including those with developmental disabilities," said Chivukula (D-Somerset/Middlesex). "If we want to be judged well, and make improvements where we aren't succeeding, we need to know exactly where we stand in caring for people with disabilities."
"Reliable and current data about the service needs of persons with developmental disabilities who are eligible for services is fundamental to the division's ability to plan effectively to meet those needs," said Ramos (D-Hudson). "Similarly, in order to make appropriate decisions about state funding for these services, it is important to understand the needs of persons with developmental disabilities served by the division."
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Upendra Chivukula and Ruben J. Ramos Jr. to improve the lives of developmentally disabled residents through increased awareness of and enrollment in the various programs offered by the state Division of Developmental Disabilities was released Monday from the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
"New Jersey provides some absolutely wonderful support and quality of life improvement services for individuals with developmental disabilities," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "Unfortunately, we're not that wonderful at informing residents about these programs. This bill would change that."
Under the legislation (A-2878), the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the state Department of Human Services would be required to collect a database of information on individuals in the state with developmental disabilities who are eligible to partake in services provided by the division.
The bill, as amended, would require the database to be constructed over a 12 month period, with new qualifying enrollees being added on a continuing basis. Once created, the division would be required to annually notify database members, in writing, of:
*The services currently being received from the division;
*The individual's status on any waiting lists;
*The best way for an individual to update their vital statistics; and
*Information about where to find services.
Annually, the division would be required to publish a report, available online, containing non-identifying data about New Jerseyans with developmental disabilities.
The bill also would require the division to do a database-wide needs and service reassessment, as needed, to ensure that developmentally disabled residents continue to receive pertinent notifications.
"As a society, we should be judged on how we treat our most vulnerable residents, including those with developmental disabilities," said Chivukula (D-Somerset/Middlesex). "If we want to be judged well, and make improvements where we aren't succeeding, we need to know exactly where we stand in caring for people with disabilities."
"Reliable and current data about the service needs of persons with developmental disabilities who are eligible for services is fundamental to the division's ability to plan effectively to meet those needs," said Ramos (D-Hudson). "Similarly, in order to make appropriate decisions about state funding for these services, it is important to understand the needs of persons with developmental disabilities served by the division."
Quijano on Reintroducing DeCroce Bill Preventing Personal Use of State Helicopters by Governors
Reintroducing 2004 DeCroce Bill; Asks Minority Leader to Join Her in Sponsoring
(Trenton) - Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee Chairwoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) issued a multimedia package Wednesday in which she called on Minority Leader Alex DeCroce (R-Morris) to join her in sponsoring legislation he championed in 2004 that would prohibit governors from using state helicopters for personal or political purposes.
Quijano announced her intention to reintroduce the DeCroce legislation following a special meeting of her homeland security panel focused on the protocols and procedures governing the usage of State Police helicopters. The hearing was called after it was revealed that Gov. Christie had used State Police helicopters for personal and political purposes.
The multimedia package consists of a video of Assemblywoman Quijano explaining her intention to reintroduce the legislation and audio and a transcript of same.
The video can be accessed directly via the Assembly Democratic Website: www.assemblydems.com
Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union), Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee Chairwoman:
"I convened today the Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee. We had concerns whether the governor's use of the State Police helicopter impacted our state's ability to respond to our homeland security responsibilities and whether the use of taxpayers' dollars was appropriate.
The issue of governors using the State Police Helicopter has been ongoing for years. In fact, both Democratic and Republican governors have had issues with the use and been questioned. It's about time that we clarify appropriate use of taxpayers' money in relationship to the helicopters.
"I was doing research and I found that Minority Leader DeCroce, back in 2004, introduced a bill, which I think was appropriate then and it's still appropriate today, which would require a quarterly report to the Legislature regarding the governor's use of the helicopters and also prohibit personal and political use of the helicopters.
"I would be honored if Minority Leader DeCroce would join me in sponsoring this bill. It was right then and it's right now and it's about time we settle this issue."
(Trenton) - Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee Chairwoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) issued a multimedia package Wednesday in which she called on Minority Leader Alex DeCroce (R-Morris) to join her in sponsoring legislation he championed in 2004 that would prohibit governors from using state helicopters for personal or political purposes.
Quijano announced her intention to reintroduce the DeCroce legislation following a special meeting of her homeland security panel focused on the protocols and procedures governing the usage of State Police helicopters. The hearing was called after it was revealed that Gov. Christie had used State Police helicopters for personal and political purposes.
The multimedia package consists of a video of Assemblywoman Quijano explaining her intention to reintroduce the legislation and audio and a transcript of same.
The video can be accessed directly via the Assembly Democratic Website: www.assemblydems.com
Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union), Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee Chairwoman:
"I convened today the Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee. We had concerns whether the governor's use of the State Police helicopter impacted our state's ability to respond to our homeland security responsibilities and whether the use of taxpayers' dollars was appropriate.
The issue of governors using the State Police Helicopter has been ongoing for years. In fact, both Democratic and Republican governors have had issues with the use and been questioned. It's about time that we clarify appropriate use of taxpayers' money in relationship to the helicopters.
"I was doing research and I found that Minority Leader DeCroce, back in 2004, introduced a bill, which I think was appropriate then and it's still appropriate today, which would require a quarterly report to the Legislature regarding the governor's use of the helicopters and also prohibit personal and political use of the helicopters.
"I would be honored if Minority Leader DeCroce would join me in sponsoring this bill. It was right then and it's right now and it's about time we settle this issue."
Benson, DeAngelo & Quijano Bill to Incentivize Life Science Companies to Create Interships for College Students Approved by Assembly Panel
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Daniel Benson, Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano providing tax credit subsidies to small companies in the life sciences field as an incentive to create paid internship opportunities for college students was released Monday by an Assembly panel.
The bill (A-4094) would create "The New Jersey Life Sciences Internship Challenge" program, which provides a tax credit subsidy to small life science companies to establish a limited number of paid summer internships in the life sciences field for undergraduate students from New Jersey and undergraduate students attending New Jersey schools.
"This bill helps New Jersey students attain paid work experience in the life sciences field," said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "These companies represent well-paying jobs for our graduates. By targeting smaller companies, we are helping them to grow and bolster this vital segment of our state's economy."
"It's almost expected for college students to build up their work experience by participating in internship programs," said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "This particular program gives our college students a paid option in a burgeoning field that offers good wages to its workers, while strengthening the companies that will one day be looking to hire the best prospects."
"Many careers began with a well-placed internship. Unfortunately, not all college students can afford to take an unpaid internship," said Quijano (D-Union). "This program affords them the opportunity of experience and a paycheck, and gives the participating companies the chance to cultivate these students to be the type of professionals they will want to hire after graduation."
Under the bill, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority would administer the program and set the number of internships eligible to receive a tax credit subsidy each year, which may be up to 150.
The amount of the tax credit would be equal to the wages paid to the intern, up to a limit of 20 hours per week at $15 per hour, for a maximum of 12 weeks. The bill does not prevent a participating company from paying a higher wage to its interns or for hiring for more hours, but any wages paid beyond the limit set by the bill would not be eligible for the tax credit subsidy.
Any life science company with a research laboratory within New Jersey may hire summer interns through the program, but only companies that have their principal place of business in the state and have fewer than 100 employees are eligible to receive the tax credit subsidy.
The students hired must be either New Jersey residents or full-time students at a college or university located within New Jersey, or have completed at least two full-time academic years at a college or university, or its equivalent in part time credits. Participating students must not have graduated more than one year earlier than the start of the internship.
The bill was released by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
The bill (A-4094) would create "The New Jersey Life Sciences Internship Challenge" program, which provides a tax credit subsidy to small life science companies to establish a limited number of paid summer internships in the life sciences field for undergraduate students from New Jersey and undergraduate students attending New Jersey schools.
"This bill helps New Jersey students attain paid work experience in the life sciences field," said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "These companies represent well-paying jobs for our graduates. By targeting smaller companies, we are helping them to grow and bolster this vital segment of our state's economy."
"It's almost expected for college students to build up their work experience by participating in internship programs," said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "This particular program gives our college students a paid option in a burgeoning field that offers good wages to its workers, while strengthening the companies that will one day be looking to hire the best prospects."
"Many careers began with a well-placed internship. Unfortunately, not all college students can afford to take an unpaid internship," said Quijano (D-Union). "This program affords them the opportunity of experience and a paycheck, and gives the participating companies the chance to cultivate these students to be the type of professionals they will want to hire after graduation."
Under the bill, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority would administer the program and set the number of internships eligible to receive a tax credit subsidy each year, which may be up to 150.
The amount of the tax credit would be equal to the wages paid to the intern, up to a limit of 20 hours per week at $15 per hour, for a maximum of 12 weeks. The bill does not prevent a participating company from paying a higher wage to its interns or for hiring for more hours, but any wages paid beyond the limit set by the bill would not be eligible for the tax credit subsidy.
Any life science company with a research laboratory within New Jersey may hire summer interns through the program, but only companies that have their principal place of business in the state and have fewer than 100 employees are eligible to receive the tax credit subsidy.
The students hired must be either New Jersey residents or full-time students at a college or university located within New Jersey, or have completed at least two full-time academic years at a college or university, or its equivalent in part time credits. Participating students must not have graduated more than one year earlier than the start of the internship.
The bill was released by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
Senate Advances Lampitt, Riley, Vainieri Huttle Bill to Address Teen Cell Phone 'Sexting'
(Trenton) - Juveniles caught sending sexually explicit photographs via their cell phones would not face criminal prosecution but rather intense education on the ramifications under a bill sponsored by Assemblywomen Pamela Lampitt, Celeste Riley and Valerie Vainieri Huttle and advanced by a Senate Panel on Monday.
The measure was approved 78-0 by the full Assembly in March and cleared the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee today. It now heads to the full Senate for final legislative approval.
The measure (A-1561) aims to curtail a practice known popularly as "sexting," a problem that has increasingly perplexed parents, school administrators and law enforcement officials because of ambiguities in child pornography laws. Prosecutors in several states have even charged teenagers with criminal offenses, including distribution of child pornography.
"Teens need to understand the ramifications of their actions, but they shouldn't necessarily be treated as criminals," said Lampitt (D-Camden). "We need to create a path that places education and forgiveness before arrest and prosecution. Young people - especially teen girls - need to understand that sending inappropriate pictures is not only potentially illegal, but can leave an indelible mark on them socially and educationally."
According to a 2008 survey by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, roughly one-in-five teens - including 11 percent of girls aged 13 to 16 - have sent a nude or semi-nude picture or video of themselves to friends or posted one on a Web site.
"Educating young people and getting them to change their behavior must be our focus," said Riley (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester). "Those conversations need to happen between a parent and child and among peers. These measures can spark those conversations or, in the worst case, ensure that kids who do make a mistake don't pay for it in court."
The measure would create an educational program as an alternative to prosecution for juveniles who otherwise could be charged with a criminal offense for posting or sending sexually suggestive or sexually explicit photographs. Participants would learn about the potential state and federal level consequences and penalties for sexting as well as its personal costs - including the effect on relationships, its impact on school life and the loss of future employment opportunities. County prosecutors would determine who could be admitted into the program and juveniles who successfully complete it would avoid trial.
"This has become a growing problem because technology has changed so rapidly, making it hard for parents to keep up and for teens to understand the ramifications of this behavior," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "This bill creates a nuanced approach to the issue, one that recognizes that kids will do foolish things while also creating a serious mechanism to address the problem."
The measure was approved 78-0 by the full Assembly in March and cleared the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee today. It now heads to the full Senate for final legislative approval.
The measure (A-1561) aims to curtail a practice known popularly as "sexting," a problem that has increasingly perplexed parents, school administrators and law enforcement officials because of ambiguities in child pornography laws. Prosecutors in several states have even charged teenagers with criminal offenses, including distribution of child pornography.
"Teens need to understand the ramifications of their actions, but they shouldn't necessarily be treated as criminals," said Lampitt (D-Camden). "We need to create a path that places education and forgiveness before arrest and prosecution. Young people - especially teen girls - need to understand that sending inappropriate pictures is not only potentially illegal, but can leave an indelible mark on them socially and educationally."
According to a 2008 survey by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, roughly one-in-five teens - including 11 percent of girls aged 13 to 16 - have sent a nude or semi-nude picture or video of themselves to friends or posted one on a Web site.
"Educating young people and getting them to change their behavior must be our focus," said Riley (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester). "Those conversations need to happen between a parent and child and among peers. These measures can spark those conversations or, in the worst case, ensure that kids who do make a mistake don't pay for it in court."
The measure would create an educational program as an alternative to prosecution for juveniles who otherwise could be charged with a criminal offense for posting or sending sexually suggestive or sexually explicit photographs. Participants would learn about the potential state and federal level consequences and penalties for sexting as well as its personal costs - including the effect on relationships, its impact on school life and the loss of future employment opportunities. County prosecutors would determine who could be admitted into the program and juveniles who successfully complete it would avoid trial.
"This has become a growing problem because technology has changed so rapidly, making it hard for parents to keep up and for teens to understand the ramifications of this behavior," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "This bill creates a nuanced approach to the issue, one that recognizes that kids will do foolish things while also creating a serious mechanism to address the problem."
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