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.

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