Jerry Green's Page

A note from John Kerry sent on behalf of the DSCC

2012-01-26T12:30:00.001-05:00

Newt Gingrich’s economic plan: Make inner city kids go to work, and, as he boasted Monday night, make sure that Mitt Romney pays no taxes. The middle class can fight over the crumbs.

Contrast that with President Obama’s vision: Invest in American jobs. Strengthen our middle class. Pursue policies that work for everyone, not just the very top.

We know all too well what’s coming. Republicans will attack, assail and lie to destroy President Obama and usher in one-party rule. If the thought of President Gingrich leading a GOP Congress scares you beyond belief, then I’m asking for your urgent help.

The DSCC needs $405,000 in grassroots donations by its crucial Jan. 31 FEC deadline. Fall short, and the GOP can make President Obama a one-term president, and the GOP controls the entire Congress.

Don’t wait! Please give $5, $10 or more to the DSCC. We can’t win in November without first hitting this goal on Jan. 31!

Republicans have plenty of cash to do it. Karl Rove is working overtime, collecting checks from every powerful interest in the book to fund his shady attack ads and smear campaigns.

If we come close to matching their money, we will win. If we don’t, we can’t. It’s that simple.

More than 90% of donations to the DSCC come from grassroots supporters – and they have millions of them. Maybe you think your contribution of $5 or $10 isn’t enough to make a difference. You’re wrong. Your donation could be the last little bit needed to push back against attacks on Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin, or get out a few more votes for Sen. Sherrod Brown.

Every dollar matters. Every day matters. We’ve got 5 days to raise $405,000, and I need your help to do it.

Click here to give $5, $10 or more to the DSCC. Winning in November requires hitting this goal on Jan. 31!
https://dscc.org/give2?donate_page_KEY=13331&amount=x

We have a choice. We can fight for a nation where fundamental fairness guides us, or we can let Republicans continue Robin Hood in reverse – taking from the many to give to the very few.

I know whose side I’m on, and that’s why I’m supporting the DSCC. Please join me. Let’s win one for fairness.

John Kerry

My thoughts on moving the school board election to November

2012-01-26T12:19:00.000-05:00

After reading the blogs over the last couple of days, I was hoping that the school district would take it upon itself to move the school board election to the November elections allowing an opportunity for more people to get involved. Not only will more people get in involved this move will save the district money. In case you aren’t aware, I was one of the key sponsors of this bill. I have been pushing this for the last couple of years and I finally gained enough support in both houses to get it done.

Based upon this last election when each candidate received less than 1,000 votes, it became obvious that we have to get more people involved in the process. It is evident that moving the election to November will make that happen. The local school board is not moving on this issue. Therefore, I have spoken to some of the council members here in the city of Plainfield because they have the ability to move on the issue. I am asking that the council take the appropriate steps to move the election to November.

I don’t always agree with Dan Damon and Maria Pellum but I must say that lately their blogs have been 150% right. We can no longer close our eyes to a failing school district. Upon review of Dan Damon and Maria Pellum’s research, I believe that some of the things that they are talking about are true. One day we are all going to wake up here in the city of Plainfield and realize that the Plainfield district is going to be in total chaos.

For the record, I stay away from the Board of Education issues, so I am not blamed. However, I am speaking out because I know that when the public realizes the total chaos going on with the Board of Education the blame is not going to roll this way.

It is interesting that some of the current board members were very involved in bringing former Superintendent Steve Gallon to Plainfield. When these members saw the red flag go up in that situation they walked away like they knew nothing.

You can take it to the bank that this is going to happen again when the public realizes that our school district has been mismanaged, there will be members that are going to walk away and point the finger at someone else. This can be avoided because the council has the opportunity to do the right thing. I hope they put our children first.

WAGNER, COUGHLIN & EVANS BILL TO HELP OUT-OF-WORK POLICE OFFICERS SIGNED INTO LAW

2012-01-25T16:57:00.002-05:00

(TRENTON)- Legislation sponsored by Assembly members Connie Wagner, Craig J. Coughlin and Elease Evans allowing police officers who have been fired due to economic reasons to avoid retaking the police training course if they are rehired within a certain timeframe is now law.

“This law makes the job hunting process easier for these police officers,” said Wagner (D-Bergen). “Given the current economic times, our police officers should not have to worry about taking a course they have already gone through, in addition to finding a job.”

The new law (formerly A-3876) would exempt police officers who were laid-off for economic or efficiency reasons from retaking the basic training course, if they are rehired by their former agency or find a job with a new agency within five years from the date their employment was terminated.

Previously under the Police training Commission policy, a police officer who has a break in service of more than three years was required to retake the basic training course.

“We all know how tough it can bee to secure a job in the current economic climate,” said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). ‘This will help police officers focus on the job search, without a timeline hanging over their heads.”

“Many of our police officers have lost their jobs as towns struggle to cut down costs,” said Evans (D-Bergen/Passaic). “This measure will allow our officers to get back to the important job of public safety, without worry of having to retake a course they already took.”

Sen. Menendez's Position on Payroll Tax Cut

2012-01-25T12:21:00.000-05:00

“CAYLEE’S LAW” BILL SPONSORED BY WISNIEWSKI, CAPUTO, WAGNER, MAINOR, MCKEON, PRIETO, EVANS & FUENTES TO BOLSTER SEARCH FOR MISSING CHILDREN SIGNED INTO LAW

2012-01-25T11:51:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)- Legislation sponsored by Assembly members John S. Wisniewski, Ralph R. Caputo, Connie Wagner, Charles Mainor, John F. McKeon, Vincent Prieto, Elease Evans and Angel Fuentes that would aid in the search for missing children by making it a crime to not report a missing child within 24 hours, was signed into law.

The law is called “Caylee’s Law” in honor of Caylee Anthony, the two-year girl from Orlando, Florida who was missing for 31 days before her grandmother reported her missing. She was found dead months later. Her mother, Casey Anthony, was found not guilty of her murder.

The law (A-4297/S-3010) criminalizes the failure to report the disappearance of a child within 24 hours, and upgrades the failure to report a death in New Jersey to a fourth degree crime.

Under current law, failing to report a death is a disorderly person offense, and there is no set time frame for reporting a child missing. A disorderly person’s offense is punishable by up to six months in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Fourth degree crimes are punishable by imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

“The entire country has mourned the loss of Caylee Anthony, whose little body laid in the woods for months before police were notified she was missing. Had they been notified sooner, they could have determined the cause of her death and justice may have been served for this little girl, “said Wisniewski (D-Middlesex). “We know the first hours are crucial in finding a missing child. Prompt notification would help police with their search, and in the awful case that tragedy strikes help them determine the cause of death, get a guilty conviction and bring justice to the victim.”

“Any law enforcement authority will tell you that the first few hours after a child goes missing are the most critical in determining whether that child is found and unharmed,” said Caputo (D-Essex). “Sometimes parents, whether god or ill intentioned, might wait longer than that to contact authorities, increasing the chances of a tragic ending.”

“The sooner police are notified about a child who is missing, the greater the chance the child will be found safe,” said Wagner (D-Bergen). “There have been too many cases of children who have disappeared never to be seen again. Sadly, it is too late for little Caylee, but if her tragic death can help save the lives of other children who have gone missing, at least it will not be in vain.”

“It’s hard to imagine why an parent would wait so long to report their child missing, when the immediate hours after abduction are the most crucial in finding a child,” said Mainor (D-Hudson). “This time frame gives our law enforcement officials the time needed to do their jobs effectively, and children who have been abducted the hope that they will be found safe.”

“Making it a crime to not report a child missing within 24 hours gives that child a better chance at being found, or at the very least, the chance to get justice,” said McKeon (D-Essex). “We’ll never know whether this time frame would have made a difference in Caylee’s death, but it could have helped authorities locate her body sooner and determine what or who killed her.”

“We might never know how little Caylee died, but we do know that, had her disappearance been reported sooner, police would have had a better chance of finding what killed her,” said Prieto (D-Bergen/Hudson). “If conscience is not enough to push someone to report a death or a child missing, then maybe the possibility of harsher punishment will make them do the right thing.”

“It’s hard to conceive how an entire month could go by before a two-year old would be reported missing to police,” said Evans (D-Bergen/Passaic). “Whether her death was intentional or accidental, there is no justification for not reporting it to police. Justice may have eluded Caylee, but at least she can help bring justice to other children who disappeared never to be seen alive again.”

“Sadly, Caylee’s story is just one of many. Thousands of children are reported missing every year. The first few hours are crucial in not only finding a child who is missing, but finding them safe.” said Fuentes (D-Camden/Gloucester). “This measure will not bring Caylee back, but it can help give new meaning to her short life by aiding the search for missing children.”

The law will make it a fourth degree crime for a responsible parent, guardian or other person with legal custody of a child to fail to report the disappearance of a child to police within 24 hours, after becoming aware of such a disappearance.

Under the statutes governing the State Police Missing Persons Unit, a missing child is defined as “a person 13 years of age or younger whose whereabouts are not currently known.”

The law also amends current law (N.J.S.A. 52:17B-89) by making it a fourth degree crime to fail to report a death by criminal violence, accident, suicide or any suspicious manner to the county medical examiner, the State Medical Examiner, or the municipal police department where the death occurred; or willfully touch, remove or disturb a body or the clothing on the body.

GREENWALD: CHRISTIE PLAN MEANS MORE TAX BREAKS FOR MILLIONAIRES, MORE STRUGGLE FOR MIDDLE-CLASS

2012-01-24T11:09:00.000-05:00

(VOORHEES)-Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald (D-Camden) released the following statement Wednesday on the governor’s visit to Voorhees:

“It’s a bit early for the Governor to essentially be donning a flight suit and declaring ‘Mission Accomplished.’ The battle to survive goes on for New Jersey’s middle class.

“Unfortunately, the Governor’s appearance today is just more sound bites, slogans and massive tax breaks for millionaires- all while New Jersey suffers from an unemployment rate higher than the national average and the highest property taxes in the nation.

“Under the Christie plan, middle-class families don’t save enough even for a week’s worth of groceries, while millionaires will save enough to go on an exotic vacation. It’s clear that he continues to miss the fact that it’s our middle-class families who are struggling, not millionaires and billionaires.

“The Governor’s idea of shared sacrifice seems to be that the wealthiest few should share in even greater riches, while the rest of us make all the sacrifices.

“But the truth is, middle-class families are struggling. They worry when New Jersey’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average and our neighboring states, while the Governor vetoes job creation bills. They worry when they see the Governor slash aid to their school districts. And they worry when their tax bills rise while the Governor cuts their property tax relief.

“The Governor must come clean and explain how he plans to fund these massive tax cuts for millionaires. Does he plan to slash more money from schools or middle-class property tax relief? We need to see a real plan, not just speeches.

“Democrats will focus on creating jobs and middle-class property tax relief. I hope the Governor will join us in this effort.”

GUSCIORA: “NEW JERSEY AND ME (MARRIAGE EQUALITY), PERFECT TOGETHER”

2012-01-24T10:07:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)- Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, one of the legislature’s leading advocates for marriage equality, released the following statement regarding the announcement by democratic leaders that marriage equality in New Jersey would be a major priority for the new legislative session:

“In recent months, Governor Christie has been to four out of the six states that recognize same-sex marriage: Iowa, New Hampshire, New York and Massachusetts. Moreover, when he visits Washington, DC he is in a city that also recognizes such relationships. And in none of these places has he seen any diminishment of the institution of marriage other than perhaps when he is in the presence of Newt Gingrich.

“The fact remains, marriage in this country is a secular right that is afforded persons who abide by state laws when they take a blood test to get married and then venture to city hall to acquire a marriage license. Government involvement in the institution of marriage dates back to when Governor William Bradford performed the first civil wedding at Plymouth Colony. The point being, when government is involved in the marriage business, it should be done on an equitable basis. New Jersey should not discriminate as long as it governs marriage laws in this state. That’s why bill A-1, which I intend to introduce in the new legislative session, is so important to correct this inequity in the law.

“I also want to commend Speaker Oliver and Senate President Sweeney for making this equitable right such a priority and allowing me to be here. They recognize that when a committed gay couple, who can be duly married in another state, and then comes here to live, becomes “Civil Unionized.” Or that committed gay couples who are already in this state, and that are here to work or raise families of their own, can never cross the threshold of marriage. This is a discriminatory practice that should be corrected by A-1.

“We also must recognize that society is changing for the better, making A-1 timely. Opinion polls show that the majority of Americans, and the majority of New Jerseyans, favor marriage equality for same sex couples.

“I teach at the College of New Jersey. I see students in my American Government class who don’t ask why, but say ‘Why, not?’ It is the young persons and next generation of persons who see no problem in recognizing that marriage is an institution that should be afforded all persons who remain committed to a partnership, whether they are gay or straight. In this however, there is a challenge. I do realize we have to work with the people (and legislators) who are of my generation and above, and maybe don’t understand the value of marriage equality for all persons. I remain committed to working on this bill in a positive way- that through this legislative process there be a respectful dialogue and that we allay anyone’s fears that we are somehow devaluing the institution of marriage.

“I also believe that the gay community needs to recognize that if we want this to become law, we need to all work together and even reach across the political aisle. I hope in the coming weeks, we can work in the legislative process and ensure that all legislators ‘do the right thing’ to end the inherent inequities in our marriage laws.

“I also do not count the Governor out. He has already stated that gay couples should be afforded the same dignity and equal respect under the laws. He just needs to ask, as my students do, ‘why, not’ and live up to the promise that we are all endowed with certain unalienable rights. Among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

“And while the sky hasn’t fallen in Iowa, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington DC, I am here to declare that New Jersey and ME- with ME standing for Marriage Equality- is Perfect Together,” said Gusciora (D-Mercer).

CAPUTO, TUCKER, WILSON BILL TO HELP TOWNS DEMOLISH AND REBUILD LONG-STANDING EYESORES & SAFETY HAZARDS BEOMES LAW

2012-01-23T14:53:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)- Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Ralph Caputo, Cleopatra Tucker and Gilbert “ Whip” Wilson providing funding to help municipalities demolish and dispose of unsafe buildings in urban and rural centers has been signed into law.

“This voter-approved funding will help eliminate eyesores and public safety hazards in distressed areas throughout our state,” said Caputo (D-Essex). “Towns will now be able to reclaim abandoned and idle properties and put them into productive use once again, boosting their revenue in the process.”

The bill (A-4340) appropriates $7,403,340 under the third round of funding provided through the $20 million “Urban and Rural Centers Unsafe Buildings Demolition Bond Act” approved by voters in 1997.

“This funding is much needed for many cash-strapped towns struggling to rebuild their ratable base,” said Tucker (D-Essex). “Not only will it help clean up ailing neighborhoods, but it will also help revive a town’s tax base.”

Under the terms of the bond act, the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs established criteria for the approval of projects eligible for the loans. A priority list was prepared based on needs set forth in the requests received from the affected municipalities, agencies, and authorities.

The commissioner gave priority to those projects that involve the demolition and disposal of an unsafe building as a prerequisite to the approved erection of a new building or that pose an imminent and extreme hazard to the health and safety of the community.

“During these tough fiscal times, this should be welcome news for many municipalities,” said Wilson (D-Camden/Gloucester). “For those properties that have sat dormant for years, draining a city’s moral and revenue base, this funding will certainly be a boost.”

Under the new law, the following municipalities will receive the corresponding funding allotments:

Township of Belleville: $600,000
City of Camden: $2,000,000
City of Clifton: $210,000
City of Hackensack:$20,000
Township of Irvington: $923,240
City of Millville: $60,000
City of Orange: $325,000
City of Pleasantville: $174,000
City of Rahway: $218,000
City of Trenton: $2,773,100
City of Vineland: $100,000

BENSON, VAINIERI HUTTLE, RILEY LEGISLATION TO RAISE AWARENESS OF OVARIAN CANCER AND INCREASE SURVIVAL RATE BECOMES LAW

2012-01-20T12:19:00.001-05:00

(TRENTON)- Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Dan Benson, Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Celeste Riley establishing a statewide ovarian cancer public awareness campaign to help increase survival rates among women has been signed into law.

“Because early detection and treatment often mean the difference between life and death, it’s important to increase awareness of the factors that put certain women at a higher risk for the disease,” said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “Many of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague and nonspecific, and women and their physicians often attribute them to more common conditions so that by the time the cancer is diagnosed the tumor has often spread. Simple awareness can make all the difference.”

The new law (S-1711/A-3837), approved 70 to 0 by the Assembly last month, requires the state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to establish the public awareness campaign to inform the general public about the clinical significance of ovarian cancer and its public health implications. The campaign must include risk factors, symptoms, the need for early detection and methods of treatment.

“If found and treated in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 95 percent, “ said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “Unfortunately, most women who suffer from ovarian cancer are not diagnosed until the later stages when the disease has spread and the five-year survival rate decreases to roughly30 percent. Bringing this issue to the forefront of women’s minds is paramount to the survival of many.”

The symptoms of ovarian cancer include: general abdominal discomfort or pain, such as gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating or cramps, nausea, diarrhea, constipation or frequent urination; loss of appetite; feeling of fullness after a light meal; weight gain or loss with no known reason; and abnormal bleeding from the vagina.

“Although development of a screening test to detect ovarian cancer remains a very active are of research, currently there is no definitive prevention strategy,” said Riley (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester). “The best way to decrease the overall risk of dying from ovarian cancer is to have regular pelvic examinations, something this measure will hopefully make more women aware of.”

The sponsors underscored the importance of the public awareness campaign, noting that ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system and ranks fourth as a cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. Additionally, more than half of the deaths from ovarian cancer occur in women between the ages of 55 and 74 years of age and approximately one quarter of ovarian cancer deaths occur in women between 35 and 54 years of age.

In order to carry out the public awareness campaign, the legislation requires DHSS to, at a minimum:

Develop printed educational materials and public service announcements in English and Spanish; and
Distribute the information to the public, through a variety of means, including, but not limited to local health agencies and clinics, physicians, health care facilities, county offices on aging, pharmacies, libraries, senior citizen centers, other community-based outreach programs and organizations, and the department’s official website.

ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP FOR 215TH LEGISLATURE

2012-01-18T17:11:00.001-05:00

(TRENTON)- Assembly Democrats issued a multimedia package Tuesday on the new Democratic leadership team for the 215^th Legislature.

The team includes Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic), Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden), Speaker Pro Tempore Jerry Green (D- Union/Somerset/Middlesex), Majority Conference Leader Gordon M. Johnson (D-Bergen), Deputy Speaker John S. Wisniewski (D- Middlesex) and Assembly Budget Committee Chair Vincent Prieto (D- Hudson/ Bergen).

The multimedia package consists of a video of the members of leadership each offering a brief explanation of what their position entails as well as what they hope to bring to the table in their new roles, and audio and transcript of the same.

The video can be accessed directly via our website- http://www.assemblydems.com-/ or by pasting the following link into a Web browser: http://vimeo.com/35058833

The audio file is available upon request.

A transcript of comments from the democratic leadership team is appended below:

Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic):

“Being speaker is sort of like, to use a very common analogy, it’s like being the traffic cop of the Assembly. It is my job to develop a legislative agenda for the majority caucus; to identify bills that will be heard in committee; to assign and reference bills to various committees. The speaker possesses the authority and power to determine which bills get posted for a full vote of the Legislature.

“My leadership slate going into the 215^th session will have Assemblyman Lou Greenwald as the Majority Leader.”

Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden):

“Majority Leader is the second-rank position in the General Assembly. It leads the Democratic caucus behind the Speaker.

“I’ve chaired the Budget Committee and I’ve been now honored with the new role and title of Majority Leader. I don’t think that my style is going to change. I’m a consensus builder; I love working with people; I love working with people across the political aisles. My goal is to bring consensus; my goal is to find solutions to the problems that plague our state.”

Oliver:

“Gordon Johnson, who hails from Bergen County, will be joining the legislative leadership team. Gordon will serve as our Conference Leader.”

Assembly Majority conference Leader Gordon M. Johnson (D-Bergen):

“The Conference Chair sets the tenor, sets the tone for the caucus, the Democratic caucus.

“I will be the leader… I will be keeping the caucus organized, keeping the conversations flowing, keeping the debate flowing, ensure that it is a debate so that we hear all sides of the issue of a bill or a situation and to ensure that all voices are heard and all ideas are brought out.”

Oliver:

“We also have expanded the role of Deputy Speaker, which will be filled by Assemblyman John Wisniewski, another veteran of the Legislature.”

Deputy Speaker John S. Wisniewski (D-Middlesex):

“The Speaker runs the meetings and there are often times where there are other obligations, whether there is a question on a bill that takes the speaker momentarily away from the podium. So, one of the chief responsibilities of a Deputy Speaker is to serve on the podium in pace of the Speaker.

“But there are countless meetings; there are negotiations; there are so many issues that go into crafting legislation and successfully moving it forward and my role will be to help in each and every one of those.”

Oliver:

“Vincent Prieto will assume the leadership of the Budget Committee.”

Assemblyman Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen), Assembly Budget Committee Chair:

“The Budget Chairman sets the schedule on budget hearings and how the budget is run and works to deliver a balanced budget to the governor’s desk to be signed.

“I’m very excited about this new Leadership position.”

Oliver:

“Rounding out the team will be speaker Pro Tempore Jerry Green, who is a 24-year veteran of the Legislature.”

Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Jerry Green (D- Union/ Middlesex/Somerset):

“I’m somewhat lost with words because of the fact that, overnight, I’m the senior member up here. This is going to be my 11^th term. Nut I’m going to get right to the point: I’m so proud of Sheila. I’m proud of the fact that… what she’s gone through in the last two years.

“I think the speaker has put together, with the senate President, a team that cares about the people here in the state of New Jersey. We’re going to get the job done.”

Oliver:

“I believe that this legislative team represents a broad cross-section geographically, ideologically, and philosophically of the Democratic Assembly.”

MORIARTY BILL TO HELP BUSINESSES AND WORKERS AVOID LAYOFFS NOW LAW

2012-01-18T11:55:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)- Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Paul Moriarty to help both New Jersey businesses and workers avoid layoffs was signed into law Monday.

The new law (formerly A-3138) is designed to encourage employers who must reduce their employees’ work hours because of economic conditions to avoid layoffs by sharing the remaining work.

That would be achieved by permitting, under certain circumstances, a full-time employee to receive unemployment benefits when the employee’s weekly work time is reduced by 10 percent or more. The new law also permits the employee to attend an approved training program while receiving those benefits.

“This [is] a creative and unique approach to helping New Jerseyans stay on the job,” said Moriarty (D- Gloucester/Camden). “Anything we can do to avoid layoffs is a good thing, and this is a way for both workers and businesses to benefit while keeping people off full-time unemployment. This is the sensible and decent thing to do for hard-working New Jerseyans and the businesses that employ them.”

The law provides that an employer of at least 10 full-time, non-seasonal employees may provide a shared work program if approved by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The program may be approved for one year with annual renewals upon request.

“Job creation and economic development needs to be our priority,” Moriarty said. “We can approach that goal in many ways, and this is a new way to keep people employed and give them the financial security while providing stability to businesses working their way through this difficult economy.”

The employer is required to sustain existing fringe benefits levels, not to hire additional part-time or full-time employees or make unreasonable revisions of workloads; to provide information needed to monitor compliance and to certify that if a labor union represents the employees, it has agreed to the terms of the program.

Under an approved program, an employee is eligible for “short-time” unemployment benefits if:

The employee’s weekly work hours are reduced at least 10 percent from normal full-time hours;
The employee would be eligible for regular unemployment benefits during the week if the employee was entirely unemployed; and
The employee is available to work normal full-time hours.

Short-time weekly benefits paid to an eligible individual would be equal to the individual’s weekly benefit rate multiplied by the percentage of reduction of his wages for the week.

The benefits are limited to 26 weeks during a benefit year, but the weeks may be nonconsecutive. No person may receive both short-time benefits and regular unemployment benefits during the same week. The combined total of regular and short-time unemployment benefits for an employee during a benefit year is limited to the maximum amount of regular unemployment benefits allowed.

All short-time benefits are charged to the account of the employer that provides the shared work program.

The new law requires the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, three years after the effective date of this bill, to submit a report to the Legislature assessing the implementation of the bill’s provisions and their impact on the State Unemployment Compensation Fund, evaluating the effectiveness of shared work programs approved by the division, and making any recommendations for appropriate legislative or administrative action necessary to further the purposes of this bill.

The law is scheduled to go into effect on July 1.

LAMPITT CONTINUES EFFORT TO CREATE JOBS & ECONOMIC GROWTH BY EXPANDING BUSINESS INCENTIVES

2012-01-17T16:43:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)- Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrat Pamela R. Lampitt to create jobs and economic development by giving gross income taxpayers the same incentives available to corporation business taxpayer was advanced by the Assembly Budget Committee.

The bill (A-4342) would provide gross income taxpayers with the same incentives available to corporation business taxpayers for investment and hiring. This would particularly help sole proprietors, partnerships, and limited liability companies that are key to New Jersey’s economy.

“If we’re to steer New Jersey back toward economic growth, then we must ensure everyone can take advantage of the various job creation options we’ve made available,” said Lampitt (D-Camden). “Programs that help retain and bring new jobs to New Jersey should be available to all the various types of businesses formed in New Jersey. It’s the fair and smart thing to do as we look to create more jobs and make our state more affordable for middle-class families.”

The bill creates gross income tax credit authority for the following corporation business tax credit programs:

The Business Retention and Relocation Assistance Grant Program;
The Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit Act;
The Qualified Municipality Open for Business Incentive Program;
The Neighborhood Revitalization State Tax Credit Act;
The Enterprise Zone Tax credit Program;
The Manufacturing Equipment and Employment Investment Tax Credit Act;
The tax credit for purchase of certain effluent treatment equipment credit for CBT taxpayers;
The tax credit for qualified digital media content production expenses;
The research expense tax credit;
The New Jobs Investment Tax credit Act; and
The New Jersey Urban Development Corporation Act.

“These are valuable programs that should be available to businesses of all types,” Lampitt said. “We need a complete economic recovery that benefits everyone, and this bill is a step in the right direction.”

WILSON & FUENTES BILL TO SPUR SUPERMARKET DEVELOPMENT IN UNDERSERVED AREAS OK’D BY ASSEMBLY PANEL

2012-01-13T16:44:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)- Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Gilbert L. “Whip” Wilson and Angel Fuentes (both D-Camden/ Gloucester) that would help bring supermarkets to underserved communities throughout the state was released by an Assembly committee.

The bill (A-4309) dedicates 5 percent of the sales tax generated in Urban Enterprise Zones to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) for a period of five years that would be used for loans and grants to attract supermarket operators to underserved areas.

Under the bill, the NJEDA is required to use that revenue to fund the New Jersey Food Access Initiative, which currently exists, and is designed to meet the financing needs of supermarket operators that want to locate within an area where infrastructure costs and credit needs are often high and unmet by conventional financing institutions. The initiative provides below market rate loans and is modeled on the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative.

“Many of our cities suffer from a lack of healthy food options because there are no supermarkets in their neighborhoods,” said Wilson. “This bill will help provide loan and grant funding to qualified supermarket operators to invest in these communities. Residents will not only benefit from fresh and healthier food choices, but job opportunities created by these new businesses opening up.”

“Many of our residents have to rely on convenience store which rarely carry nutritious food and tend to be pricier because there are no nearby supermarkets,” said Fuentes. “Providing funding to entice supermarket operators to open in these neighborhoods will give these residents healthier food options, and with such high unemployment rates, create employment opportunities for residents in their own communities.”

The bill would direct the NJEDA to establish both a loan fund and a grant fund within the initiative. Under the bill, 80 percent of the revenue directed to the initiative would support the loan fund. In order to be eligible for loan funding, a business would have to be located in the state and lack access to traditional sources of financing at the rates offered by the initiative.

The remaining 20 percent of the revenue would support the grant fund. The grant fund would provide loan recipients with direct funds or interest rate subsidies in order to increase the effectiveness of the program. Proceeds from loan repayments would be reinvested in the loan and grant funds, with 80 percent of the proceeds being directed to the loan fund and 20 percent being directed to the grant fund.

The bill would require the NJEDA to use the following factors in awarding loan and grant funding under the program:

The need of the area where the business will be located for access to fres food;
The number of jobs to be created by the project;
The potential for repayment of the loan; and
Whether or not the applicant represent a sustainable business that will not require program assistance in the future.

The bill would require the NJEDA to submit a report evaluating the program’s effectiveness no less than six months prior to the end of the five year funding period.

The bill was released by a vote of 7-4-1 by the Assembly Budget Committee.

VAINIERI HUTTLE & QUIGLEY BILL TO PROMOTE GENDER EQUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE ADVANCED BY ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE

2012-01-13T13:54:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)- Legislation sponsored by Assemblywomen Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Joan M. Quigley to ensure gender equality at the workplace was released Thursday by an Assembly panel.

“Women have made great strides in the workplace, but the glass ceiling has not been shattered quite yet,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “These revisions will give employers best practices to ensure gender parity in the workforce, and give more women the same professional advancement opportunities that their male counterparts currently benefit from.”

“Progress has been made, but there’s still more work to do when men continue to earn more than women in most metropolitan areas of the country,” said Quigley (D-Bergen/ Hudson). “We must educate employers and the public in general about the disparities and the best approaches to remedy these discrepancies, so that we get closer to complete gender equity in the workplace.”

The bill (A-2563) revises the duties of the Council on Gender Parity in Labor and Education (which is part of the State Employment and Training Commission) to include:

Conducting studies and promoting research to develop means to correct gender inequitable practices, including practices leading to pay disparities between men and women;
Disseminating this information to employers, labor organizations, professional associations, educational institutions, the media and the general public;
Developing and making available information on best practices for workplace gender equity to enable employers to evaluate job categories based on objective criteria; and, establishing a statewide recognition of exceptional practices to promote gender equity in the workplace.

Established in 1999, the New Jersey Council on Gender Parity in Labor and Education consists of representatives from business, education, and government. It performs research and distributes information addressing barriers to full and gender-equitable participation in the workforce and in education. The SETC partners with the Center for Women and Work at Rutgers University to provide operational support to carry out program initiatives and day-to-day operations of the Council.

The bill was released by the Assembly Labor Committee by a vote of 8-0.

COUTINHO & CONAWAY ‘GROW NEW JERSEY’ JOB CREATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BILL NOW LAW

2012-01-12T15:12:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)- Legislation Assembly Democrats Albert Coutinho and Herb Conaway M.D. sponsored to create jobs and economic development to combat New Jersey’s continued high unemployment rate was signed into law Friday.

The new law (formerly A-4306) builds upon ongoing Democratic job creation efforts and establishes the Grow New Jersey Assistance Program tax credit incentive for New Jersey-based companies that retain and create new jobs.

“Nothing is more important right now than doing whatever we can to help New Jerseyans and the businesses that employ them survive this difficult economy, “ said Coutinho (D-Essex), chairman of the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee. “ Creating jobs and economic growth is a must, and with this law, we’re positioning New Jersey businesses to succeed in the 21^st century. That can only be a good thing for our residents.”

“Incentive programs designed to grow New Jersey companies who retain and create new jobs is a smart approach,” said Conway (D-Burlington/ Camden). “It ensures subsidies are aligned with real job creation that benefits our working families. Targeted incentives like this will strengthen New Jersey’s economy and build a stronger middle class.”

The new law establishes a $200 million tax credit incentive program that emphasizes growth of New Jersey-based companies through capital investment, creation of new jobs and retention of existing jobs.

To be eligible for program tax credits, the law requires a business to make capital investments of at least $20,000,000 at a qualified business facility at which it will employ at least 100 full-time employees in retained full-time jobs, or create at least 100 new full-time jobs in an industry deemed desirable by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

Eligibility for program tax credits are based upon a determination by the EDA that the capital investment will yield a net positive benefit to the state and that the award of tax credits is a material factor in the business decision to create or retain the minimum number of full-time jobs.

The program’s cost falls under the $1.5 billion cap established under the Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit program. The law allows the initial $200 million program allocation to be increased by the board of the EDA if the board determines the credits to be reasonable, justifiable, and appropriate.

The new law requires that all applications for eligibility under the program shall be made to the EDA by July 1, 2014.

CHIVUKULA & BURZICHELLI PUSH TO PROTECT SMALL BUSINESSES FROM RED TAPE GETS FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL

2012-01-12T14:28:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)-Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Upendra Chivukula and John Burzichelli to cut through the bureaucracy strangling New Jersey small businesses was approved 73-0 Monday by the Assembly, giving it final legislative approval.

The bill (A-2129) would revise the New Jersey Regulatory Flexibility Act to force the state, when implementing a new regulation, to minimize the rule’s impact on small businesses so long as the public health, safety, or general welfare is nor endangered.

The measure is part of the ongoing Assembly Democratic job creation and economic development effort.

“Untangling red tape for all businesses is a priority, and I’m exhausted that we’ve been moving forward on that goal because small businesses are particular are hit hard by bureaucracy that can strangle their ability to create jobs,” said Chivukula (D-Somerset/Middlesex). “This is a key step toward helping small businesses avoid getting roped into a morass of red tape.”

Current law sets forth various approaches a government agency must utilize to accomplish statutory objectives, keeping in mind the limited resources available to small businesses.

The legislation requires an agency to, when developing rules, minimize the impact on small businesses so long as the public health, safety, or general welfare is not endangered.

“We need to do a lot more to make it clear to agencies that the impact on small businesses get special attention, “ said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem), who as chairman of the Assembly Regulatory and Oversight Committee has been pushing regulatory reform bills. “Small businesses are the ones that create jobs and drive our economy.”

Under the bill, a small business is defined as one that employs fewer than 100 full-time employees or having gross annual sales of less than $6 million.

The bill establishes a process by which a small business that is adversely affected economically or aggrieved by final rule-making action may file a petition objecting to all or a part of a rule subject to regulatory flexibility analysis.

For cases in which the agency rejects the petition, this process addresses concerns about frivolous appeals without creating unprecedented procedures with respect to the courts.

Specifically, the bill:

Establishes a petition process as a prerequisite for a court appeal;
Requires the appeal petition to be filed within 90 days after final rule-making action;
Creates an optional summary disposition process based on affidavits;
Sets sanctions for frivolous appeals; and
Places a restriction on appeals based on the compliance with the regulatory flexibility

COUGHLIN, WAGNER & PRIETO BILL TO HELP REDEVELOP CONTAMINATED PROPERTIES HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR’S DESK

2012-01-11T16:09:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)-A bill sponsored by Assembly Democrats Craig J. Coughlin, Connie Wagner and Vincent Prieto to help local governments clean contaminated properties was approved Monday by the Assembly and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

The bill (A-3167) would authorize the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to provide a no-interest loan to a municipality, county or redevelopment entity for up to 25 percent of the cost of a remedial action in a Brownfield development area.

“In the current economic environment, with towns everywhere hurting for revenue and credit all but frozen, this is not just a much-needed environmental measure, it’s an economic stimulus measure,” said Coughlin (D-Middlesex) whose 19^th Legislative District includes four sites totaling nearly 1,000 acres that would qualify for funding under this bill.

The loans would come from the state’s Hazardous discharge Site Remediation Fund and be repayable over no more than 10 years.

The state has 31 sites designated as Brownfields redevelopment areas which would qualify for funding under this bill. Altogether, the sites total 3,290 acres.

“This is not only a quality of life issue, but an economic issue. If private developers can’t get access to credit and local governments can’t afford to offer tax abatements, hazardous properties will continue to remain a blight on the community. Redeveloped properties will put people back to work and provide a desperately needed boost to local tax bases,” said Wagner (D-Bergen).

“New Jersey has had a great deal of success in remediating Brownfields properties over the last several decades. But that success has largely been dependent on state and federal assistance, something this bill is mindful of,” said Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen).

The bill was approved 74-0 by the Assembly and 38-1 by the Senate.

SPENCER, VAINIERI HUTTLE, COUTINHO & QUIJANO BILL TO PROTECT SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN GAINS FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL

2012-01-11T15:41:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)- Legislation sponsored by Assembly members L. Grace Spencer, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Albert Coutinho and Annette Quijano to protect sexually exploited minors was approved Monday by the Assembly and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

The bill (A-3700-3934) would provide an affirmative defense to any person under 18 who engages in prostitution. An affirmative defense is an explanation for a defendant’s actions that excuses or justifies his behavior. The bill intends to address situations where minors are charged criminally as a result of being a victim of sexual abuse. Currently, a person is afforded an affirmative defense to a charge of prostitution only if the person is a victim of human trafficking.

“This bill strengthens our current laws so that children who have been exploited are not only protected, but will receive the care they need,” said Spencer (D-Essex/Union). “These children fell prey to horrendous circumstances and unscrupulous individuals. We must ensure children who have been sexually exploited are treated as victims and are provided with appropriate services, including shelter, care, counseling and crisis intervention services.”

The bill would also require that care services be provided for sexually exploited juveniles charged with prostitution or juvenile victims of human trafficking. The bill would amend various sections of the current juvenile code to ensure these services are rendered.

“Making a criminal out of an exploited child who was forced into prostitution under tragic circumstances is a complete moral failure,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “Prostitution is not a choice for these children. This bill ensures that these young victims are helped, not hurt even more by being treated as criminals.”

“We rightfully protect children who have been victims of human trafficking and forced into prostitution. Why are we not extending the same level protection to our children here in this country?” asked Coutinho (D-Essex/Union). “These children have been exploited over and over again by adults who failed them; they should not be victimized again by the legal system.”

“Most of these children escaped an abusive environment only to find themselves in another one even worse. Turning them into criminals for unspeakable acts being done to them doesn’t serve justice,” said Quijano (D-Union). “These children were failed by those entrusted with their safety. It is our responsibility to rectify the injustices committed against them.”

The bill was voted 69-1 by the Assembly and 38-0 by the Senate on Monday.

SPEAKER OLIVER STATEMENT ON MOSQUERA RULING

2012-01-11T14:56:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)- Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic) released the following statement on the State Supreme Court decision that barred 4^th District Assemblywoman-elect Gabriela Mosquera from taking the oath of office during a Tuesday ceremony:

“The people of the 4^th District elected Gabriela Mosquera because of her devotion to public service, her plans to help working families, and her heart and dedication. Yet today, at the last minute, they were denied Assemblywoman-elect Mosquera’s representation because of this disappointing ruling.

“The right of voters to decide who will represent them should be protected. The voters made their say clear more than two months ago.

“Assemblywoman-elect Mosquera meets the requirements of office under a federal court ruling [made] more than a decade ago. Her background and experience will be valuable additions to the New Jersey General Assembly. Let’s get past the legal squabbles and respect the will of the voters.”

BURZICHELLI, WISNIEWSKI & RILEY BILL TO PERMIT DIRECT WINE SHIPPING IN NEW JERSEY CLEARED BY ASSEMBLY PANEL

2012-01-06T16:46:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)- Assembly Democratic legislation sponsored by John Burzichelli, John Wisniewski, and Celeste Riley to permit direct shipping by New Jersey wineries was advanced Thursday by an Assembly panel.

The bill (A-4436) revises the statutes governing the sale and distribution of products by New Jersey wineries and creates a new out-of-state winery license governing New Jersey sales by wineries licensed elsewhere.

“This bill balances the modern needs of our winery industry with the need of liquor stores and distributors, and positions both for even more economic, job-creating success,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem). “This bill is pro-consumer and pro-business, and it ensures our blossoming wine industry will be competitive and modern. It’s a common sense approach.”

“This bill is good news for consumers and businesses alike,” said Wisniewski (D-Middlesex). “It’s a carefully crafted plan that ensures our wine industry can become a key economic engine for our state while protecting the local liquor stores and the many jobs they provide our state. It’s a long overdue plan to modernize our laws to meet the reality of how consumers now shop.”

“Consumers can purchase just about anything these days through shipping,” said Riley (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “Wine, as long as it’s as carefully regulated as this bill would do, should be no different. Our current laws are holding our wine industry back and ensuring they remain less competitive with wineries in other states, and that must change for the better.”

Under the bill, plenary wineries that produce a maximum of 250,000 gallons per year and farm wineries would be permitted to directly sell their products to licensed retailers once they pay a permit fee. The maximum production of 250,000 gallons per year is based on the Internal Revenue Code’s definition of a small producer of wine.

Plenary wineries would pay a graduated fee ranging from $100 to $1,000 based on the winery’s annual production. Farm wineries would pay a fee of $100.

All plenary and farm wineries would continue to be able to sell their products to licensed wholesalers.

The bill permits plenary wineries that produce a maximum of 250,000 gallons per year and farm wineries to sell products at retail at 18 sales rooms but eliminates the provision in current law that permits them to open joint sales rooms with other plenary wineries or farm wineries.

Additionally, the bill permits plenary wineries that produce a maximum of 250,000 gallons per year and farm wineries to directly ship up to 12 cases of wine to any person over age 21 in New Jersey or any other state for personal consumption and not for resale. A case of wine may not exceed nine liters. The winery is required to retain the original invoices for any wine shipped for at least three years on the winery premises for inspection by the state.

The bill also creates an Out-of-State winery license which may be issued to wineries licensed in other states that produce a maximum of 250,000 gallons of wine per year. The licensee would be permitted to sell his or her products to wholesalers and retailers and at retail in 19 salesrooms apart from the winery premises, for consumption on or off the premises, at a fee of $250 for each salesroom.

The license holder also is permitted to ship up to 12 cases of wine per year to any person in this state over age 21 for personal consumption and not for resale. A case of wine may not exceed nine liters.

The bill sets the annual fee for the out-of-state winery license at $938, which is the same fee paid by plenary and farm wineries. The bill provides for the collection of all applicable taxes for sales made by the holders of out-of-state winery licenses.

The bill was released 7-0-4 by the Assembly Budget Committee.

QUIJANO, BARNES & SPENCER BILL TO HELP VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE ADVANCED BY ASSEMBLY PANEL

2012-01-06T15:32:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)-Legislation sponsored by Assembly members Annette Quijano, Peter Barnes and L. Grace Spencer that would help gain justice for sexual abuse victims by eliminating the statute of limitations in civil sexual abuse claims was released Thursday by an Assembly committee.

The bill (A-3622) would remove the statute of limitations in civil actions for sexual abuse, expand the category of person who are potentially liable in these actions, and provide that public entities would be liable in these actions.

“Many young victims of sexual abuse don’t report their abusers out of fear or shame; others repress the memories as a way to cope with the abuse,” said Quijano (D-Union). “The impact of sexual abuse on children can be devastating and long-lasting. These victims should have the right to compensation for the suffering endured without a timeline looming over their heads.”

“For some victims, the sexual abuse is revealed later in life. But the time that may have transpired does not change the fact that the abuse happened, nor the consequences it had on the victim,” said Barnes (D-Middlesex). “I can only imagine how difficult it must be to come to grips with the abuse and come forward. These victims deserve justice, regardless of the time lapsed.”

“We have heard too many stories of children falling prey to sexual predators. Many hide the abuse and suffer the consequences silently,” said Spencer (D-Essex/Union). “This bill not only allows victims to bring their abusers to justice when they are ready, but holds accountable not just the abuser, but any responsible person who knew of the abuse, but did nothing to stop it.”

Under current law, personal injury suits must be filed within two years of accrual of the cause of action, except for certain medical malpractice actions on behalf of minors. Under the bill, this two-year statute of limitations would be removed for the following actions:

Alleged sexual abuse of a minor;
Alleged willful, wanton or grossly negligent act of commission or omission, including sexual assault or other crime of a sexual nature, brought against a trustee, director, officer, employee, agent, servant, or volunteer of a nonprofit corporation, society, or association organized exclusively for religious, charitable, or educational purposes;
Alleged sexual offense committed against a minor due to alleged willful, wanton, grossly negligent or negligent act of commission or omission of a sexual nature brought against any nonprofit corporation, society or association organized exclusively for religious, charitable, or educational purposes.

The bill would also make public entities liable in actions for damages alleging sexual abuse, and expand the category of persons who are potentially liable in a civil action alleging the sexual abuse of a minor.

Under current law, in addition to the person who committed the sexual abuse, a parent, resource family parent such as a foster parent, guardian, or other person standing in loco parentis within the household who knowingly permitted or acquiesced in the sexual abuse is also civilly liable for the abuse. However, it is an affirmative defense if that person was subjected to, or placed in, reasonable fear of physical or sexual abuse by the abuser so as to undermine the person’s ability to protect the child. The bill would provide that any person who knowingly permitted or acquiesced in the sexual abuse is civilly liable as well. This person would also be entitled to the same affirmative defense.

The bill would apply to any action filed on or after the effective date, including but not limited to matters where the statute of limitations has expired and matters filed with a court that have not yet been dismissed or finally adjudicated as of the effective date.

The bill would also revive any action that was previously dismissed on grounds that the applicable statute of limitations had expired, but could not revive any action previously dismissed on any other grounds or revive any action that has been finally adjudicated.

The bill was released 4-1-1 by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

‘URBAN HOPE’ EDUCATION REFORM, UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS EXTENSION, NO CIVIL STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE, RESTRICTING SEX OFFENDER RESIDENCY, & PERMITTING DIRECT WINE SHIPPING TOP THURSDAY ASSEMBLY AGENDA

2012-01-05T15:54:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)-Assembly committees on Thursday will consider the Urban Hope education reform legislation, removing the statute of limitations for sexual abuse civil actions, restricting sex offender residency, and permitting direct wine shipping.

A pilot program to allow horse wagering in taverns and restaurants, child welfare reform, removing the waiting period for marriage and civil union licenses, gender equity in the workplace, and property tax relief for schools with significant enrollment growth are also on tap.

Hearings began at 10 a.m. Audio of the hearings are streaming live at:

http://www,njleg.state.nj.us/media/live_audio.asp

Highlights include:

The Urban Hope Act (A-4426) sponsored by Angel Fuentes (D-Camden/Gloucester) to allow nonprofits to build and operate “renaissance” schools in Camden, Jersey City, and Newark. It will be considered by the Assembly Budget Committee at 10 a.m.
A bill to continue an option made available by federal legislation to permit laid-off workers in New Jersey to continue to receive extended unemployment benefits (A-4437). It’s sponsored by Joseph Egan (D-Middlesex/Somerset) and will be heard at 10 a.m. by the Assembly Labor Committee.
The Assembly Judiciary Committee at 10 a.m. will consider a bill to remove the statute of limitations in civil actions for sexual abuse (A-3622). It’s sponsored by Annette Quijano (D-Union), Peter Barnes III (D-Middlesex) and L.Grace Spencer (D-Essex).
A pilot program to allow horse wagering in taverns and restaurants in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic, Union, Morris, Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex, northern Middlesex and Ocean counties (A-4285). It’s sponsored by John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland), Ralph Caputo (D-Essex) and Connie Wagner (D-Bergen). It will be heard at 2 p.m. by the Assembly gaming panel.
A bill (A-4436) to permit direct wine shipping in New Jersey. It’s sponsored by John Burzichelli and Celeste Riley (both D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland) and John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) and will be heard at 10 a.m. by the Assembly Budget Committee.
Legislation to permit municipalities to regulate where sex offenders may live (A-3363). It’s sponsored by Pam Lampitt (D-Camden), Daniel R. Benson and Wayne DeAngelo (both D-Mercer/Middlesex).It will be heard at 10 a.m. by the Assembly Budget Committee.
A bill sponsored by John Burzichelli and Celeste Riley (both D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland) to provide about $4.1 million in property tax relief to schools with significant enrollment growth (A-3961). It’s to be heard at 10 a.m. by the Assembly Budget Committee.
A bill sponsored by Lou Greenwald (D-Camden), Ralph Caputo (D-Essex) and Annette Quijano (D-Union) to eliminate the waiting period for marriage and civil union licenses (A-4366). It’s to be heard by the Assembly Budget Committee at 10 a.m.
The Assembly Human Services Committee at 10 a.m. will take testimony from the federal monitor overseeing the state’s child welfare reform efforts and consider a bill (A-4109) sponsored by Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen), Ruben J. Ramos Jr. (D-Hudson) and Cleopatra Tucker (D-Essex) to improve child abuse investigations.
The Assembly Labor Committee at 10 a.m. will consider a bill (A-2563) to ensure gender equity in the workplace (A-2563). It’s sponsored by Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) and Joan Quigley (D-Hudson/Bergen).

EGAN BILL TO ENSURE CONTINUED BENEFITS FOR NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS PLAGUED BY EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT SAILS THROUGH ASSEMBLY PANEL

2012-01-05T14:27:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON)- Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Joseph Egan to help laid-off New Jersey workers take advantage of extended federal unemployment benefits was approved by an Assembly panel on Thursday.

“With New Jersey’s unemployment rate still hovering around 9 percent and 15,000 more individuals applying for benefits two weeks ago, this extension will help beleaguered New Jersey residents desperately trying to find work,” said Egan (D-Middlesex/Somerset). “This [is] an important step toward ensuring working class New Jerseyans get sustained help when they need it most.”

The legislation (A-4437) would implement the option provided under the recent federal law signed by President Obama, which will extend federal unemployment insurance (UI) benefits until February 29, 2012, two months after they were set to expire.

Essentially, the bill makes the necessary adjustments to New Jersey’s Extended Benefits Law in order to ensure those who are unemployed will continue to receive fully-funded extended unemployment benefits for as long as the federal government continues to subsidize them.

The legislature unanimously passed similar legislation (S-2680/A-3795) earlier this year after the federal government extended UI benefits until January 3, 2012. The legislation was signed by Governor Christie in April.

The new bill approved today also included a trigger that will automatically extend the benefits at the state level should the federal government extend them again at any future date.

The continuation of UI benefits under this bill will pose no cost to New Jersey’s UI fund or employers in the state, because the benefits are contingent upon 100 percent federal funding.

“During the current recession, the average length of a person’s stint on unemployment has reached over 40 weeks. Because basic unemployment benefits lasts only 26 weeks, the average person that becomes unemployed will draw on at least some extended benefits, making this legislation all the necessary,” added Egan.

Egan noted that the unemployment rate in New Jersey at the close of 2011 remained at 9.1 percent, according to the latest available statistics. There are currently over 412,700 unemployed workers in New Jersey.

The bill was approved by the Assembly Labor Committee by a vote of 9-0.

VAINIERI HUTTLE CRITICIZES PORT AUTHORITY GOLDEN PARACHUTE, BLIND EYE FROM CHRISTIE

2012-01-04T15:18:00.001-05:00

(ENGLEWOOD)- Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, who has been pushing a series of reforms to institute greater transparency and accountability at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, today criticized the bi-state agency for awarding a lucrative severance package to a departing attorney while commuters are still trying to digest the recent toll hikes.

“Essentially a portion of the massive toll increases will now be paying for a golden parachute for a former Port Authority worker, rather than some much needed infrastructure repairs. This is a waste of commuter funds and insulting to resident now paying $12 a day to get to work.

“First the agency mischaracterized how the toll hike revenue would be used and now we see yet another egregious misuse of funds. This is why we need real reforms at the Port Authority.

“If the Governor is so adamant against state employees collecting $7,500 in sick time when they retire, then he should be outraged that the Authority is paying $156,000 and six months worth of health benefits to one individual.

“By turning a blind eye to the situation, the Governor is only making the problems at the Port Authority worse, not better,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen).

Vainieri Huttle has been calling for reforms at the Port Authority for quite some time. Just this August, after a New York Comptroller audit revealed that the Port Authority had wasted nearly half of a billion dollars on overtime costs over the last five years, Vainieri Huttle called on Governor Christie to institute stricter financial controls at the authority.

In September she unveiled a comprehensive set of proposals, along with New York State Senator Andrew Lanza, that are designed to increase public access and participation in authority decisions (in light of the recent sizable toll hikes) and ensures the proper functioning of the authority by requiring a series of new financial and management controls that will increase transparency.

Sweeney & Oliver Promise to Extend Unemployment Benefits for Laid-Off New Jerseyans Before Current Session Ends

2011-12-29T16:55:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver on Thursday announced plans to help laid-off New Jersey workers take advantage of extended federal unemployment benefits, vowing to pass new legislation authorizing the benefits before the current legislative session ends on Jan. 9.

"With thousands of New Jerseyans still desperately seeking work, they can take full advantage of the extended federal benefit is the right thing to do," said Sweeney (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester). "Not only will these benefits keep the unemployed and their families afloat during this difficult period, but they are also the best form of economic stimulus. This is money that does right back into the economy."

"With the economy only showing intermittent signs of recovery, the federal extension of unemployment benefits is a life-saver for many New Jersey families," said Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic). "Businesses, while signaling that they intend to start hiring in the New Year, have yet to do so in a healthy enough dose to make a considerable dent in our statewide unemployment rate, making the extension of these benefits all the more imperative."

With New Jersey's unemployment rate still hovering around 9 percent and 15,000 more individuals applying for benefits last week, the leaders welcomed the federal extension to help beleaguered New Jersey residents desperately trying to find work.

The legislation, which is being drafted, would implement the option provided under legislation signed by President Obama last week, which will extend federal unemployment insurance (UI) benefits until Feb. 29, 2012, two months after they were set to expire.

The legislature unanimously passed similar legislation (S-2680/A-3795) earlier this year after the federal government extended UI benefits until January 3, 2012. The legislation was signed by Governor Christie in April. Sweeney and Oliver said the new legislation that will be introduced will include a trigger that will automatically extend the benefits at the state level should the federal government extend them again at any future date.

The continuation of benefits will incur no costs to New Jersey's unemployment fund or employers in the state because the federal act provides 100 percent federal funding of the benefits throughout the extension.

"We've seen our unemployment rate improve in fits and starts, but have yet to see a sizeable and sustained improvement, as evidenced by the jump in applicants for unemployment benefits last week," added Oliver. "The lack of available work for our residents makes the extension of these benefits all the more crucial while we work towards creating long-term employment opportunities."

"I am glad Washington was able to overcome the gridlock for the time-being, and hope they can develop a more permanent solution. In the meantime, Democrats in the Legislature will continue to do everything we can to provide not just benefits for the working middle class families who need them, but also the jobs that produce a paycheck. We hope our colleagues across the aisle will work with us on these efforts and that Governor Christie will sign the benefits extension into law the second the bill hits his desk," said Sweeney.

The legislative leaders hope to have the legislation ready for introduction when both houses reconvene on January 5.

Johnson, Vainieri Huttle & Quijano Bill to Promote Online Donations OK'D by Senate Panel

2011-12-28T15:01:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly members Gordon M. Johnson, Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Annette Quijano to encourage more online donations to many of the beneficial programs intrinsically linked to New Jersey was recently advanced by a Senate committee.

The bill (A-2727) would provide easy, online access to make donations to the special funds listed on New Jersey's gross income tax return forms. It was approved 77-0 by the Assembly in February, and released earlier this month by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. The bill still requires final legislative approval from the Senate.

"In this day in age, it's just common sense to let people donate online and not just on their tax returns," said Johnson (D-Bergen). "If we can provide residents with the knowledge and access to lend a helping hand, I have no doubt that we can increase support for many of New Jersey's worthwhile programs."

"We know that New Jerseyans have big hearts and, if given the opportunity, they always rise to the occasion," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "With more and more people filing their taxes online, it's important that we take advantage of these tools to promote the worthwhile programs near and dear to our state, which are in need of support."

"People already use the web to shop and pay their bills, so it makes sense to allow them to donate to these worthy causes online," said Quijano (D-Union). "Online donations are practical, and will go a long way in helping these wonderful programs. New Jerseyans are generous, and I'm certain that given an even simpler way to donate, they will step up to the plate."

Currently, only the New Jersey Children's Trust Fund to Prevent Child Abuse, one of a handful of specific tax check-off items listed on New Jersey's gross income tax return, allows for online donations.

This bill would require the state Division of Taxation to create a separate online donation form for any of the special funds designated under current law, including the NJ Endangered Wildlife Fund, the NJ Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Fund, the NJ Breast Cancer Research Fund, the state's Low-Cost Spray/Neuter Program, and the U.S.S. New Jersey Educational Museum Fund.

According to a June report from the Giving USA Foundation and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, total charitable contributions nationwide declined for the first time since 1987. down 3.6 percent in 2009. It was also just the second decline in contributions since the foundation began publishing annual reports in 1956.

Roughly 50 to 60 percent of organizations that provided data to the Giving USA Foundation reported lower gift receipt in 2009 than in 2008. Hit particularly hard were charities that promote education and the arts, which suffered two consecutive years of decline. They lost 8.8 percent and 8.7 percent of donations, respectively, between 2007 and 2009.

Milam, Tucker & Conaway Bill to Improve Oversight for Facility That Helps Homeless Veterans Gets Final Legislative Approval

2011-12-27T11:52:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Matthew W. Milam, Cleopatra Tucker and Herb Conaway, M.D., to create a council to oversee Veterans Haven, a state operated facility for homeless veterans serving veterans from all over New Jersey, has received final legislative approval, and now heads to the governor's desk.

"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."

"This group will play the very important role of ensuring the needs of our veterans are being met," said Tucker (D-Essex). "It's tragic that men and women who served their country find themselves without a home to call their own, but this is one way for us to try to help."

"This council will be responsible for developing policies to better the lives of those veterans receiving services at Veterans Haven," said Conaway (D-Burlington/Camden). "If this bill becomes law, we'll know there is a group of people who will see that those who have given so much will receive the life-affirming care they need."

The bill (A-4111) was approved 78-0 by the Assembly in June. It was approved 37-0 by the Senate earlier this month.

The Veterans Haven Council will formulate policies for the coordination of services for the veterans housed at Veterans Haven located in Camden County; will consult with and advise the Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs 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 was also initially sponsored by Jack Connors, who recently resigned from the Assembly.

Assembly Approves Riley Measure To Help Patients Determine Health Insurance Coverage

2011-12-22T15:36:00.000-05:00

Legislation Would Require Insurance Companies to Specify Whether a Procedure is Covered When Authorization is Required

(Trenton) - A measure sponsored by Assemblywoman Celeste Riley that would help consumers determine which services are covered under their health insurance policies has been approved by the full Assembly by a vote of 65-4-1.

"Currently, when a hospital calls an insurance company to get authorization the insurance company only has to declare if it is medically necessary. However, in some instances, the procedure is not covered by the benefit plan," said Riley (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester).

The bill (A-3247) would amend the "Health Claims Authorization, Processing and Payment Act" by requiring health insurance carriers to classify health care services that are deemed medically necessary as a covered benefit.

Currently, carriers that receive a request for authorization from a health care provider are only required to respond to the request with a determination as to whether the health care service is medically necessary under the member's health benefits plan.

Under the measure, carriers that provide authorization would be required to determine that the health care services are a covered benefit under the insured's health benefits plan, in addition to being medically necessary.

"This bill will eliminate any ambiguities that might confuse a patient and remedy the loopholes that exist in our current law," added Riley. "Insurance companies would be required to specify whether a procedure is a covered benefit when it gives authorization for that procedure."

The bill also would require carriers to remit payment to a hospital if the carrier remits payment to a health care provider who performs services on a patient in that hospital.

Finally, the bill would provide that while a patient remains in the hospital awaiting authorization from the carrier to be transferred to another facility to receive medically necessary health care services that are not rendered by that hospital, the carrier shall remit payment to the hospital in connection with the contracted acute care rate until the patient is transferred to another health care facility.

Currently, if it is determined that a patient needs to be transferred to another health care facility, carriers will begin to remit payment to a hospital at a rate that is less that the amount contracted for between hospital and the carrier. This bill provides that the carrier shall remit payment to the hospital at a rate based on the actual setting of care.

The requirements would take effect on the 90th day after the date of the bill's enactment. The bill now awaits consideration by the Senate.

Vainieri Huttle Legislation to Address Youth Suicide Prevention Receives Final Legislative Approval

2011-12-22T14:59:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle paving the way for the creation of a statewide plan to address youth suicide prevention received final legislative approval by the full Senate.

"This is about protecting our children from themselves by ensuring that we have the necessary resources readily available for young people and their families to access in a time of crisis," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "My goal is to ensure that we save as many lives as possible."

This bill (A-3659), which was approved 75-0 by the full Assembly in May and 36-0 by the Senate last week, now heads to the Governor's desk.

The measure would require the Commissioner of Children and Families (DCF), in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services and the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council, to develop and adopt a statewide youth suicide prevention plan within 180 days of the bill's enactment.

Specifically, the plan would be required to:

Identify existing state and local sources of data concerning youth suicide deaths, youth suicide attempts, and self-inflicted injuries by youths;
Coordinate and share this data among identified state and local sources;
Promote greater public awareness about youth suicide prevention services and resources;
Identify barriers to accessing mental health and substance abuse services, as well as opportunities to enhance this access; and
Promote evidenced-based and best practice programs, listed on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center's Best Practices Registry, for the prevention and treatment of youth suicide and self-injury.

According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, there are more than 140 crisis centers that currently participate in the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. Each center receives calls from designated areas of the country, and calls are routed to the closest available crisis center.

New Jersey operates three crisis centers in the Lifeline network: CONTACT We Care in Westfield, CONTACT of Mercer County in Ewing, and CONTACT of Burlington County in Moorestown. However, an August 2010 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline report stated that from August 2009 through July 2010, 60 percent of New Jersey's crisis calls were answered by Lifeline crisis counselors in other states, primary New York and Nebraska, who likely do not have access to specific information regarding New Jersey's youth suicide prevention services and resources.

"It's crucial that our suicide prevention resources are easily accessible and fully equipped to direct youths in crisis to the appropriate support service. In a critical moment, having the right person available with the right knowledge can mean the difference in a life saved," added Vainieri Huttle.

Additionally, the bill would require the commissioner of DCF to review the department's grant application procedures to ensure that grant applications submitted by the department for youth suicide prevention initiatives are completely accurate and in a timely manner. Further, the bill would require the commissioner of DCF to give thorough consideration and, where appropriate, apply for grants from the federal government, and contributions and donations from other public or private sources as may be used for the purposes of the bill.

The Commissioners of Human Services and Children and Families, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, would prepare a report reviewing the effectiveness and sufficiency of services provided by the New Jersey-based suicide prevention hotlines, and transmit the report to the Governor and the Legislature, no later than 12 months after the effective date of this bill.

Quijano, DeAngelo, Ramos & Wagner Bill to Promote Solar Energy Facilities Signed into Law

2011-12-21T16:13:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Annette Quijano, Wayne P. DeAngelo, Ruben J. Ramos, Jr., and Connie Wagner to permit the development of solar and photovoltaic energy facilities on closed landfills has been signed into law.

The law (A-3139) permits the development of solar and wind facilities and structures on closed landfills and quarries.

"New Jersey has already taken strong steps to promote alternative energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, but this is another strong step," said Quijano (D-Union). "Closed landfills and quarries can be eyesores and obstacles to better land use, but by using them for solar farms and alternative energy facilities, we will boost New Jersey as a leader in the clean energy industry while helping clean the environment."

"This is more than just cleaning the environment and promoting alternative energy," said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "This will create jobs and drive economic activity in communities throughout the state."

"Allowing businesses to take advantage of closed landfills and quarries to provide clean, alternative energy is a win for everyone," said Ramos (D-Hudson). "It will improve our environment and drive economic development at a time when it's especially needed."

"Turning landfills and quarries into sites that produce clean, sustainable energy is almost poetic," said Wagner (D-Bergen). "This is a concrete example of what we mean when we talk about sustainable, green initiatives."

Wisniewski Statement On House Republican Rejection of Compromise To Extend Payroll Tax Cut

2011-12-21T15:48:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - New Jersey Democratic State Chairman John Wisniewski issued the following statement on the House of Representatives rejection of the Senate compromise measure to extend the payroll tax cut and long-term unemployment benefits:

"With today's vote in the House of Representatives, Republicans now rival the Grinch who stole Christmas as America's #1 holiday villain. By rejecting the Senate compromise measure, they are threatening working families with higher taxes and to take away unemployment benefits from the long-term unemployed. They have once again catered to "Tea Party" ideology rather than defend the interests of America's hardworking middle class."

"I am particularly disturbed by New Jersey's Republican Members of Congress for their refusal to stand up to this Tea Party extortion. They have again rejected New Jersey values to placate the right-wing of their party."

Benson, Vainieri HUttle, Riley Measure to Raise Awareness of Ovarian Cancer, Increase Survival Rates Receives Final Legislative Passage

2011-12-20T15:55:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - The full Assembly has granted final legislative approval to a measure sponsored by Assembly Democrats Dan Benson, Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Celeste Riley that would establish a statewide ovarian cancer public awareness campaign to help increase survival rates among women.

The measure, which was unanimously approved by the Senate last year, was approved by the Assembly a vote of 70 to 0 and now heads to the Governor's desk.

"Because early detection and treatment often mean the difference between life and death, it's important to increase awareness of the factors that put certain women at a higher risk for the disease," said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "Because many of the symptoms are vague and non-specific, women and their physicians often attribute them to more common conditions so that by the time the cancer is diagnosed the tumor has often spread. Simple awareness can make all the difference."

This bill (S-1711/A-3837) would require the state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to establish the public awareness campaign to inform the general public about the clinical significance of ovarian cancer and its public health implications. The campaign would include risk factors, symptoms, the need for early detection and methods of treatment.

"If found and treated in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 95 percent," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "Unfortunately, most women who suffer from ovarian cancer are not diagnosed until the later stages when the disease has spread and the five-year survival rate decreases roughly 30 percent. Bringing this issue to the forefront of women's minds is paramount to the survival of many."

The symptoms of ovarian cancer include: general abdominal discomfort or pain, such as gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating or cramps; nausea, diarrhea, constipation or frequent urination; loss of appetite; feeling of fullness after a light meal; weight gain or loss with no known reason; and abnormal bleeding from the vagina.

"Although development of a screening test to detect ovarian cancer remains a very active area of research, currently there is no definitive prevention strategy," said Riley (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem). "The best way to decrease the overall risk of dying from ovarian cancer is to have regular pelvic examinations, something this measure will hopefully help make more women aware of."

The sponsors underscored the importance of the public awareness campaign, noting that ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system and ranks fourth as a cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. Additionally, more than half of the deaths from ovarian cancer occur in women between 35 and 54 years of age.

In order to carry out the public awareness campaign, the legislation requires DHSS to, at a minimum:

develop printed educational materials and public service announcements in English and Spanish; and
distribute the information to the public, through a variety of means, including, but not limited to, local health agencies and clinics, physicians, health care facilities, county offices on aging, pharmacies, libraries, senior citizen centers, other community-based outreach programs and organizations, and the department's official website.

Chivukula & Burzichelli Push to Protect Small Businesses From Red Tape

2011-12-19T15:43:00.000-05:00

Bill Part of Ongoing Democratic Job Creation & Economic Development Effort

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Upendra Chivukula and John Burzichelli to cut through the bureaucracy strangling New Jersey small businesses continues to advance toward law.

The bill (A-2129) would revise the New Jersey Regulatory Flexibility Act to force the state, when implementing a new regulation, to minimize the rule's impact on small businesses so long as the public health, safety, or general welfare is not endangered.

The measure is part of the ongoing Assembly Democratic job creation and economic development effort.

"Untangling red tape for all businesses is a priority, and I'm enthused that we've been moving forward on that goal because small businesses in particular are hit hard by bureaucracy that can strangle their ability to create jobs," said Chivukula (D-Somerset/Middlesex). "This is a key step toward helping small businesses avoid getting roped into a morass of red tape."

Current law sets forth various approaches a government agency must utilize to accomplish statutory objectives, keeping in mind the limited resources available to small businesses.

The legislation requires an agency to, when developing rules, minimize the impact on small businesses so long as the public health, safety or general welfare is not endangered.

"We need to do a lot more to make it clear to agencies that the impact on small businesses must get special attention," said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem), who as chairman of the Assembly Regulatory and Oversight Committee has been pushing regulatory reform bills. "Small businesses are the ones that create jobs and drive our economy."

Under the bill, a small business is defined as one that employs fewer than 100 full-time employees or having gross annual sales of less than $6 million.

For cases in which the agency rejects the petition, this process addresses concerns about frivolous appeals without creating unprecedented procedures with respect to the courts.

Specifically, the bill:

Establishes a petition process as a prerequisite for a court appeal;
Requires the appeal petition to be filed within 90 days after final rule-making action;
Creates an optimal summary disposition process based on affidavits;
Sets sanctions for frivolous appeals; and
Places a restriction on appeals based on compliance with the regulatory flexibility process.

The bill was approved 75-0 by the Assembly in September 2010 and released Thursday by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Diegnan, Jasey & Coughlin Bill to Include Cheerleading in the Student-Athlete Head Injury Program Gets Final Legislative Approval

2011-12-19T15:25:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly members Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr., Mila M. Jasey and Craig J. Coughlin requiring the state Department of Education to include cheerleading in the student-athlete head injury safety training program received final legislative approval Thursday, and now heads to the governor's desk.

The bill (A-4008) would extend the safety training requirement to cheerleading coaches in public school and nonpublic school interscholastic sports programs, and amend the current law which requires the training solely for school physicians, sports coaches and athletic trainers in public school and nonpublic school interscholastic sports programs.

"This bill would ensure the safety of students involved in cheerleading, which has become more competitive and pushes the limits of gymnastics and dance," said Diegnan (D-Middlesex). "These students run the risk of serious injury when they perform, and deserve the same level of protection given to other students involved in school athletics."

"The cheerleaders of today do more than wave pompoms; they are performing athletically difficult routines including high pyramids, leaps and tosses," said Jasey (D-Essex). "This offers them the same level of protection as other student athletes, and ensures their coaches will have the training to properly recognize and deal with head injuries."

"Cheerleading is competitive and can be as dangerous for students as high-contact sports like football," said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). "Making sure trainers and coaches have the knowledge to recognize symptoms, and when it's safe for a student to return to the sport will help keep student athletes safe from further injury or even worse."

The bill was approved 78-0 by the Assembly in June, and approved 36-0 Thursday by the Senate.

The training covers how to recognize symptoms of head and neck injuries, concussions, and injuries related to second-impact syndrome; and the appropriate amount of time to delay the return to competition of a student who suffers a head injury.

A report from the National Center for Catastrophic Injuries said statistically speaking; cheerleading is the most dangerous sport - even more so than football. The report cited 44 fatalities or serious injuries during the course of study and those injuries continue to rise.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics in 2006 reported cheerleading injuries increased by 110 percent between 1990 and 2002. The most common injuries were arm and leg strains and sprains, but 3.5 percent of the cases involved head injuries. Research by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2007 found the number of emergency room visits to treat cheerleading injuries of any kind jumped from 4,954 in 19080 to 28,414 in 2004.

Wagner & Gusciora Measure to Protect Pets During Domestic Disputes Approved by Assembly

2011-12-19T14:47:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - A measure sponsored by Assembly members Connie Wagner and Reed Gusciora to protect pets during domestic disputes was approved by a vote of 71-0 by the full Assembly on Monday.

"We've heard so many stories of pets being abused or even killed as retaliation against a partner when a relationship goes sour," said Wagner (D-Bergen). "Often times it's done without thinking as an attempt to hurt the other partner, but whether it's intentional or not, animals should not have to suffer. This is a humane measure designed to protect innocent pets from being the victim of a domestic dispute."

"For many pet owners, a pet is a member of their family. To harm or even kill a defenseless pet simply to get back at a partner is cowardly and cruel," said Gusciora (D-Mercer). "No animal deserves to be mistreated or abused, especially out of revenge. This will protect pets caught in the middle of a domestic dispute from potentially dangerous situations."

The bill (A-1633) would authorize the courts to issue orders protecting animals in situations where a person abuses or threatens to abuse an animal as part of a domestic dispute. Animals are not directly addressed in New Jersey's current domestic violence law.

Under the bill, the court may issue an order prohibiting a defendant charged with a crime or offense involving domestic violence, who is released from custody before trial on bail or personal recognizance, from having any contact with any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept or held by either party, or a minor child residing in the household.

The bill also allows the court to mandate who will have possession of the animal, and that the animal not be disposed of before the final disposition of the crime or offense.

In addition, the bill would allow the court to issue, as part of a restraining order, an order directing who should have possession of the animal, and mandating that the animal not be disposed of before a final restraining order is issued. Lastly, the bill would amend the statute governing final restraining orders to direct who should have possession of the animal. There would be a presumption that the animal would be awarded to the non-abusive party.

The bill is modeled on a recently enacted Maine law. Currently, animals are not directly addressed by domestic violence law in New Jersey.

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Coutinho & Conaway 'Grow New Jersey' Job Creation & Economic Development Bill Approved By Assembly

2011-12-16T15:43:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation Assembly Democrats Albert Coutinho and Herb Conaway M.D. sponsored to create jobs and economic development to combat New Jersey's continued high unemployment rate was approved 60-2-4 Thursday by the Assembly.

The bill (A-4306) builds upon ongoing Democratic job creation efforts and would establish the Grow New Jersey Assistance Program tax incentive program for New Jersey-based companies that retain and create new jobs.

"Nothing is more important right now than doing whatever we can to help New Jerseyans and the businesses that employ them survive this difficult economy," said Coutinho (D-Essex), Chairman of the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee that released the bills. "Creating jobs and economic growth is a must, and with this bill package, we're positioning New Jersey businesses to succeed in the 21st century. That can only be a good thing for our residents."

"Incentive programs designed to grow New Jersey companies who retain and create new jobs is a smart approach," said Conaway (D-Burlington/Camden). "It ensures subsidies are aligned with real job creation that benefits our working families. Targeted incentives like this will strengthen New Jersey's economy and build a stronger middle class."

The bill establishes a $200 million tax credit incentive program that emphasizes growth of New Jersey-based companies through capital investment, creation of new jobs and retention of existing jobs.

To be eligible for program tax credits, the bill requires a business to make capital investments of at least $20,000,000 at a qualified business facility at which it will employ at least 100 full-time employees in retained full-time jobs, or create at least 100 new full-time jobs in an industry deemed desirable by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

Eligibility for program tax credits will also be based upon a determination by the EDA that the capital investment will yield a net positive benefit to the state and that the award of tax credits is a material factor in the business decision to create or retain the minimum number of full-time jobs.

The program's cost falls under the $1.5 billion cap established under the Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit program. The bill allows the initial $200 million program allocation to be increased by the board of the EDA if the board determines the credits to be reasonable, justifiable, and appropriate.

The bill requires that all applications for eligibility under the program shall be made to the EDA by July 1, 2014.

The bill requires final legislative approval from the Senate.

Milam, DeAngelo & Benson Bill Cracking Down On Road Rage & Reckless Drivers Gains Assembly Approval

2011-12-16T15:15:00.000-05:00

'Jessica Rogers' Law' Making Road Rage a Criminal Offense Stems from Incident in Hamilton, Mercer County

(Trenton) - Legislation Assembly members Matthew Milam, Wayne DeAngelo and Dan Benson sponsored to crack down on reckless and aggressive drivers after a Mercer County incident left a teen-age girl paralyzed was approved by the full Assembly on Thursday by a vote of 69 to 0.

"Far too many motorists have been put in harm's way, or worse, because another driver let their emotions run wild," said Milam (D-Cumberland/Atlantic/Cape May). "On our increasingly crowded roads, we need to send a message to reckless drivers that rank indifference to their fellow motorists will not go unpunished."

The bill (A-676) - dubbed "Jessica Rodgers' Law" - would include road rage in the state's assault-by-auto statute and lead to enhanced punishments for individuals convicted under that law. The bill has been named after Jessica Rogers, a young woman from Hamilton, Mercer County, who suffered severe injuries and was left paralyzed from the chest down following a March 2005 auto accident that resulted from road rage.

"Any driver who allows their rage to control their actions behind the wheel essentially turns their vehicle into a deadly weapon," said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "A simple slap on the wrist or ticket can no longer do."

Jessica, who was 16 at the time of the accident and is now 23, testified at the Assembly Committee hearing last year and was in attendance with her family today for the Assembly vote. She was a passenger in a vehicle that slammed into a telephone poll after the driver - angered that he had been cut off - attempted to illegally pass another car on the shoulder.

Both Jessica and another passenger were seriously injured in the wreck. The driver was convicted of two counts of assault by auto and sentenced to six months in jail and five years probation.

"Road rage is more than just an attitude; it can be a real threat to others. Drivers who senselessly disregard the safety of the public must be held accountable," said Benson (D-Middlesex/Mercer). "I hope this bill will serve as a wake-up call for many and help prevent road rage in New Jersey."

The bill now awaits consideration by the Senate.

Mainor Bill to Promote Investment in Small & Minority- & Women-Owned Businesses Approved By Assembly

2011-12-16T14:33:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation Assembly Democrat Charles Mainor sponsored to create jobs and economic growth by promoting investment in small and minority- and women owned businesses was approved 42-29 Thursday by the Assembly.

The bill (A-4343) establishes a Small Business and Minority Linked Deposit Program, under which money from the State of New Jersey Cash Management Fund would be deposited with eligible banks at rates 3 percent below the standard interest rate on a two-year certificate of deposit.

The bank would then make loans equal to the amount deposited by the state treasurer to eligible small businesses and minority- women-owned businesses at rates 3 percent below the standard loan rate offered by the bank.

"We cannot have a full economic recovery unless everyone is included," said Mainor (D-Hudson). "Small and minority- and women-owned businesses need to be a part of our effort to create jobs, and this program would encourage investing in them to boost our economy. New Jersey is strong only if everyone stands strong, and this bill helps ensure that everyone is included."

The program would be administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in consultation with the state treasurer. The executive director of the EDA shall have final approval over loans after a bank has approved a loan through its standard approval process.

"The executive director will approve loans based upon the ability of the loans to generate jobs, improve the competitiveness and profitability of businesses receiving the loans and the significance of the loan to the business," Mainor said. "It will be a fiscally responsible approach to job creation and economic development."

Loans issued under this program must be offered at similar terms to those the lender offers to other borrowers with the exception of the lowered interest rate. In addition, no loan can be issued for more than $200,000. The lender and borrower can agree to any loan term but the reduced interest rate will only apply for the initial two years of the loan. In the event that the borrower defaults or renegotiates the loan, the state will not be held liable in any way and the state deposit backing the loan shall be mature within 30 days of the default.

The bill still requires final legislative approval from the Senate.

Burzichelli Bill To Make New Jersey More Attractive For Jobs And Businesses Advances

2011-12-16T14:14:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - A measure sponsored by Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli that would make New Jersey more attractive for businesses and more competitive for good-paying jobs was approved 70-1 on Thursday by the Assembly.

The bill (A-4359) would modernize the rules governing the formation of Limited Liability Companies in New Jersey.

Burzichelli is a member of the Red Tape Review Commission formed to find ways to eliminate unnecessary regulation and help stimulate economic development.

"Streamlining the ways companies can form in New Jersey is a smart step toward increased job creation and economic growth," said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). "Common sense bills like this to make it easier for businesses to grow and prosper in our state are what's needed to help navigate through this difficult economy. After all, stronger businesses mean better jobs for New Jersey residents."

The bill would modernize regulations for creating and operating LLCs - a form of unincorporated business organization that provides corporate-style limited liability to its owners with partnership-like capacity.

Significant changes would include:

Eliminating the default and overlooked rule that LLCs have a limited duration;
Allow LLC operating agreements to be oral, written or implied;
Allocating profits and losses on a per capita basis; and
Providing remedies when members of a company act in an oppressive or harmful way to other members.

The bill will now be referred to the Senate.

Assembly Panel Advances Jasey, DeAngelo Bill to Help 9/11 Veterans Become Teachers

2011-12-14T11:15:00.000-05:00

Pilot Program Would Expedite Certification Process and Help Fill Anticipated Teacher Shortage

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Mila Jasey and Wayne DeAngelo to help 9/11 veterans find employment through an expedited teacher certification program was approved by the Assembly Education Committee on Monday.

"This program will help provide veterans with a path to higher education and employment opportunities, while filling a predicted critical shortage in the teaching profession, a win-win," said Jasey (D-Essex). "Our state veterans have already proven themselves in terms of leadership and would serve the students of our state well in the classroom. This is one more way to help repay the debt of gratitude we owe them."

The bill (A-4377) would establish the "VETeach Pilot Program" in the Department of Education, which will create a 36-month teacher participation program at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey for veterans who served in the armed forces on or after September 11, 2001. The educational expenses incurred by eligible students would be covered under the "Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act," also known as the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

"Who better to have in the classroom teaching our children than those who bravely dedicated themselves to serving our country," said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "The high unemployment rate among our veterans is unacceptable and there will be a great need for a new generation of teachers in coming years. We need to establish initiatives such as VETeach that will provide an avenue for veterans to pursue careers in education while helping to place role models in the classroom."

The establishment of the pilot program represents on of a series of veteran employment initiatives to be advanced under the auspices of Operation College Promise, which provides resources to help veterans maximize the education benefits they have earned.

The program will lead to a baccalaureate degree and completion of the requirements necessary to apply to the State Board of Examiners for a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, which will authorize veterans to seek employment as a teacher in grades K through 8, and in certain secondary education fields.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for veterans who served since September 11, 2001, was 11.5% in 2010, much higher than the national average.

Additionally, a 2009 report by the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future found that more than a third of the nation's 3.2 million teachers could retire in the next four years.

"The high attrition rate among new teachers of nearly 33% is also troubling, and leavers school districts with a loss of teaching talent that is becoming more difficult to replace. The program may also serve to attract a greater number of men and minorities, groups which are currently underrepresented in the teaching progression," added Jasey.

Quijano Bill to Combat Cyber Terrorism Advanced by Assembly Panel

2011-12-13T11:18:00.000-05:00

Bill Comes After Testimony on NJ's Vulnerability

(Trenton) - Legislation Assembly Homeland Security Chairwoman Annette Quijano sponsored to protect New Jersey's critical infrastructure and guard the state against cyber terrorism and cyber attacks was advanced Monday by an Assembly panel.

The bill (A-4369) establishes a Cyber Security Bureau within the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness dedicated to the protection of the state's cyber security infrastructure, including the identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities, deterring and responding to cyber events and promoting cyber security awareness within the State.

The bureau is required to work in conjunction with the Office of Information Technology to establish statewide policies, standards, programs and services relating to cyber security and geographic information systems.

"Cyber terrorism represents one of the greatest challenges to national security in this country because of the complex and technical nature of computer information systems and the ability of terrorists to initiate an attack on critical infrastructure from a remote location," said Quijano (D-Union), who heard testimony on New Jersey's vulnerability to cyber terrorism and attacks before her committee advanced the bill. "New Jersey's critical infrastructure increasingly relies on computer networks and information technology, so it's imperative that we combat the threat of cyber terrorism that would disrupt the state's computer networks and ultimately jeopardize the State's critical functions, including law enforcement and public works.

The bill also requires the Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to appoint a Chief Cyber Security Officer from among his staff. The chief cyber security officer would be authorized to maintain electronic data relating to the state's critical infrastructure, and to coordinate activities with private sector entities and not-for-profit groups regarding cyber incidents and potential cyber threats.

"This much is clear - we need to be actively protecting the state's computer networks, responding to cyber events and promoting cyber security awareness within the state," Quijano said. "We need the dedicated and full-time focus a Cyber Security Bureau would provide as a single, cohesive office. Right now we have separate agencies handling different cyber security issues, and one of the big reasons this bill was drafted was to consolidate those efforts into a single, dedicated department."

The bill was released by the Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee.

Assembly Panel Approves Lampitt Bill Requiring Schools to have Defibrillators On Hand to Help Save Lives

2011-12-12T16:46:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt requiring every public school district to provide and maintain an automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site at each school complex was approved by an Assembly panel on Monday.

"This is a simple move that can potentially save lives, especially when we've seen a number of tragic deaths among student athletes in recent years," said Lampitt (D-Camden). "Because of recent technological advances, portable automated external defibrillators have become an important, life-saving medical tool. With broad deployment of AEDs among trained responders, as many as 50,000 deaths due to sudden cardiac arrest can be prevented each year."

Each year, more than 250,000 Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest. According to medical experts, the key to survival is timely initiation of a "chain of survival". including CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Trained non-medical personnel can use these simplified electronic machines to treat a person in cardiac arrest. The American Heart Association notes that at least 20,000 lives could be saved annually by prompt use of AEDs.

Lampitt noted that at least 16 other states require or encourage schools to have portable defibrillators on hand.

Under the bill's (A-1036) provisions, the board of education of the district would determine what constitutes a school complex which could be a single public school building or a group of public school buildings. The district would make its determination based upon the grade levels of the district, distance between buildings, and the type of communication system in place in the district.

The bill also requires the school district to arrange for training in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and the use of a defibrillator for school nurses and any other staff members the district may designate. The district must ensure the presence of a staff person who is certified in the operation and use of an automated external defibrillator for any school-sponsored or school approved curricular or extra-curricular event or activity which occurs at the school complex.

Additionally, the bill provides immunity from civil liability for a public school district and its employees in accordance with current law on the use of defibrillators.

The measure was unanimously approved by the Assembly Education Committee and now awaits consideration by the full Assembly.

Assembly Panel OK'S Diegnan's 'Tabitha's Law' Requiring Parents to Notify School of a Child's Absence

2011-12-12T15:29:00.000-05:00

Measure Inspired by Nashville Teen's Disappearance is Designed to Help Law Enforcement in the Event of a Missing Child

(Trenton) - An Assembly panel on Monday approved "Tabitha's Law," legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr., which would require parents to notify a school if a child will be absent, a move inspired by the disappearance of a Nashville teen.

"It's well known that the first few hours of a child's abduction are the most vital to the recovery process," said Diegnan (D-Middlesex). "Tabitha's Law is meant to provide families and law enforcement with an early warning trigger during that critical time. Our hearts go out to the family of Tabitha Tudor who, to this day, still has not received complete closure."

The bill (A-416) would require parents to notify school administrators whenever their child will be absent from school, and requires administrators to contact parents whenever a pupil is absent without the parent's having provided prior notice.

On the morning of April 29, 2003, 13-year-old Nashville, Tennessee student, Tabitha Tudor, did not show up to school. Although school administrators had received no notification from Tabitha's parents that she would be absent that day, the school failed to alert the Tudors of their daughter's unexplained absence. As a result, her parents did not learn that Tabitha was missing until after her father arrived home at 4:45 p.m. Due to the delay, law enforcement officials and Tabitha's parents lost an entire day before their search could begin. Tabitha is still missing.

The measure was unanimously approved by the Assembly Education Committee and now awaits consideration by the full Assembly.

Assembly Panel OK's Conaway Bill to Allow Military Personnel Serving Overseas To Get Married in NJ

2011-12-12T12:19:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Herb Conaway, M.D. (D-Burlington/Camden) that would make it possible for military men and women serving overseas to marry their significant other back home was approved Monday by an Assembly panel.

The bill (A-4170) would authorize marriage and civil union by proxy for men and women in the military whose service in a war or conflict prevents them from appearing in person to obtain the marriage or civil union license and participate in the actual wedding ceremony.

"For service men and women, the call to serve can come at any moment. Putting civilian life on hold is part of the course for deployed soldiers, but not being able to get married because the law requires them to be in the state is wrong," said Conaway. "This measure will allow soldiers serving overseas to exchange 'I do's', even when they are thousands of miles away."

Under the bill, a member of the Armed Forces or National Guard who is stationed overseas and serving in a conflict or a war and is unable to appear for the licensure and solemnization of his or her marriage or civil union may enter into that marriage or civil union by the appearance of an attorney-in-fact, commissioned and empowered in writing for that purpose through a power of attorney.

The attorney-in-fact must personally appear before the licensing officer with the person who is not serving overseas, and present the original power of attorney signed by the party stationed overseas and acknowledged by a notary or witnessed by two officers of the Armed Forces or the National Guard.

The power of attorney would state that its purpose is solely to authorize the attorney-in-fact to obtain a marriage or civil union license on the person's behalf, and to participate in the solemnization of the marriage or civil union. The original power of attorney would be a part of the marriage or civil union certificate upon registration.

"Military life is filled with sacrifices for those who serve. Their commitment to our country is commendable; it should not keep them from fulfilling a marriage proposal," said Conaway. "The hope is that every soldier deployed returns home safely. But if a soldier wants to get married while stationed overseas, then he or she should have the option to do so."

The bill was released 5-0 by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Albano & Milam Bill to Ensure Fallen New Jersey Armed Forces Members Receive Honors Advanced By Assembly Panel

2011-12-12T11:59:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation Assemblymen Nelson T. Albano and Matthew W. Milam sponsored to ensure New Jersey honors its fallen members of the Armed Forces was released Monday by an Assembly committee.

The bill (A-3507) requires the Governor to direct the Adjutant General of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to notify local government to fly United States and state flags half-staff upon death of member of Armed Forces who was a state resident.

"The purpose of the bill, quite simply, is to honor all brave service members who have served this state and our country so selflessly and who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom - their lives," Albano said. "Flying flags at half-staff to honor their bravery may already be a regular practice, but it's right to make it a requirement."

"Requiring the state to honor the brave sacrifice of our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters and neighbors is the proper thing to do," Milam said. "They have given the greatest sacrifice to defend our freedoms, so the least we can do is require their memories to be appropriately honored."

The bill was released 5-0 by the Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Greenwald Bill to Expand NJ Wedding Market OK'D by Assembly Committee

2011-12-12T11:43:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Lou Greenwald (D-Camden) to invigorate the state's wedding market was released Monday by an Assembly panel.

The bill (A-4366) gives New Jersey's tourism and hospitality industry a competitive advantage over states across the region and the country by eliminating the current 72-hour waiting period and streamlining residency requirements.

"This bill provides New Jersey's small weddings market with a shot in the arm," said Greenwald. "By gaining a competitive edge over our neighboring states, we will create jobs and jump-start the small businesses that make up New Jersey's wedding and tourism industry."

The bill would eliminate the current mandatory 72-hour waiting period for issuance of a marriage or civil union license after an application is made, giving New Jersey a competitive edge over neighboring states. The current waiting period, established in 1934, makes it cumbersome for out of state residents to plan weddings at New Jersey's many tourism destinations, depriving local economies of needed tourism dollars.

In addition, A-4366 streamlines residency requirements for New Jerseyans applying for marriage and civil union licenses. Under current law, residents must apply for a marriage or civil union license in a municipality where either applicant resides, making it less convenient for residents to wed at one of the state's over 50 destination wedding facilities and other premier accommodations. A-4366 allows residents to apply for licenses in the municipality where the wedding ceremony is to be performed as well.

By eliminating the waiting period, A-4366 also makes New Jersey more competitive with neighboring states, including Pennsylvania (72 hour waiting period), New York (24 hours), Delaware (24 hours), and Maryland (48 hours). Under A-4366, New Jersey would join Connecticut and Rhode Island as the only states in the Northeast with no waiting period. 27 other states do not require a minimum waiting period for issuing a marriage or civil union license.

"In streamlining the marriage and civil union license application process, New Jersey will offer a new benefit that our biggest competitors do not," said Greenwald. "With unemployment still at 9 percent, this common-sense bill will stimulate local economies and create jobs in our state."

This bill was released by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Assembly Panel OK's Barnes, McKeon, Gusciora Bill to Halt DEP from Waiving Environmental Rules

2011-12-09T12:39:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - A measure sponsored by Assembly Democrats Peter J. Barnes III, John F. McKeon and Reed Gusciora aimed at halting the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from circumventing various environmental regulations was approved by an Assembly panel on Thursday.

"The DEP does not have the statutory authority to promulgate one set of rules and regulations in order to waive other rules and regulations previously adopted as a result of legislation," said Barnes (D-Middlesex). "Not only does this go against the very purpose of creating legislation, but it also has the potential to harm the environment and the residents of this state."

The resolution (ACR-206) notes that the rules and regulations DEP proposed for public comment in the New Jersey Register on March 7, 2011 to establish a procedure to waive existing rules are not consistent with the original intent of the Legislature.

The waiver, proposed by the DEP in March, would allow the DEP Commissioner to exempt companies from longstanding environmental regulations, potentially harming the environment as well as workers employed in hazardous industries who depend on safe working conditions.

"This is an attempt by the department to completely circumvent a great deal of the environmental protections we have put in place to protect the people of this state," said McKeon. "This is a classic example of this administration acting without regard for the laws of this state, a pattern we've seen repeatedly over the last two years."

"This is the equivalent of letting the fox guard the hen house," said Gusciora. "Without rules in place to preserve our environment, protect the public health and safeguard workers in dangerous industries, the private sector would have carte blanche to do whatever they want."

The measure approved today would give the DEP Commissioner 30 days from the date of transmittal of the resolution to amend or withdraw the proposed rules and regulations, or the Legislature may, by passage of another concurrent resolution, exercise its authority under the Constitution to invalidate the rules and regulations in whole or in part.

The measure was approved by the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee and now awaits consideration before the full Assembly.

Burzichelli Bill To Make New Jersey More Attractive for Jobs and Businesses Advances

2011-12-09T12:17:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - A measure sponsored by Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli that would make New Jersey more attractive for businesses and more competitive for good-paying jobs was advanced by an Assembly panel on Thursday.

The bill (A-4359) would modernize the rules governing the formation of Limited Liability Companies in New Jersey.

Burzichelli is a member of the Red Tape Review Commission formed to find ways to eliminate unnecessary regulation and help stimulate economic development.

"Streamlining the ways companies can form in New Jersey is a smart step toward increased job creation and economic growth," said Burzichelli, Chair of Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). "Common sense bills like this to make it easier for businesses to grow and prosper in our state are what's needed to help navigate through this difficult economy. After all, stronger businesses mean better jobs for New Jersey residents."

The bill would modernize regulations for creating and operating LLCs - a form of unincorporated business organization that provides corporate-style limited liability to its owners with partnership-like capacity.

Significant changes would include:

Eliminating the default and overlooked rule that LLCs have a limited duration;
Allowing LLC operating agreements to be oral, written or implied;
Allocating profits and losses on a per capita basis; and
Providing remedies when members of a company act in an oppressive or harmful way to other members.

The bill was approved by the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee by a vote of 5-0 and now awaits consideration by the full Assembly.

Prieto Statement on Transitional Aid

2011-12-07T16:12:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Assemblyman Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen) released the following statement Monday on the 67-11-1 Assembly vote on the bill (A-4373) he sponsored to appropriate $140.5 million for the state's transitional aid program, including $139 million for eligible municipalities and $1.5 million for oversight:

"The governor's unfortunate decision put public safety, vital services and financial stability at risk in many of New Jersey's cities, but we've taken a major step toward providing this direly needed help. I look forward to this becoming law.

"I applaud today's bipartisan vote, and I hope from this point forward everyone will put public policy above partisan politics when making key decisions that impact public safety and the ability of a city to make its debt payments."

Mainor: Shame on DEP for Greenlighting Gas Pipeline Project, Despite Potential Danger to Jersey City Residents

2011-12-07T15:00:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Assemblyman Charles Mainor today criticized the decision by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to award permits to energy company Spectra for the building of its controversial natural gas pipeline, which will be built partly in Jersey City:

"I'm flabbergasted by the lack of concern for residents in DEP's decision to grant Spectra the permits needed for the building of a gas pipeline through Jersey City.

"The pipeline will be built through some of Jersey City's most densely populated neighborhoods, putting countless residents at terrible risk if there is an accident.

"We saw the dangerous potential of these pipelines in San Bruno, California, where eight people were killed and dozens were injured after a natural gas line explosion last year. With the population density in our city, the potential for catastrophe is simply too great.

"This project doesn't just put lives at risk, but threatens our city's economic vitality, with developers thinking twice about investing in our city because of the pipeline.

"The administration should be ashamed of itself for placing the interests of this energy giant over the safety of our residents, and the prosperity of our city."

O'Donnell Hails Effectiveness of New Infant Heart Screening Law

2011-12-06T16:56:00.000-05:00

Second Newborn Saved Since Law Went Into Effect

(Trenton) - Upon learning of the second newborn's life saved within months of the implementation of a new law he sponsored (A-3744) mandating a pulse oximetry test on newborns at least 24 hours of age, Assemblyman Jason O'Donnell (D-Hudson) released the following statement:

"I am happy to learn of a second baby whose life has been saved because of a pulse oximetry test.

"The effect of this legislation speaks for itself. This test has now saved two lives -- that we know of -- and prevented two families from having to experience a potentially inconceivable loss.

"This simple, low-cost, non-invasive test, when performed on newborns at least 24 hours of age, is saving lives just as we knew it would. Other states should follow New Jersey's example and implement this life-saving procedure, nationwide.

"I will continue to work in the legislature to find real solutions to problems that affect our families and our children.

"I commend the staff both hospitals for their exemplary work, and I wish the Diallo family and the Gordon family all the best."

Johnson Bill to Eliminate Cosmetic Surgery Tax Advanced by Assembly Panel

2011-12-01T16:27:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Gordon Johnson to phase out a cosmetic medical procedures tax that has proven burdensome and ineffective was released Thursday by an Assembly panel.

The bill (A-3646) phases out the tax implemented in 2004.

"This tax has proven ineffective and an economic hardship to New Jersey residents and businesses," said Johnson (D-Bergen). "This phase-out will gradually alleviate the financial and administrative burdens associated with the tax. Since it was imposed, the tax has increased overall costs for recipients of cosmetic medical procedures, and imposed an administrative burden on the medical offices billing the procedures and the state agencies charged with the administration and enforcement of the tax. It's time to get rid of it."

Under the bill, the 6 percent rate of tax currently imposed on the gross receipts from cosmetic medical procedures is reduced by two percent per year over a three-year period:

On or after July 1, 2011 but before July 1, 2012 the rate of tax imposed will be 4 percent;
On or after July 1, 2012 but before July 1, 2013 the rate of tax will be percent; and
On or after July 1, 2013 the rate of tax will be eliminated.

The cosmetic medical procedures gross receipts tax is a state tax imposed on the purchase of cosmetic medical procedures. The tax applies to amounts paid for services and for any property or occupancy required for, or associated with, the performance of a cosmetic medical procedure, and is paid by the subject of the procedure and collected by persons responsible for billing the services.

Examples of taxable procedures include cosmetic surgery, hair transplants, cosmetic injections, cosmetic soft tissue fillers, dermabrasion and chemical peel, laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing, laser treatment of leg veins, sclerotherapy and cosmetic dentistry.

"As we're looking to create jobs and economic development, an ineffective tax like this that very likely is chasing jobs and medical work to other states quite simply needs to go," Johnson said.

The bill was released 12-0 by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Schaer Asks Christie To Investigate Port Authority's Pattern of Misleading Public In Light of Latest Toll Hike Revelations

2011-12-01T15:42:00.000-05:00

(Passaic) - Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer on Thursday wrote to Governor Christie asking the administration to immediately investigate whether the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has repeatedly misled the public after the latest revelation that the agency no longer intends to use funds from the recent toll hikes to rebuild the World Trade Center site, a claim the agency initially made numerous times when requesting the hikes.

In Schaer's letter to Christie, he calls for the investigation in light of a series of recent events in which the agency appears to have "purposely misled the public in matters regarding toll increases, infrastructure replacement, allocation of funds to he World Trade Center and employee compensation."

"If true, some of the actions taken by the PANYNJ appear to be abusive to commuters and business people, many of whom are concentrated in my own Bergen and Passaic County legislative district," Schaer (D-Bergen/Essex/Passaic) noted in his letter. "Respectfully, I ask on behalf of my constituents, that your Administration, in concert with the State of New York, immediately investigate what was obviously and unfortunately become a recurring pattern of behavior at an independent authority critical to the economic viability of our region."

"At a time of historic lack of public faith in the institutions of government, this behavior continues to undermine the public's trust," he concluded.

Coutinho and Johnson Bill to Preserve Biological Evidence in Unsolved Crimes Approved by Assembly Panel

2011-11-30T16:30:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Albert Coutinho and Gordon M. Johnson that would help law enforcement with cold cases by requiring certain agencies to preserve biological evidence in unsolved crimes has been approved by an Assembly committee.

"The evolution of forensic science has helped law enforcement apprehend people who committed a crime, but managed to escape the law for years. The technology has caught up to criminals, but it is useless if the biological evidence that can crack a cold case and bring a criminal to justice is lost," said Coutinho (D-Essex/Union). "By ensuring that this evidence is preserved in cases that remain unsolved, we can assist law enforcement agencies in capturing criminals who have eluded the law, and provide justice for victims and their families."

The bill (A-3994) would require agencies responsible for collecting, storing, and retrieving biological evidence secured in relation to the investigation or prosecution of a crime to preserve that state's custody. The bill would also require the agency to produce the preserved evidence at the request of the court. Under the bill, biological evidence means any item that contains blood, semen, hair, saliva, skin, fingernail scrapings, bone, bodily fluids, or other identifiable biological material.

The chief evidence custodian of an agency that could not locate evidence it was required to preserve under the bill, would be required, under penalty of perjury, to provide an affidavit describing the efforts taken to locate it, and how despite those efforts, it could not be located. The bill also specifies that any inmate, who was denied a court motion to have DNA testing conducted because the biological evidence could not be found, would be entitled to request a new search. The responsible agency would have 30 days to conduct such a search. If the evidence is located, the agency would have 10 days to notify the person responsible for submitting a new motion to the court requesting the DNA testing. If the evidence is not found, the chief evidence custodian would be required, under penalty of perjury, to provide an affidavit describing the efforts taken to locate it, and how despite those efforts, it could not be located.

Any person who destroys, or otherwise tampers with evidence or who knowingly fails to produce evidence in the agency's custody would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.

"Just like new technologies can help solve cold cases, they can also help clear people who were convicted of a crime they never committed. There have been numerous reports of innocent people released after years spent in prison after they were cleared by DNA testing," said Johnson (D-Bergen). "Keeping the wrong person in prison is an injustice to the person serving the wrongful sentence, and the victim of whom justice was supposed to be served. If there is evidence that can prove the innocence of a person who is incarcerated, then it must be made available."

The bill was released by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee.

Assembly Panel to Continue Job Creation & Economic Development Effort

2011-11-30T16:06:00.000-05:00

Job Training, Small Biz Expansion, Job Creation & Retention on Agenda

(Trenton) - The Assembly Appropriations Committee will meet Thursday to continue the Assembly's job creation and economic development push by considering bills to promote job training for out-of-work residents, encourage small business expansion and entice businesses to engage in economic development, job creation and the preservation of existing jobs.

Thursday's hearing is slated from 11 a.m. in Committee Room 11 on the 4th Floor of the State House Annex in Trenton. Audio of the hearing will be streamed live at: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/media/live_audio.asp

The following will be considered:

Renewed legislation Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic) sponsored to create the Back to Work NJ program to help out-of-work residents receive on-the-job training from potential employers (A-4332). The program has proven effective in Georgia and been included in President Obama's jobs plan, but Gov. Christie vetoed a previous version earlier this year.
Legislation to establish the Grow New Jersey Assistance Program tax credit incentive program for New Jersey-based companies that retain and create new jobs (A-4306). It's sponsored by Albert Coutinho (D-Essex) and Herb Conaway M.D. (D-Burlington/Camden).
A bill to create a loan program within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to help small businesses expand (A-4336). It's sponsored by Daniel R. Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex), Coutinho, and Troy Singleton (D-Burlington/Camden).
Legislation sponsored by Gordon Johnson (D-Bergen) to phase out over three years the cosmetic medical surgery tax (A-3646).
A bill (A-4048) to allow for voluntary income tax return contribution to support NJ SHARES, which provides assistance to individuals and families who are in need of temporary help in paying their energy bills. It's sponsored by Elease Evans (D-Passaic/Bergen), Upendra Chivukula (D-Somerset/Middlesex), Charles Mainor (D-Hudson), Jason O'Donnell (D-Hudson), and Ruben J. Ramos Jr. (D-Hudson).

Riley and Albano Bill to Further Protect Crime Victims Advanced by Assembly Committee

2011-11-30T15:52:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly members Celeste M. Riley and Nelson T. Albano to bolster the rights of crime victims has been approved by an Assembly panel.

The bill (A-2558) would enhance existing law by making several amendments and additions to the "Crime Victim's Bill of Rights", including the right to be treated with dignity and compassion by the criminal justice system, the right to be advised of case progress and final disposition and the right to make an in-person statement directly to the sentencing court.

"A trial can be a trying experience for crime victims and surviving relatives and friends," said Riley (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester). "Strengthening the rights rendered to these victims ensures they are afforded the best legal means to present their case, and are treated with respect and compassion as they seek justice for the crime committed against them."

"The road to justice is not an easy one. Crime victims must often relive the damage committed against them during arduous criminal proceedings," said Albano (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). "We owe it to these victims to ensure they are protected during the trial process, and are given the resources to hold responsible those who caused them harm."

The bill would ensure crime victims are entitled to the following:

protection from harassment or abuse by anyone involved in the criminal justice process
medical assistance reasonably related to the incident
be notified in a timely manner, if his or her presence in court is not needed, or if any scheduled court proceeding has be adjourned or cancelled
be compensated for loss sustained whenever possible
be able to confer with the prosecution to keep adequately informed about the case
submit a written statement prior to the prosecution deciding whether it will accept a negotiated plea or request by the defendant for pretrial intervention program

The bill would also allow survivors of the victim to wear a button with the picture of the victim during any judicial proceeding involving the accused (as long as the court determines it will not deprive the defendant of his or her sixth amendment right), and display a photograph or computer generated or video presentation of the victim when a statement is given.

The bill was released by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Wagner, Gusciora Bill protecting NJ From Contaminated Fracking Water Advances

2011-11-29T15:17:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - A key Assembly panel on Monday advanced legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Connie Wagner and Reed Gusciora to protect New Jersey residents from contaminated wastewater produced by the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing or "fracking."

"We don't want think process in New Jersey, and we don't want the wastewater either," said Wagner (D-Bergen). "Radioactive water can go elsewhere, especially places that promote and encourage drilling practice for whatever reason. For me, protecting New Jerseyans and their families are always my priority."

Fracking is a drilling technique used to expand existing fractures or create new fractures in rock by injecting water, often laced with chemicals, sand, and other substances, and often under high pressure, into or underneath the surface of the rock, typically for the purpose of natural gas exploration and production. The wastewater can be polluted with contaminants such as radium, benzene, barium, and strontium.

The measure approved on Monday (A-4321) would prohibit hydraulic fracturing wastewater produced in any state from being treated, discharged, disposed, or stored in New Jersey.

"Even with federal regulators finally agreeing to take a look at this issue, it's important that we make this move to protect both the public and our natural resources," said Gusciora (D-Mercer). "The last thing we want is this radioactive water ending up in our streams and rivers where it would cause environmental and health problems."

Wagner has been a leader in sponsoring legislation to protect New Jerseyans by prohibiting fracking in the state. Both sponsors said they were especially concerned that the wastewater could end up in rivers and streams.

The measure was approved by the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee by a vote of 4-1-1 and now awaits consideration by the full Assembly.

Ramos, Caputo & Johnson Bill Promoting Car-Sharing Programs Continues Advancing

2011-11-29T15:07:00.000-05:00

Measure Stems from Hoboken Program

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Ruben J. Ramos, Jr., Ralph R. Caputo and Gordon Johnson to promote car-sharing initiatives by exempting nonprofit car-sharing organizations from the $5 surcharge on motor vehicle rentals continues advancing toward law.

"This is a new and innovative program that can bring savings to taxpayers and dramatically improve the quality of life for urban residents by reducing congestion, eliminating parking hassles and cutting pollution," said Ramos (D-Hudson). "Anything we can do to entice people to use services like this is a plus."

A car-sharing organization offers members an alternative to car ownership by allowing members to schedule time to utilize vehicles from a fleet on an hourly basis.

The Hoboken car sharing program - Corner Cars - is a public-private partnership though which car-sharing vehicles are distributed citywide at reserved on-street locations. Started in June, 2010, the program has over 1,000 members. City officials estimate that the program will result in removing 750 cars from Hoboken streets.

Under the legislation (A-3233) non-profit car-sharing organizations would be completely exempt from the $5 surcharge on New Jersey motor vehicle renters put in place in 2002. For profit companies would be allowed to offer a pro-rated surcharge of $0.25 an hour for vehicles scheduled for less than 24 hours of use by an individual.

"With this legislation, we're making it clear that we support this concept and want to see it succeed, not just in Hoboken, but in urban communities across the state," said Caputo (D-Essex). "Car-sharing programs benefit everyone, especially low-income residents who might need the mobility a car provides but who do not have the means to purchase one outright."

"Tackling congestion in our urban areas through innovative programs that make life easier for working class families is always a good thing," said Johnson (D-Bergen). "This is a smart approach and one we should be promoting throughout the state."

The Assembly Appropriations Committee recently released the measure 9-3.

Vainieri Huttle, Coutinho, Quijano & Spencer Bill to Protect Sexually Abused Children Advanced by Assembly Panel

2011-11-28T16:13:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - An Assembly panel on Monday approved legislation sponsored by Assembly members Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Albert Coutinho, Annette Quijano and L. Grace Spencer to protect sexually exploited minors.

The bill (A-3700-3934) would provide an affirmative defense to any person under 18 who engages in prostitution. An affirmative defense is an explanation for a defendant's actions that excuses or justifies his behavior. The bill intends to address situations where minors are charged criminally as a result of being a victim of sexual abuse. Currently, a person is afforded an affirmative defense to a charge of prostitution only if the person is a victim of human trafficking.

"Making a criminal out of an exploited child who was forced into prostitution under tragic circumstances is a complete moral failure," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "Prostitution is not a choice for these children. This bill ensures that these young victims are helped, not hurt even more by being treated as criminals."

The bill would also require that care services be provided for sexually exploited juveniles charged with prostitution or juvenile victims of human trafficking. The bill would amend various sections of the current juvenile code to ensure these services are rendered.

"We rightfully protect children who have been victims of human trafficking and forced into prostitution. Why are we not extending the same level of protection to our children here in this country?" asked Coutinho (D-Essex/Union). "These children have been exploited over and over again by adults who failed them; they should not be victimized again by the legal system."

"Most of these children escaped an abusive environment only to find themselves in another one even worse. Turning them into criminals for unspeakable acts being done to them doesn't serve justice," said Quijano (D-Union). "These children were failed by those entrusted with their safety. It is our responsibility to rectify the injustices committed against them."

"This bill strengthens our current laws so that children who have been exploited are not only protected, but will receive the care they need," said Spencer (D-Essex/Union). "These children fell prey to horrendous circumstances and unscrupulous individuals. We must ensure children who have been sexually exploited are treated as victims and are provided with appropriate services, including shelter, care, counseling and crisis intervention services."

The bill was released by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Wagner Bill to Make Use of Mass Transit on Weekends During Special Events Easier Advanced by Assembly Panel

2011-11-28T15:43:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Connie Wagner requiring publicly owned or operated parking facilities associated with rail service be open on weekends when a special event is taking place in New Jersey was approved Monday by an Assembly panel.

"New Jersey has a tradition of providing its citizens with the finest in sports and entertainment, namely at the Meadowlands, but the state hasn't always made it convenient to use mass transit to get to these events," said Wagner (D-Bergen). "The Meadowlands rail line, for instance, provides the public with the ability to enjoy these events while avoiding the stress and hassle associated with driving and parking, but public parking at the local rail passenger service, would have to be open to the public on the weekends and other times outside weekday commuting hours during a special event.

Special events would include spectacular sporting events, trade shows, expositions, concerts and other public events in the state.

"When the public cannot easily access public transit on the weekends when big events are taking place at the Meadowlands, the rail station is underutilized, wasting the extensive monetary investment made in the facility," Wagner said. "We should be doing all we can to promote mass transit use in this state, and this bill is a common sense step forward."

The bill was released by the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee for consideration.

Moriarty Bill to Help Businesses & Workers Avoid Layoffs Advanced by Assembly Committee

2011-11-28T12:37:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Paul Moriarty to help both New Jersey businesses and workers avoid layoffs was released Monday by an Assembly panel.

The bill (A-3818) is designed to encourage employers who must reduce their employees' work hours because of economic conditions to avoid layoffs by sharing the remaining work.

That would be achieved by permitting, under certain circumstances, a full-time employee to receive unemployment benefits when the employee's weekly work time is reduced by 10 percent or more. The bill also permits the employee to attend an approved training program while receiving those benefits.

"This is a creative and unique approach to helping New Jerseyans stay on the job," said Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden). "Anything we can do to avoid layoffs is a good thing, and this is a way for both workers and businesses to benefit while keeping people off full-time unemployment. This is the sensible and decent thing to do for hard-working New Jerseyans and the businesses that employ them."

The bill provides that an employer of at least 10 full-time non-seasonal employees may provide a shared work program if approved by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The program may be approved for one year with annual renewals up request.

"Job creation and economic development needs to be our priority," Moriarty said. "We can approach that goal in many ways, and this is a new way to keep people employed and give them the financial security while providing stability to businesses working their way through this difficult economy."

The employer is required to sustain existing fringe benefits levels, not to hire additional part-time or full-time employees or make unreasonable revisions of workloads; to provide information needed to monitor compliance and to certify that if a labor union represents the employees, it has agreed to the terms of the program.

Under an approved program, an employee is eligible for "short-term" unemployment benefits if:

The employee's weekly work hours are reduced at least 10 percent of normal full-time hours;
The employee would be eligible for regular unemployment benefits during the week if the employee was entirely unemployed; and
The employee is available to work normal full-time hours.

Short-time weekly benefits paid to an eligible individual would be equal to the individual's weekly benefit rate multiplied by the percentage of reduction of his wages for the week.

The benefits are limited to 26 weeks during a benefit year, but the weeks may be nonconsecutive. No person may receive both short-term benefits and regular unemployment benefits during the same week. The combined total of regular and short-term unemployment benefits for an employee during a benefit year is limited to the maximum amount of regular unemployment benefits allowed.

All short-time benefits are charged to the account of the employer that provides the shared work program. The bill requires the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, three years after the effective date of this bill, to submit a report to the Legislature assessing the implementation of the bill's provisions and their impact on the State Unemployment Compensation Fund, evaluating the effectiveness of shared work programs approved by the division and making any recommendations for appropriate legislative or administrative action necessary to further the purposes of this bill.

With Holiday Shopping Kicking Into High Gear, Diegnan & Moriarty Target Christie's Anti-Business Anti-Consumer Law

2011-11-23T12:05:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - With the holiday shopping season kicking into high gear, Assembly Democrats Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr. and Paul Moriarty are advancing legislation to reverse Gov. Chris Christie's anti-business and anti-consumer law that made it easier for the state to claim unused money orders, traveler's checks and gift cards.

The bill (A-3250) was advanced Monday by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. It reverses changes governing the state's treatment of unclaimed property that were made as part of the budget signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie in June 2010.

"The governor's changes aggressively shortened the abandonment periods for money orders and travelers checks and created a state claim on unused gift cards," said Diegnan (D-Middlesex). "These changes have caused a significant amount of uncertainty for consumers and businesses alike. It was anti-business and anti-consumer. It was the wrong thing to do and must be fixed."

"The governor's changes were decidedly anti-consumer and anti-business at a time when we should be protecting both," said Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden). "This bill restores sanity to the system and protects the public's rights to their unclaimed property. The last thing we should do is allow a terrible law to continue creating uncertainty for consumers and businesses."

As a component to the state fiscal year 2011 budget proposal, Gov. Christie and Republicans made revisions to the state's statutory treatment of unclaimed property, aggressively shortening the periods of abandonment for money orders and travelers checks.

The law also authorized state escheatment of unused stored value cards.

The Diegnan-Moriarty bill reverses the 2010 changes.

It restores the 15-year abandonment period for travelers checks and the seven-year abandonment period for money orders.

Under the Christie and legislative Republican 2010 changes, travelers checks and money orders were subject to a three year abandonment period.

The bill also provides that stored value cards issued on or after the bill's date of enactment are not subject to state escheatment.

DeAngelo Encourages Holiday Shoppers to Participate in "Small Business Saturday'

2011-11-23T11:51:00.000-05:00

Assemblyman Urges New Jerseyans to Invest in their Community by Shopping At Local Small Businesses

(Hamilton Twp.) - With holiday hunters planning their Thanksgiving weekend shopping excursions, Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo today urged New Jerseyans to participate in the second annual "Small Business Saturday" - held this year on Saturday, November 26, 2011 - to help reinvigorate local small businesses that can spur economic growth in our communities. The Small Business Saturday initiative is a national effort to encourage customers shopping at one of the busiest times of year to purchase goods sold at their local community small businesses. By purchasing goods at these local shops, a significant portion of the money spent on items return to the community through payroll for employees, taxes, and other expenses.

"In between Black Friday and Cyber-Monday, consumers should spend Small Business Saturday of their holiday weekend by shopping locally to help support their friends and neighbors who are working to keep their businesses viable through this tough economy," said DeAngelo (D-Hamilton). "Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and should be on top of everyone's list of stores to visit this weekend whether it's a toy store, bike shop, clothing store of hobby shop."

According to the Small Business Administration, there are almost 780,000 small businesses in our state. Small businesses account for 98.4 percent of New Jersey employers.

"While many shoppers tend to gravitate toward the big box retailers who have launched heavy advertising campaigns geared toward the holiday bargain shoppers, Small Business Saturday is aimed at keeping shoppers in the stores close to their homes that offer quality merchandise at affordable prices. Holiday shoppers will be able to cross gifts off their 'to-buy' lists while retailers will benefit from the added number of customers that will hopefully return to the stores throughout the year."

11/22/11 Thoughts

2011-11-22T16:13:00.000-05:00

Reading Doc’s blog I am happy to read that he has given my running mates and I credit for running a professional, clean campaign, in which my running mates and I discussed the issues impacting the State of New Jersey. In fact, I do not recall with all the mailings that we sent out, us ever mentioning our opponents by name. I campaigned very hard in every town in my district (over a year of campaigning!). I want to congratulate my two opponents for running a clean campaign.

In fact, the Board of Education in Clark invited me back five times to participate in different programs dealing with education in Clark. So, I am very proud of the results we received on Election Day. Winning by over four thousand votes showed me that the hard work paid off.

There is one area that I would like to bring to some of the bloggers here in the City of Plainfield in reference to why in the City of Plainfield that my running mates received more votes than I did. The first is that I knew there would be a backlash with me supporting a new law that now prevents a person with a record from running for the Board of Education. I accepted the fact that I got blamed for it, when there were other legislators, especially in Atlantic and Burlington counties, that had similar concerns. I was one of the sponsors of the bill. Both houses, the Senate and the Assembly, voted almost unanimously in support of the bill, with the Governor signing the bill into law. So I knew, especially when some members of the Plainfield Board of Ed, came out openly against what I did, I knew it would cause a backlash.

Secondly, I have not at this particular time, committed to any candidates for future elections, because I have publicly made it clear that I would like to spend next year working to get President Obama re-elected. So when people feel that you are not committed to them, they are not going to raise money, or knock on doors, because they feel a lack of commitment; and I accept that.

The last issue is one that has been going on for quite some time here in the City of Plainfield in which this year I had more support than I had in the past when it came down to the support my colleagues received and what I received, especially in the 2nd Ward. As Chairman of the Party in the City of Plainfield, it is my job to get Democrats elected in November. When that happens, some do a good job, and some do a bad job. Whether they do good or bad, I get blamed for their actions.

I had numerous people call me up, some being Democrats outside of Plainfield, who told me they were getting phone calls and emails saying, “Vote for everyone in Column A except for Jerry Green.” Although there were some people reminding white voters in the district that I was a black male who is responsible for the condition of Plainfield; as well as saying that my opponent who ran opposite of me, and I do not know if this was done by design even though I believe it was, who was a white female lawyer, would bring more credibility to the district than I have done. I feel these sorts of phone calls cross the line. That is why I am not blaming my opponents because this is something that has been going on for a long time.

In the City, with all of these things that I have mentioned, and everyone else in Column A receiving roughly 200 more votes than I did, I consider that a victory. I am hoping that moving forward; they would realize that this handful of people will not cause me to get into the gutter because everyone who worked for me, including myself, supported all the Democrats in Column A. Again, in the entire District, we all received roughly the same amounts of votes. For me to feed into that type of nonsense would not have worked to my advantage.

So I am proud of those who ignored these phone calls and emails, as well as those who voted for me, still believing in me after serving 20 years in the Assembly, and am looking forward to the next two years in representing the 22nd District.

I am going to continue to be Chairman of Housing and Local Government. I look forward taking on housing issues, as well as working with towns to improve the quality of life for the people here in the State of New Jersey. I will also be Speaker Pro Tempore, which gives me the opportunity to be part of leadership.

Greenwald: Millionaire's Tax Poll Shows Governor Just Doesn't Get It

2011-11-22T16:10:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald (D-Camden), the incoming Assembly Majority Leader, released the following statement Friday on a Quinnipiac University poll showing 64 percent support asking the wealthiest taxpayers to help with state budget woes:

"It's becoming more and more clear that Gov. Christie simply doesn't get it.

"As they did at the polls last week, New Jerseyans continue to reject the Governor's priorities of standing with millionaires at the expense of middle class families and seniors.

"The Governor's trickle-down philosophy makes for standing ovations at Tea Party retreats and right-wing conferences, but it hasn't revived New Jersey's economy, just as the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy failed to help the nation avoid a recession.

"It's time to focus on job creation and property tax relief for middle class families and seniors, not tax breaks for millionaires. New Jersey's families and seniors get the property tax relief they've been denied by the governor.

"New Jerseyans, no matter the income, know the true problem in this state is the onerous property tax that discriminates against the middle-class, senior citizens and the poor. It's time for the governor to join in our efforts to ensure relief for everyone, not just the wealthiest few."

McKeon Decries Christie Decision to Choose Polluter Profits Over People

2011-11-22T16:03:00.000-05:00

(South Orange) - Assembly Environment Committee Chair John F. McKeon (D-Essex) on Friday called Governor Christie to rethink his decision to opt out of a multi-state effort to require coal plants in 27 states to reduce harmful emissions that contribute to pollution in other states.

In doing so, McKeon decried Christie's decision to opt out of the effort to force some of the nation's biggest polluters to comply with an Environmental Protection Agency rule, which many western and southern states are fighting.

"This decision absolutely defies common sense. Essentially the Governor is sitting on his hands and siding with polluters. The Northeast has been a leader in reducing harmful emissions and it's time many other parts of the country caught up.

"Each state does not live in a vacuum. One state's irresponsible emissions standards have the ability to impact millions of people in other states. The Governor's decision to turn a blind eye to this reality demonstrates a careless disregard for the well-being of New Jersey residents.

"At the same time, his decision to join a lawsuit to force one Pennsylvania coal plant to reduce its emissions sends a costly mixed signal. It would be much more fiscally prudent to fight these harmful polluters through one collaborative multi-state effort than on a more expensive, case-by-case basis," said McKeon.

Ramos Bill Would Help Victims Fight Repercussions of Online Identity Theft

2011-11-22T15:54:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Assemblyman Ruben J. Ramos, Jr. is sponsoring legislation that would expand the options available to prosecutors and victims to address online identity theft.

The bill (A-4143), entitled the "Digital Impersonation Prevention Act," would make impersonating a person online a crime punishable with a fine of up to $1,000, a maximum prison sentence of one year, or both. In addition, a person who is harmed as a result of another person's "digital impersonation" may bring a civil action for statutory damages of $500 per occurrence, compensatory damages, and injunctive or other equitable relief against the violator.

"Under this bill, prosecutors would have the option to charge defendants with a violation of either statute or both, depending on the severity of the crime. For example, prosecutors could seek a fine, in addition to a prison sentence and restitution, for serious offenders, while using the digital impersonation charge for minor offenses," said Ramos (D-Hudson).

"The Digital Impersonation Prevention Act also allows the court to award statutory damages. This increases the potential damages that can be awarded in all online identity theft cases, and ensures victims who may have a difficult time putting a monetary amount to the damage caused by the impersonation, will still have a chance to receive compensation," added Ramos.

The bill makes it a third degree crime for a person knowingly, with intent to defraud, and without consent, to credibly impersonate another actual person through or on an Internet website or by other electronic means for the purpose of harming another person, transmitting unsolicited bulk messages or commercial solicitations, or copying or accessing a contact list.

The bill comes on the heels of the case of a Belleville woman accused of creating a fake Facebook page in the name of her ex-boyfriend, a narcotics detective in Parsippany. The attorney for the accused argued that the indictment against his client should be dismissed because current law does not include "electronic communications." A judge earlier this month ruled that digital impersonation can be covered under current identity theft laws, however the bill sponsored by Ramos affords more flexibility to prosecutors and victims, and offers additional remedies.

"We are living in a world where what we know, or what we think we know about other people is often extracted from Facebook and other social media sites," said Ramos. "This bill not only attempts to dispel any ambiguity about what is considered identity theft in New Jersey, but gives those who have fallen prey to bullies and criminals online more ways to right the wrong."

Jasey & Coutinho Charter School Reform Bill Signed into Law

2011-11-14T12:48:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Mila Jasey and Albert Coutinho to help create strong performing charter schools in failing school districts was officially signed into law on Thursday.

"Charter schools have a role to play as we undertake significant education reform measures," said Jasey. "The intention was never to replace regular public schools but rather to provide schools where new approaches and strategies could be tested and then, where successful, shared with their counterparts."

The new law (A-2806) will permit high-performing non-public schools in failing school districts to convert to charter schools upon approval of an expedited application by the state. The application must certify that upon conversion to charter school status the school will prohibit religious instruction, events and activities that promote religious views, and the display of religious symbols. The name of the proposed charter school cannot include any religious reference.

Under the law, the Commissioner of Education is directed to establish an expedited process for the review of such applications.

"Charter schools, if done correctly, can be a vital part in improving our public education system and ensuring quality education for our children," Coutinho said. "By removing some of the obstacles to creating charter schools, we'll be opening the door to a better future for many children while ensuring the proper oversight is in place for a quality education."

The bill, which passed the Assembly by a vote of 59-14-4 in June and the Senate by a vote of 25-13 in September, is part of a larger charter school reform package passed by the Assembly earlier this year.

Oliver, Greenwald, Green, Johnson, Wisniewski & Prieto to Lead Assembly Democratic Majority

2011-11-14T11:50:00.000-05:00

(TRENTON) – The Assembly’s incoming Democratic Majority Caucus on Thursday chose Sheila Y. Oliver to continue as Assembly Speaker and selected Assembly budget chief Lou Greenwald as the new Assembly Majority Leader. Oliver added that John Wisniewski will serve as a key Assembly Deputy Speaker with expanded duties, Vincent Prieto will become the new Assembly Budget Committee chairman, Jerry Green will continue as Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore and Gordon Johnson will serve as Majority Conference leader.

Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic) became the Speaker in January 2010 after first being elected to the Assembly in 2003. As the Speaker, she has led Democratic efforts to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, control property taxes, provide working class tax relief and reform education, while fighting cuts to health care programs for women and the poor and to programs that help distressed cities.

“I’m honored to once again have the chance to lead the ‘People’s House’ and to guide its steadfast efforts standing up for working class New Jerseyans and their families,” said Oliver, of East Orange. “The people have made it clear that they want Democrats leading this house, and we will never waiver from the commitment we’ve made to work together in unity to protect New Jersey’s middle-class and working poor.”

Oliver is the only African-American woman to lead a chamber in the New Jersey Legislature’s history. She is the second woman and second African-American to ever serve as Speaker. She will lead an Assembly controlled 48-32 by Democrats during the upcoming 2012-13 legislative session, a one seat gain from the current session.

“I thank my colleagues for showing me continued confidence and look forward to working with this new leadership team to make New Jersey a more affordable place for everyone to live and raise a family,” Oliver said.

Greenwald (D-Camden) joined the Assembly in 1996. He has been the Assembly Budget Committee Chairman since 2002. Greenwald led the efforts to reform New Jersey’s auto insurance system, sponsored the law creating the Amber Alert system, spearheaded the effort to establish a nationally designated cancer center in South Jersey and has sponsored numerous property tax reform and job creation bills.

“I am humbled by the support of my colleagues and excited by the chance to build on the partnership I developed with Speaker Oliver during my tenure as budget chairman,” said Greenwald, of Voorhees. “I can assure New Jersey residents that this team will be working tirelessly to continue protecting their priorities, whether it’s job creation, property tax relief or accessible health care. The voters have made clear that they want Democrats in charge legislatively, and we will get the job done for them.”

Green (D-Union/Middlesex/Somerset) has served in the Assembly since 1992 and has been Speaker Pro Tempore since 2008. The Plainfield resident has been a leader in fighting for affordable housing reform, protecting children and spurring economic development.

“It’s an honor to continue to work with Speaker Oliver and to be part of this new leadership team that will strive, day in and day out, to make New Jersey a better place,” Green said. “We share the values of New Jersey’s working class residents and will continue making those values our top concern.”

Johnson (D-Bergen), of Englewood, will replace the retiring Joan Quigley as Majority Conference Leader. Johnson, a retired law enforcement official, has been a member of the General Assembly since 2002, sponsoring bills to combat racial profiling and improve emergency preparedness and helping to make the New Jersey Israel Commission permanent.

“I hope to bring a steady hand to my new role guiding this caucus through its public policy decisions with the fundamental goal of advocating for middle-class and poor residents struggling to make ends meet,” Johnson said. “We have some important decisions to make, and I look forward to everyone working together to get things done for the residents who embraced us because we embrace their concerns.”

As one of the senior members of the Assembly Democratic Caucus, Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) will serve as a prominent Assembly Deputy Speaker with expanded duties. First elected in 1995, Wisniewski has chaired the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee since 2002 and has sponsored legislation to make school buses safer, overhaul motor vehicle agency operations, enhance teen driver safety and strengthen fire safety in college dorms and elsewhere.

“We have assembled a leadership team dedicated to working together each and every day to do what’s right for working class families,” Wisniewski said. “With millionaires enjoying the Governor’s tax cuts, it’s more important than ever that we work together to protect New Jersey values and our middle and low income families struggling to make ends meet.”

Prieto (D-Hudson) will replace Greenwald as Budget Committee Chairman. Prieto, a Cuban native, joined the Assembly in 2004. He’s been chairman of the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee and has sponsored legislation advocating for adoptee rights, transportation and infrastructure safety, property tax relief and job creation.

“We understand that living in New Jersey the last two years under the current administration has not been easy for the middle-class and poor, but this leadership team and this caucus will push forward with the constant goal of making New Jersey a more affordable place to live and work,” Prieto said. “The budget committee is where much of that work begins, and I’m committed to using my new position to be a strong advocate for our working class families.”

HCDNNJ Honors Speaker Sheila Oliver and Speaker Pro Tempore Jerry Green as 2011 Legislators of the Year

2011-11-09T13:02:00.000-05:00

(New Jersey) - The Board of Directors for the Housing & Community Development Network of New Jersey (HCDNNJ) has selected Speaker Sheila Oliver and Assemblyman Jerry Green (Chairman of Housing & Local Government Committee) as the 2011 Legislators of the Year. HCDNNJ acknowledges the leadership and tenacity displayed by both legislators in 2011 in working to jump-start the economy by creating affordable housing, and preventing legislative efforts to undermine our state's Mt. Laurel principles.

Speaker Oliver and Chairman Green will be recognized during HCDNNJ'S Semi-Annual Membership Meeting. The meeting is scheduled for Dec. 7, at the Trenton Marriott, at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Milam, Albano, Caputo, Wagner & Ramos Praise Voter Support for Legal Sports Betting in New Jersey Casinos & Racetracks

2011-11-09T12:57:00.000-05:00

(Trenton) - Assembly members Matthew W. Milam, Nelson Albano, Ralph R. Caputo, Connie Wagner and Reuben J. Ramos, Jr. Tuesday thanked voters for green-lighting a constitutional amendment that will allow the Legislature, when permitted by federal law, to legalize sports betting in New Jersey.

Currently, federal law only permits this type of betting in Nevada, Delaware, Oregon and Montana. The constitutional amendment (ACR-167) approved by voters yesterday positions New Jersey to implement sports gaming at Atlantic City casinos and horse racing tracks in the State, if and when the federal law is overturned.

Under the proposal, bets could be placed at the casino or racetrack site on the results of professional, college or amateur sport or athletic events, except on college games that take place in New Jersey or in which a New Jersey college team participates.

"This is a great first step for legal sports wagering in New Jersey," said Milam (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). "With this amendment in place, we can now concentrate on lifting the federal ban so that Atlantic City and the state as a whole can reap the economic benefits of a gaming practice that reportedly generates billions illegally annually."

"Illegal internet gambling sites and bookies are profiting mightily from illegal sports betting as we speak," said Albano (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). "Legalizing the gambling practice in New Jersey would produce additional tax revenue for the state, and set Atlantic City apart from competing casinos in neighboring states. With this vote, we are on our way."

"Without slot machines, racetracks in New Jersey are finding it very hard to keep up with the competition in other states. Legalized sports betting in New Jersey would give our racetracks a competitive edge," said Caputo (D-Essex). "Having this gaming option would help draw more visitors, which would afford the tracks and surrounding amenities a much needed financial boost."

"Our racetracks are fighting an unfair fight against the competition," said Ramos (D-Hudson). "Sports betting is a billion dollar industry, and only four states are allowed by federal law to benefit from legal sports wagering. This is a first step towards adding New Jersey to that list, generating tax dollars, creating jobs and breathing new life into our racetracks."

"The voters have delivered a win not only for Atlantic City casinos, but our racetracks which are struggling to stay afloat," said Wagner (D-Bergen). "Now that voters have made legal sports betting in New Jersey possible, we can start working on turning that vote into actual law so that these types of attractions can benefit from new audiences, and residents from new jobs created."

THANK YOU 22ND LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

2011-11-09T11:29:00.000-05:00

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the voters in the City of Plainfield and the 22nd District. I feel I ran a clean campaign, running on issues, having nothing negative to say about neither the Republican Party nor my opponents.

As we all know on an off-year election, we have a very hard time getting voters out to the polls. But the ones that did come out, it is obvious that they still believe in the local and State Democratic Party. Although leadership on the State level will change, I will still be Chairman of Housing and Local Government, and Speaker Pro Tempore. This will be my 11th term as a member of the New Jersey State Assembly.

This whole campaign, whether it was the Mayor and administration, or the Council, I have given them the respect in terms of not getting involved with how they run the City, and I will continue to take that position. My job is to represent the 22nd District, and as Party chairman, to get people elected.

Unfortunately, in reading some of the blogs, I remember the times when I would get upset or respond negatively when someone goes out of their way to ignore my accomplishments and embarrass me. I want to congratulate my opponents, because some of these comments they have no control of. But in a few blogs, they mention I won in the 22nd District by 4,000 votes.

In an off-year, that is a lot of votes. They mention how Linda Stender received 700 more votes than I received. If you look at the results from Middlesex, we ran very close together. If you look at the votes from Somerset County, you will see we ran closely together. If you look at the votes in Linden and Rahway, you will see that we ran very close together.

So if you take the towns, including part of Plainfield, wherein people were letting me know they received calls reminding them that I was no different than Obama and we were the reason why the country is in bad shape; I find this very offensive. These calls were made by a group of individuals who called into Scotch Plains, Clark, and the Sleepy Hollow section of Plainfield.

So if you take away from these areas that these individuals used the race card, then Linda and I received the same amount of votes in the 22nd District. This is nothing new to me; this has been going on for the past 10 years. But I am taking the time now to let the public know that I am well aware, and I cannot fault anyone.

I am very proud to have worked with the New Democrats as well as the Mayor, in putting our differences aside and getting the job done. It is a shame that these individuals have so much hate in their hearts that they cannot even give the City credit for being a part of one the best campaigns run in recent history.

I am hoping that the Mayor and New Democrats do not feed into this nonsense. As of today, I am moving forward in getting our President re-elected.

Four years ago, when these groups felt the same way about Obama, that is when I stopped taking it personal. They need to wake up and smell the coffee. They have a man of color that is the President of the United States, and one of their candidates running for President is a man of color. So it is obvious that when people makes such statements, that the public is not interested in that sort of talk anymore.

Every year, I have been able to win more and more support within the 2nd Ward. This year, I was very pleased with my support out of the 2nd Ward. I might have ran some votes behind Linda Stender, but just the mere fact that my opponent during the course of her campaign mentioned that she was born and raised in the 22nd District, but failed to mention that she lived in Plainfield.

I live in Plainfield; I love Plainfield and am very proud of Plainfield. I hope everyone can continuously come together to move Plainfield in the right direction.

These blogs that try to intimidate and threaten the New Democrats who supported Column A, not just Jerry Green, are insulting to the people of Plainfield.

So to Doc and Rob, it is time to wake up; this is not 1960, and people are tired of hiding behind the ability to turn the clock back. The Democratic Party as a whole will not always agree, but at least we have the county talking about the great job we have done in moving the City in the right direction.

So anyone interested in working to re-elect President Obama, please reach out for me, for I will be putting my energies into that as well as my job in Trenton.

So moving forward, just like today, I will refuse to get into the gutter and get involved with that sort of politics that the national Republican Party is into. This shows you what they will do to a man if he is not the pick of their choice.

Caputo Reiterates Call to Let Voters Decide On Gaming in North Jersey As New Aqueduct Casino Attracts Droves

2011-11-02T15:17:00.000-04:00

(Belleville) - With the new Aqueduct Casino in Queens drawing lines as long as football fields, Assemblyman Ralph Caputo (D-Essex) on Wednesday stressed the need for legislation he is sponsoring that would bring video lottery terminals (VLTs) to the Meadowlands Race Track and let voters decide if they want more gaming in Bergen County.

"We've buried our head in the sand for far too long now and competition has reached our borders," said Caputo. "Aqueduct's smash opening weekend made it clear that there is a market in the North Jersey/New York area for gaming. Unfortunately, New York beat us out of the gate."

Caputo, who serves on the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee, is the sponsor of two separate bills (A-2458 and A-2550) that would authorize the installation of the VLT's at the Meadowlands. Both bills would require voter approval at the ballot. He is also the sponsor of a measure (AJR-65) that would explore future prospects for casino gaming in Bergen County, as well as another measure (ACR-169) that would allow voters to determine if casinos should be established in Bergen County.

"I understand the need to support Atlantic City as a gaming destination, but competition has arrived. With the full range of gaming and entertainment options offered at Aqueduct, why would someone from North Jersey or the New York area venture 2-3 hours to Atlantic City on a regular basis if they can take a short train ride to Queens?"

"This is about common sense at this point. If anyone still doubts the viability of gaming at the Meadowlands, then we should put it to the voters to decide. If there's overwhelming support at the ballot, then we know the market is there. Not only would gaming at the Meadowlands Race Track help boost our industry, but it would keep additional gaming revenue in New Jersey rather than letting New York siphon it off," added Caputo.

Caputo noted that news reports over the weekend claimed lines of patrons stretched longer than football fields and traffic on nearby streets came to a virtual standstill as thousands of gaming enthusiasts descended upon New York City's first legalized gaming racino at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Caputo also pointed out that legislative leaders in New York recently voiced their support for a constitutional amendment to allow slot machines, table games and card games in various locations throughout New York state, possibly even in Manhattan, creating the specter of even further competition for New Jersey.

"We must face the fact that gamblers are already being lured away from Atlantic City and out of the state completely to racinos and other new gaming venues in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware," added Caputo. "We have a responsibility not only to protect Atlantic City casinos, but to also do all we can to support our entire gaming industry, to retain and expand the revenue it generates and, most importantly, to keep that revenue here in New Jersey."

NJ CitizenAction Political Action Committee

2011-11-01T12:21:00.000-04:00

Dear Assemblyman Green,

Congratulations! New Jersey Citizen Action's Political Action Committee is proud to endorse you for re-election to the Assembly representing the 22nd Legislative District. As the state's largest independent citizen watchdog coalition, the NJCA pays careful attention to the critical issues facing New Jersey families. Your leadership and principled positions on key issues related to health care, the environmental and housing makes you a leader voters need to have in Trenton.

Your background, experience and campaign platform demonstrate strong support for all of the major concerns facing New Jersey families. We are especially pleased with your support of workers' rights and family and work life balance policies. Fiscal disparity throughout the state is only growing but with your support and leadership, we can start to reverse this trend and protect our state's most vulnerable.

The PAC was also impressed with your firm commitment to quality healthcare, including state health insurance exchanges, Medicaid ACO projects, along with fighting for critical safety net services like FamilyCare and family planning in the State Budget. Moreover, your responses to our candidate questionnaire showed strong support for the major issues of concern to our members and the public-at-large. We hope that you will reconsider your position on telecommunication deregulation and oppose S2664/A3766 should it come up for a vote again.

NJCA's PAC believes that you have demonstrated the vision and commitment on the issues to achieve our common goals of decreasing the cost of living while increasing the quality of life in New Jersey. We will communicate our endorsement to all our members and post our endorsements on our PAC website at http://www.njcapac.org/.

Sincerely,

Mitch Khan
PAC Chairman

Phyllis Salowe-Kaye
Executive Director

Endorsement from Planned Parenthood Action Committee of New Jersey

2011-10-28T10:47:00.000-04:00

Dear Dorothy,

Forget next year’s Presidential election*, in just 11 days there is an election right here in New Jersey that will have a big impact on women’s health care.

Last year, Governor Chris Christie eliminated a budget line for women’s health and as a result women are losing access to services. We need strong allies in the Legislature to stand up against these attacks. Help us elect pro-choice pro-women’s health candidates by making a contribution to the Planned Parenthood Action Committee of New Jersey.

In your district, we’ve endorsed Senator Nick Scutari, Assemblywoman Linda Stender and Assemblyman Jerry Green. Assemblywoman Stender has been the leader of this fight and we can always count on Senator Scutari and Assemblyman Green to join her in working to restore access to life-saving cancer screenings, birth control, breast health services, prevention and treatment of STDs, and health counseling and information.

Elections have consequences. This Governor vetoed three attempts to restore women’s health funding even after thousands of supporters like you petitioned his office in protest and newspapers across the state criticized his decision. Senator Scutari, Assemblyman Green and Assemblywoman Stender repeatedly stood up to these attacks and fought to restore funding for women's health.

Take a stand on November 8th and vote for candidates that support women’s health!

Sincerely,
Michele Jaker

**Well, don’t forget it. . . just remember that there’s also an election this year!

GREEN AND STENDER URGE RESIDENTS TO APPLY FOR TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS BEFORE OCT. 31 DEADLINE

2011-10-26T14:46:00.000-04:00

(22nd District) - Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Jerry Green and Assemblywoman Linda Stender on Wednesday reminded senior citizens and homeowners that they have until the end of the month to apply for the state's Homestead Benefit and Senior Freeze property tax relief programs.

"For New Jersey families who are facing unemployment, underemployment or are operating on a fixed income, the task of making ends meet every month may seem increasingly daunting," said Green (D-Union/Somerset/Middlesex). "Fortunately, programs like the Homestead Benefit and the Senior Freeze can help take some of the pressure off, but to receive the benefit, homeowners must apply."

The final deadline for applying for the Homestead Benefit and the Senior Freeze property tax relief program is Monday, October 31. The Senior Freeze program was fully restored under the Democratic budget (approved earlier this year).

"The Homestead Benefit and the Senior Freeze program exist to help residents bear the burden of our state's high property taxes," said Stender (D-Union/Somerset/Middlesex). "Even if a homeowner hasn't qualified in the past, we're encouraging them to apply again, before the end of the month deadline, so that they have every opportunity to receive property tax relief."

The average Senior Freeze check is approximately $1,200, and because of the Democratic budget, more than 50,000 additional seniors will receive Senior Freeze checks than would have under the Christie proposal, which would have reduced the program by $25 million, would not have allowed new seniors to enter the program and would have seen seniors reimbursed at the level of benefit received in FY 2010, regardless of the property tax increase incurred since 2008.

To be eligible for the Senior Freeze Program a person must be over the age of 65, have lived in New Jersey for at least 10 years and earned less than $70,000 for both calendar years 2009 and 2010. Eligible homeowners may apply online at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/ until Oct. 31, or by phone (1-877-658-2972) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Applicants can call the Property Tax Reimbursement Hotline at 1-800-822-6597 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays to request an application, speak to a taxation representative for assistance and get information on the status of their reimbursement checks if they have already filed.

To be eligible for the Homestead Benefit Program a person must have owned and occupied their home since at least October 1, 2010. In addition, during calendar year 2010, applicants under the age of 65 cannot have made more than $75,000 and applicants over the age of 65 cannot have made more than $150,000. For an application or assistance, residents can call the Homestead Benefit Hotline at 1-888-238-1233 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Gusciora & Watson Coleman: End of NJ After 3 Program Huge Loss for Working Parents, Bitter Consequence of Christie Cuts

2011-10-26T12:51:00.000-04:00

(15th District) - Assembly Democrats Reed Gusciora and Bonnie Watson Coleman lamented the end of NJ After 3, a statewide program that funded afterschool programs for thousands of students that will close after its state funding was eliminated by the governor.

New Jersey After 3, which was established in 2004 and in 2008 served 15,000 students, will cease operations next week. According to media reports, the decision follows the loss of state funding and subsequent loss of private matching funds. The elimination of $3 million in state funding under Gov. Christie's 2012 budget was reportedly the final nail in the coffin.

Trenton has six NJ After 3 program sites that will be affected.

"This is a sad day for working class families in New Jersey," said Gusciora. "NJ After 3 was in essence an extension of the school day, and provided working parents the benefit of a safe place where they could send their children after school. I am disappointed that the governor touts education reform for urban schools but vetoed a program that has demonstrated success. He should have continued this program that was clearly working."

"For many working parents in Trenton, especially low-income and single parents, these sites were not just safe havens, but places where their children could learn a new sport, get help with their homework, and even prepare for college," said Watson Coleman. "It's a shame the governor didn't see these benefits as worthy of saving. NJ After 3 and the thousands of students they served have fallen victim to the governor's indifference toward working families."

Speaker Oliver: Christie NJ After 3 Cut Proves Tragic for Working Class New Jerseyans

2011-10-25T16:31:00.000-04:00

(Trenton) - Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic) released the following statement Tuesday on news the NJ After 3 program that serves working class New Jersey families is going to cease operation following Gov. Chris Christie's budget cuts:

"This is yet another tragedy delivered by Gov. Christie to New Jersey's working class families, and the worst thing about it is it was all avoidable had the governor simply put sound public policy ahead of conservative ideology.

"The Democratic budget responsibly restored $3 million to the NJ After 3 program to help it maintain its quality and affordable programs that benefited communities across our state, but the governor vetoed that funding, killing a program so vital to our children.

"This program has kept children safe and away from gangs and other ill-advised activities. It improved student achievement. It helped working families. It was the best kind of public-private partnership.

"Gov. Christie has some explaining to do to the working class families who are losing this valuable program and now facing unnecessary uncertainty as to the safety and educational future of their children.

"We can't discuss improving educational outcomes for at-risk children without investing the resources to supplement what happens during the school day."

Wagner Hails Federal Effort to Regulate Polluted Wastewater That Comes from Fracking

2011-10-25T12:39:00.000-04:00

Wagner Has Introduced Legislation to Protect N.J. Residents from Fracking Wastewater

(38th Legislative District) - Assemblywoman Connie Wagner on Tuesday welcomed news that federal environmental regulators are looking into increasing oversight of polluted fracking wastewater, noting she has introduced legislation to ban fracking wastewater from being shipped or transported into New Jersey.

"This is welcome news for everyone concerned about public health and protecting our environment," said Wagner (D-Bergen). "I introduced a bill to ban the polluted wastewater that comes from fracking from being transported into New Jersey or treated here because I'm worried the current standards don't protect the public. That's still a worry, but at least federal officials are taking a look at this problem. Hopefully, this will lead to a common sense solution that makes public health and environmental protection a priority."

Wagner's legislation (A-4231) prohibits fracking wastewater from being shipped or transported into New Jersey from another state. It also makes clear that fracking wastewater cannot be treated in the state.

Wagner has been a leader in sponsoring legislation to protect New Jerseyans by prohibiting fracking in the state.

Last week, federal environmental regulators announced they will develop national standards for the disposal of polluted wastewaters generated by fracking. Fracking involves pumping water laced with sand and chemicals into the ground at high pressure to split rocks open, unleashing natural gas.

The briny wastewater can be polluted with pollutants such as radium, benzene, barium and strontium.

Wagner praised EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson for taking this step to protect the public.

"We cannot have this water flushed into rivers or sent to treatment plants that are ill-equipped to remove the contamination," Wagner said. "We need to be smart and make public health and environmental protection the priority to keep awful materials like this our of our rivers and drinking water."

Albano & Milam Remind Eligible Taxpayers to Apply for Tax Relief Programs Before Oct. 31 Deadline

2011-10-25T12:26:00.000-04:00

(1st District) - Assembly Democrats Nelson T. Albano and Matthew W. Milam are reminding eligible taxpayers who may be struggling financially that they have until the end of the month to apply to the Homestead Benefit and the Senior Freeze property tax relief program.

The final deadline for applying for the Homestead Rebate and the Senior Freeze property tax relief program is Monday, October 31. The Senior Freeze program was fully restored under the Democratic budget that Albano and Milam voted to approve earlier this summer.

"Times are rough for many residents, but particularly senior citizens living on fixed incomes," said Albano. "We were able to restore funding for the Senior Freeze program, which will assist thousands of additional seniors in New Jersey. I hope those who are eligible will take advantage of the Senior Freeze, as well as the Homestead Benefit to help offset their expenses."

"In these tough economic times, we can all use some property tax relief, especially seniors balancing property taxes with other financial responsibilities on fixed incomes," said Milam. "Through our efforts, we restored the senior freeze program and allowed for more seniors to apply. I encourage all who are eligible and could use the help to apply to both programs."

The average senior freeze check is approximately $1,200, and because of the Democratic budget, over 50,000 additional seniors will receive freeze checks than would have under the Christie proposal, which would have reduced the program by $25 million, would not have allowed new seniors to enter the program, and would have seen seniors reimbursed at the level of benefit received in FY 2010, regardless of the property tax increase incurred since 2008.

To be eligible for the Senior Freeze program a person must be over the age of 65, have lived in New Jersey for at least 10 years and earned less than $70,000 for both calendar years 2009 and 2010. Eligible homeowners may apply online at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/ until Oct. 31, or by phone (1-877-658-2972) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Applicants can call the Property Tax Reimbursement Hotline at 1-800-882-6597 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weeksdays to request an application, speak to a Taxation representative for assistance and get information on the status of their reimbursement checks if they have already filed.

To be eligible for the Homestead Benefit Program a person must have owned and occupied their home since at least October 1, 2010. In addition, during calendar year 2010, applicants under the age of 65 cannot have made more than $75,000 and applicants over the age of 65 cannot have made more than $150,000. For an application or assistance, residents can call the Homestead Benefit Hotline (1-888-238-1233) between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Burzichelli Hails Decision to Reject NJSIAA Ticket Price Increase Requests

2011-10-25T12:02:00.000-04:00

(Trenton) - Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland) released the following statement Monday on the Department of Education rejecting the New Jersey Scholastic Interstate Athletic Association's requests for increased ticket prices.

Burzichelli is the author of a law restricting the NJSIAA's ability to raise ticket prices. The NJSIAA wanted to charge $10 for championship football games at MetLife Stadium and Rutgers University, but will only be allowed to charge $9, just like last year. It wanted to charge $8 for games at The College of New Jersey and Kean University, but will instead be allowed to charge $5.50, compared to $6 last year:

"This is a great win for New Jerseyans.

"I applaud acting Commissioner Cerf for this common sense decision that puts New Jersey families and taxpayers first. As I've said, the NJSIAA should have known this was not the time to be increasing ticket prices, and this decision hopefully makes that point clear.

"The NJSIAA needs to accept this decision and not waste time and further resources seeking to overturn it. It must finally turn its focus away from finding ways to hike prices on families to instead finding ways to control costs, keep high school athletics affordable for everyone and do what's best for our student athletes and their families.

"I've previously said it's time to consolidate the NJSIAA into another operation for a fresh change of culture and the real savings schools districts and families need. This, though, is yet another golden opportunity for the NJSIAA to finally do what's right and change its ways. Its past history, of course, shows it will do otherwise, so continued scrutiny will be warranted."

Cryan: NJ After 3 Program Closure More Evidence That Christie Does Not Share Working Class Values

2011-10-25T11:48:00.000-04:00

(Trenton) - Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Cryan (D-Union) released the following statement Tuesday on news the NJ After 3 program that serves working class New Jersey families is going to cease operation following Gov. Christie's budget cuts:

"So this is Chris Christie's New Jersey - where valuable and effective programs for children in working class families are closed but millionaires get to enjoy their Chris Christie tax breaks.

"That's appalling. That's wrong.

"NJ After 3 was a program relied on by working families who wanted to give their children a safe place to improve their education, so I guess it's not surprising that Chris Christie had no regard for it and its success.

"We tried to save it with a responsible budget to restore $3 million to the program, but this governor would have nothing of it. Instead, working class New Jerseyans are about to lose a quality program.

"With each and every day Chris Christie's priorities become clearer and clearer - he does not share the values of hard-working New Jersey families looking to make ends meet and build a better future for their children."

New Jersey Tenants Organization

2011-10-21T12:54:00.000-04:00

Dear Assemblyman Green:

On behalf of the New Jersey Tenants Organization, it is my pleasure to inform you that you have received our endorsement of your candidacy for Assembly in District 22.

We believe you have satisfactorily demonstrated your concern for tenants. As an advocate for tenants' rights and interests, you warrant the praise and votes of all the tenants in your community.

We are especially gratified that you are committed to maintaining local rent control without state interference, to opposing the extremely dangerous Law Revision Commission landlord/tenant project which would rewrite all of landlord/tenant law, to opposing making it easier to evict tenants from their homes, to giving tenants full credit for the property tax they pay, to opposing the false water/sewerage sub-metering bill and to supporting our real conversation approach, requiring replacement of water wasting plumbing fixtures with low flow devices that meet strict standards, to opposing giving landlords the right to demand a full year's rent up front, to supporting legislation which reiterates the landlords' current responsibility to eradicate bedbug infestations without transferring that responsibility to tenants, to ensuring that municipalities continue to have the right to enact and enforce stronger maintenance and safety standards than the state minimums, to finding real solutions to overcrowding off the hook, and to ensuring that tenants in 55+ buildings have the right to rent control, regardless of when the buildings were constructed.

You can be proud of your commitment to upholding the rights of tenants. We look forward to your being a voice for tenants in the next legislature, after your victory!

Yours truly,

Matthew B. Shapiro
President

Fair Share Housing Center News Update

2011-10-20T15:57:00.000-04:00

Court Blocks Governor Christie's Housing Rules

Trenton - Late yesterday, a state appellate court ordered the state to halt the enforcement of "interim procedures" that would implement Governor Christie's takeover of the Council on Affordable Housing. The Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court issued the order in a case filed by Fair Share Housing Center (FSHC). The stayed procedures, if implemented, would have given the Christie Administration the power to control municipal compliance with the New Jersey Fair Housing Act and to oversee the expenditure of over $250 million in funds through a discretionary process with no standards. The Appellate Division also accelerated a full hearing on FSHC's challenges to both the procedures and the overall plan to abolish the Council on Affordable Housing, ordering all briefing and argument to be completed over the next four months.

"New Jersey needs a fair process for building and rehabilitating homes that will create much-needed jobs - not more barriers that exclude working families, lower-income seniors, and people with special needs," FSHC attorney Kevin D. Walsh said. "Fortunately, the courts have enjoined Governor Christie's plan, preventing him from replacing the rule of law with special treatment for exclusionary communities."

The Court's ruling bars DCA Commissioner Lori Grifa from implementing new procedures that would have "encouraged" municipalities to seek any waivers they want of law from her directly. The procedures and waivers, FSHC argued, violated the New Jersey Administrative Procedures Act, which requires all changes to law to go through a public process that allows public comment.

The Court's plan, if it had been upheld, would have circumvented the Fair Housing Act's requirement that housing decisions balance economic development, the needs of lower-income families and people with special needs, and municipal planning. By the administration's own admission, the plan's intention was to allow municipalities to impose new regulations on economic development to keep out working families, seniors, and people with special needs. Instead, the court ordered the administration to follow current rules while the appeal is fully litigated.

Last year, a State Department of Transportation study showed that, despite the economic downturn and need for economic development, the use of exclusionary zoning in New Jersey prevents the housing market from functioning properly. The Department of Transportation study, released by the Governor's own administration, found that the Route One corridor provides zoning for 13 times as many jobs as houses. The CEO of Princeton-based Educational Testing Services to tell the Star-Ledger that, as a result, he is considering expanding in Pennsylvania instead of New Jersey due to the imbalance in the housing market. The results were further reinforced by a Rowan University study of Monmouth and Somerset Counties earlier this year, which found similar zoning disparities in those two counties.

"Unfortunately, the Governor has ignored his own administration's findings that exclusionary communities pose a threat to New Jersey's economic growth," Walsh added. "New Jersey cannot afford the red tape that Governor Christie wanted to impose, especially when our private sector job growth lags behind the nation as a whole."

This is the second time the administration has been enjoined by the courts for overreaching in giving municipalities more powers to impose exclusionary red tape on starter homes. In February 2010, the governor issued an executive order that shut down COAH. That action was likewise enjoined, and the governor withdrew it a month later to avoid defending it in court.

The full appeals involving the rules and the overall plan, which was not stayed pending argument, will be heard by the Appellate Division in Trenton on February 15, 2012.

The NJ Department of Transportation study is available here; the Star-Ledger article is available here; and the Rowan University study is available here.

Federal Aid for Irene Recovery in New Jersey Nearly $182 Million

2011-10-20T15:12:00.000-04:00

Neptune, N.J. - Federal aid to New Jersey residents who suffered damage from Hurricane Irene total more than $181 million as of Oct. 18.

"FEMA has really come through for us, and they've done it quickly," said Lt. Paul Miller, state coordinating officer with New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM), "but they can only help those who register."

The NJOEM and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announce the following summary of assistance as of Oct. 18:

41,739 applicants have been approved for FEMA disaster assistance, averaging more than 880 households per day.
More than $127 million in Housing Assistance for housing-related needs and repairs.
More than $10 million in Other Needs Assistance for other necessary expenses and serious needs (i.e. personal property, transportation, medical and dental expenses, eye glass replacement, funeral and burial expenses).
More than $45 million in U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans to over 1,095 households and businesses, averaging more than $41,000 per household
15 Disaster Recovery Centers are open throughout New Jersey. To find the nearest location, visit: FEMA DRC Locator

Registering with FEMA is an important first step in recovery.

Anyone affected by the disaster may register for assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free registration line at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY, call 800-4621-7585. Video Relay Service and 711 are also available by calling 800-621-3362. Hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Multilingual operators are available. Register anytime online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or via mobile application at m.fema.gov.

Conaway: Lack of Medicaid Fraud Oversight Demands Better Regulations Method

2011-10-19T16:15:00.000-04:00

(7th District) - Assembly Health and Senior Services Chairman Herb Conaway M.D. released the following statement Wednesday concerning the audit released by the state comptroller this week that revealed a failure of oversight and regulation of Medicaid fraud by Horizon NJ Health:

"The findings in this audit are often an affront to the taxpayers of New Jersey who are footing the $1.3 billion that Horizon NJ Health receives annually as a Medicaid provider.

"While its contract with the state requires it to maintain a special investigations unit dedicated to detecting fraud and abuse, Horizon NJ Health identified only $188, 207 in improper payments of the $1.3 billion it received from the state to pay claims during a two-year period.

"It seems to me that the fox is guarding the hen house.

"It's imperative that we have the proper oversight to ensure taxpayers are getting what they paid for. The federal government recently started using predictive modeling software to combat Medicaid fraud. The fraud detection tool works to reduce improper payouts by flagging fraud before payments are made, similar to technology used by credit card companies.

"We owe it to the taxpayers to consider applying this technology here in New Jersey. Unlike Horizon with its conflicting incentives, a third-party vendor's only incentive would be to find and prevent as much fraudulent activity as possible. That's a big win for taxpayers.

"This would result in lower insurance costs paid by the state, and the savings could be used to ensure hard-pressed residents get access to life-saving healthcare."

Majority Leader Joe Cryan on Gov. Christie's Comments on the Judicial Branch

2011-10-19T16:05:00.000-04:00

"Let's be clear - no one has any sympathy for judicial pay, but every attorney, especially those who become governors and have the ability to appoint and reappoint judges and justices of the Supreme Court, has a responsibility to show respect for the judicial branch, even when they disagree with a ruling.

"It borders on the unethical of Gov. Christie to personally insult Judge Feinberg. It's juvenile and unbecoming of the governor's office and someone who was once U.S. attorney. No matter how one feel about the ruling, the governor's lack of respect for the judicial process is chilling.

"He of course has the right to defend the law, but he should be above throwing a tantrum and disparaging someone else's character if he doesn't get his way."

Wagner Hopeful New Poll Showing Heavy Support for Sports Betting Portends Ballot Approval

2011-10-19T15:25:00.000-04:00

(Paramus) - With the upcoming election less than three weeks away, Assemblywoman Connie Wagner is encouraged by a new poll released on Wednesday showing New Jersey voters overwhelmingly support a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting in New Jersey.

Wagner is one of the sponsors of the proposed constitutional amendment (ACR-167) that asks voters whether New Jersey should allow sports betting at Atlantic City casinos and horse racing tracks in the state, if federal law is changed.

The Rutgers-Eagleton poll shows 58 percent of likely voters support the proposal, which will be decided by voters in the Nov. 8 election. The poll found 31 percent oppose it.

"I think it's clear that a majority of voters understand the boost this would bring to our state in terms of much-needed revenue, jobs and economic growth," said Wagner (D-Bergen). "Not only would this be a boon for Atlantic City, but even more so for our racetracks which are struggling to attract new audiences."

Under the proposal, bets could be placed at a casino or racetrack site on the results of professional, college or amateur sport or athletic events, except on college games that take place in New Jersey or in which a New Jersey college team participates.

"Every day we see new ventures in neighboring states threatening the dominance New Jersey once had as the gaming capital of the Northeast," added Wagner. "In order to protect our racetracks and casinos, we need to find new offerings that will enable us to maintain a competitive edge."

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee: 2012 Election Protection

2011-10-19T15:11:00.000-04:00

Dear Jerry,

Republican strategists think that Democrats can't win if they cripple our voter registration activity; if students, minorities, and working Americans aren't allowed to cast ballots, and if they can disqualify 5 million Americans from voting.

That's why the Koch brothers and their corporate allies are backing a coordinated effort to manipulate the rules in 2012. Their plan for taking the Senate and the White House is simple: Force us to fight with one hand tied behind our backs.

Republicans are hitting us where it hurts, trying to cut the legs our from under the grassroots organizing that has helped Democrats win close, tough races for years. With 23 seats to defend - and Republicans needing only four to take majority - this is a serious threat.

Our Election Protection Project is up and running - challenging the legality of these voter suppression tactics and expanding our turnout program to account for the new rules. But we need to raise $100,000 before midnight Sunday. Can you chip in $5 right now to help us fight back?

It's no accident that these new laws - making it harder to register new voters, cutting back on early voting that allows working Americans to cast their ballots, even specifically targeting students and minorities - are aimed at disenfranchising Democrats.

And it's no accident that Republicans are targeting states like Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Virginia - presidential battlegrounds with marquee Senate races in 2012.

The powerful, corporate-backed, right-wing American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is pulling the strings here. And they know exactly what they're doing. If their voter suppression can push the four states I just mentioned into the GOP column, they take the Senate. And the states they've targeted could swing more than enough electoral votes to take the White House.

Our Election Protection Project is our best chance to stop this voter suppression campaign and make sure 2012 is a fair fight - but we must reach our goal by midnight Sunday. Can you help by sending a $5 contribution right now to help us reach $100,000?

Early grassroots support has made it possible for us to fight back, formally asking the Department of Justice to step in and researching every possible way to stop these rules from taking effect. But we can't keep up the fight is we can't fund the project.

And with so much at stake in 2012, the truth is that we have to find a way to win whether it's a fair fight or not. We're going to have to work much harder to bring voters to the polls despite the Republicans' voter suppression program. It's going to be harder. It's going to be more expensive. We're going to have to ask more of you.

Please don't sit on the sidelines. Help us fight back by funding our Election Protection Project today.

Thank you,

Guy Cecil

P.S. If we can't meet our goal by Sunday night, we can't continue to fight back against the GOP plan to suppress the vote in 2012. Please help by sending $5 right now.

Letter from Clark Public Schools

2011-10-18T16:35:00.000-04:00

Dear Assemblyman Green,

Thank you so much for attending our Anti-Bullying Kick-Off. Your inspirational words really resonated with our students and are sure to have left a lasting impression. We will be working hard to educate our children on what bullying is and how to prevent it. Your support of our efforts will make our job a little easier.

Once again, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to make this event even more memorable for our students and staff.

Sincerely,

The Valley Road School Anti-Bullying Committee

Wagner Working to Make College More Affordable for New Jersey Students

2011-10-18T15:14:00.000-04:00

Package of Bills Would Help Reduce Tuition Costs for In-State Residents

(Paramus) - With rising tuition costs and a stagnant economy, Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D-Bergen) is sponsoring two pieces of legislation to help make college more affordable for working and middle class families in New Jersey.

"Students everywhere are struggling with rising tuition rates and a reduction in tuition aid grants," said Wagner. "In this difficult economy parents are also struggling to help their children pay for college. We have to find ways to put downward pressure on the ever-increasing costs of college so that it doesn't become out of reach for many students."

The first bill (A-3747) would authorize public institutions of higher education to charge a cheaper tuition rate for students who graduated from a public high school located in the same municipality in which a campus of the institution is located. Under the bill, for a four-year institution, the tuition rate would be less than the tuition rate established by the college for residents of the county.

The second bill (A-3781) Wagner is sponsoring would prohibit a public institution of higher education from increasing the resident undergraduate tuition rates for any academic year by more than four percent over the rate for the prior academic year.

Language in the FY 2011 budget allowed public institutions of higher education to exceed the previous four percent cap that had been in place although the institution will see a reduction in state aid if the average in-state undergraduate 2010-2011 tuition rates and required educational and general fees exceeds four percent growth above the 2009-2010 rates.

Wagner noted that according to the Wall Street Journal, the average student debt of college graduates this year is $22,900. As of December 2010, total outstanding student debt in the U.S. was $530 billion, up 29 percent in just three years, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of new York.

"The Class of 2011 has the unfortunate distinction of graduating from American colleges and universities as the most indebted class ever," added Wagner. "When students graduate this far in the hole and then have a hard time finding a new job in this economy, it also hinders their ability to move our on their own, buy a home or start a family. We need to do all we can to make sure this dream doesn't slip from their grasp."

Both bills await hearings before the Assembly Higher Education Committee.

The Rahway Municipal Alliance Presents..

2011-10-18T14:58:00.000-04:00

The Rahway Municipal Alliance in conjunction with the Rahway Police Department and Prevention Links will sponsor a community education program for parents, educators and youth service professionals entitled "Cyberbullying: Welcome to the World of Texting, Sexting, Facebook and More" on Wednesday, October 26 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Rahway Middle School Auditorium.

The program will be conducted by Detective Sgt. Tom Rich who has been a featured speaker on this subject at conventions all over the country, appearing on both Good Morning America and the Nancy Grace Show.

The program will cover the practice of texting and sexting, as well as the use of Facebook and other social networking sites, showing how these forms of technology are affecting youth everyday and how it is making it easier for them to be mean to each other. It will examine real life examples of cyber-bullying and the dangers of on-line chatting. It will also take an in depth look at Facebook profiles, explain the pitfalls and what can be expected of privacy settings. Using entertaining videos and positive solutions, Detective Sgt. Rich's high energy presentation will lead the audience on an engaging journey, showing how the many forms of communication available today can also be used positively and in moderation.

Detective Sgt. Rich is a certified police officer in the State of New Jersey entering his 15th year of service. He has been a DARE instructor for the past 10 years and has spent his entire career dedicated to children. Sgt. Rich realized the huge impact that technology was having on children, especially in regards to cyberbullying, and decided to focus his efforts on educating audiences about current trends, real life problems and solutions for school, parents and children. His goal is to help to address the problems that children face using technology and how these pitfalls lead to cyberbullying. He brings the real world experience of what kids are going through on a daily basis and provides solutions to the hard questions that children face everyday.

The program is funded, in part, by the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse through the UCDHS Division of Planning. It is free and open to the public, however it is not recommended for children. Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. 1.5 hours of New Jersey Department of Education professional development credit will be provided.

For more information, call 732-669-3618.

Contact: Andrea Zapcic - 732-669-3618, Det. William Eicholz - 732-827-2079

Milam Welcomes Payroll Tax Break He Sponsored

2011-10-18T11:36:00.000-04:00

(1st Legislative District) - Assemblyman Matthew W. Milam on Monday welcomed news that legislation he sponsored will indeed lead to a payroll tax break for New Jersey workers, as he hoped.

"This is outstanding news for New Jersey workers who have long deserved this tax break," Milam said. "Working class New Jerseyans struggling to make ends meet need any help they can get. That's why I sponsored this bill and pushed it into law and am so pleased to see New Jersey families will soon enjoy its benefits. Helping workers should always be our priority."

The law (A-3792) gives the state authority to lower temporary disability benefit contribution rates by employees commencing in 2012, if the fund has enough money to meet its annual needs. The bill was approved 51-23-2 by the Assembly and 21-11 by the Senate earlier this year.

Milam (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland) said his law is designed to provide tax relief by preventing excessive accumulations in the state disability benefits fund.

"The state shouldn't be able to store away money that should be returned to the taxpayers," Milam said. "Fortunately, we've put a stop to that and we're now headed in the right direction, with tax relief, job creation and economic development being our priority."

In past years, large surpluses in the fund have sometimes resulted in the diversion of significant amounts of monies from the fund to the general state budget.

Since 1994, $748 million was diverted from the fund. If, as has occurred during most years, total contributions paid into the fund substantially exceed total benefits paid out of the fund, the law will cause a reduction in tax rate for workers.

"This money belongs to New Jersey's workers, and if the state has enough money to cover worker disability needs, then the excess money should be returned to the workers in the form of a tax break," Milam said. "It's the right thing to do. Tax relief like this can only help, especially in this difficult economy."

Health Professionals and Allied Employees AFT AFL-CIO, Endorsement

2011-10-17T16:41:00.000-04:00

Dear Legislative Candidate:

On behalf of the 12,000 plus members of the Health Professionals & Allied Employees (AFT/AFL-CIO), I am advising you that the HPAE supports your election to the New Jersey State Legislature on November 8, 2011. This endorsement is based on your support for issues that are beneficial to HPAE members and their families, as well as other factors taken into consideration.

The HPAE looks forward to working with you in the future and knows that it can count on your continued support for its agenda once you are elected.

Sincerely,

Ann Twomey, President

Burzichelli: NJSIAA Ticket Hike Must Be Rejected

2011-10-17T12:57:00.000-04:00

(Trenton) - Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland) released the following statement Monday on the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association's request to raise ticket prices for off-campus state championship events:

"I urge the Commissioner of Education to reject this request.

"This is not the time to be raising ticket prices on working families. Raising ticket prices would be unconscionable in this economic environment, where families across our state are struggling daily to make ends meet.

"It's becoming very clear, even after all this time, that the NJSIAA is unwilling to live within its means. It needs to spend more time on efficiencies and less time trying to find creative ways to raise ticket prices on families.

"The NJSIAA continuously fails to understand fiscal responsibility. It's time to consolidate this service for a fresh change of culture and the real savings schools districts and families need. We simply can't afford the NJSIAA any longer."

Christie's Silence Over Mitsch's Derogatory Comments about Women Speaks Volumes

2011-10-17T12:26:00.000-04:00

Republican candidates following Governor's lead targeting women

(Trenton) - New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman John Wisniewski today issued the following statement denouncing GOP State Senate candidate Phil Mitsch's derogatory comments about women and calling on him to withdraw from the race in 6th Legislative District.

"It goes without saying that there is no place in public discourse for the demeaning comments made by Republican Senate candidate Phil Mitsch about women," said Wisniewski. "It is an embarrassment to all of New Jersey that he has been allowed to represent the Republican Party as a candidate for a major public office. Republicans appear to be piling it on with this latest insult to women, who have quickly found themselves victims of Chris Christie's agenda."

"What I find even more outrageous is the absolute silence from his Republican colleagues across the state. I can't help but wonder if the demand for party loyalty under the leadership of Governor Christie has become so all encompassing that Republicans fear to condemn such despicable language? As Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, I call on Governor Christie and all New Jersey Republicans to repudiate this rhetoric and call for Phil Mitsch's immediate withdrawal from this race."

Assemblywoman Lampitt to GOP Senate Candidate: Resign Now

2011-10-17T12:17:00.000-04:00

Mitsch Tweets Derogatory Toward Women; Legislators Say This Is The Latest in a Dangerous Trend from Republicans

(Cherry Hill) - In response to news reports that Republican Senate candidate Phil Mitsch tweeted derogatory remarks towards women, Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt (D-Cherry Hill) today called for Mitsch's immediate resignation from the race and asked that every Republican running alongside Mr. Mitsch on the ballot do so as well. Lampitt was joined by Senator James Beach and Assemblyman Lou Greenwald (both D-Voorhees), as well as female local elected officials and community leaders.

"It is absolutely disgraceful that the Republican candidate for Senate would allow such callous disrespect toward women," said Lampitt. "This is the year 2011, not 1811. Mr. Mitsch should resign immediately from the ballot for his disgusting anti-women remarks. I call on every candidate running on the same ticket as Mr. Mitsch, from top to bottom, to immediately denounce his derogatory anti-women comments and join in the call for him to resign immediately."

According to a story published today on PolitickerNJ.com, Mitsch has broadcast derogatory comments about women through his Twitter account. In supposedly offering dating advice to a follower on Twitter, Mitsch tweeted comments like, "Your new survival philosophy toward women should be 'pay, play, now get the F-k away'" and "Tell your women they can't talk to you but they can moan."

"Let me be clear: nothing short of Mr. Mitsch's immediate resignation is acceptable," said Lampitt. "We do not accept his excuses, nor do we accept an apology. This is no laughing matter. Mr. Mitsch's comments are just plain wrong. He must resign immediately."

"Extremist Republicans like Mitsch have already shown contempt for women in slashing funding for women to get mammograms and prenatal care," said Lampitt. "These disgusting, derogatory tweets should that Mr. Mitsch has a new level of contempt towards women, treating them as objects that are meant to be used and discarded. That's unacceptable in the 21st century."

"Shame on the Republican Party for aligning themselves with this unconscionable behavior," said Beach. "Unfortunately, this is just the latest in a dangerous trend in recent months. First, Republicans slashed funding for women's health while defending tax cuts for millionaires. Then, as Assembly candidate was forced to resign after his wife sent racist emails to Olympic champion Carl Lewis. And now, these derogatory tweets. This is outrageous and unacceptable."

"As a husband and a father of two young girls, I'm appalled that Mr. Mitsch would make such a foul, anti-women comments," said Greenwald. "The women of the 6th District are mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and daughters, they are not property nor are they sexual objects. His comments are plain wrong. I urge Mr. Mitsch to resign immediately and for Republicans running with him to condemn his remarks and join us in calling for his immediate resignation."

FEMA Assistance for Hurricane Irene Victims

2011-10-14T11:54:00.000-04:00

All Plainfield Residents Impacted By Hurricane Irene:

A representative from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) will be at the Emerson Community School, 305 Emerson Ave., on October 14th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm to inform residents about available programs and application procedures for federal assistance.

They will also answer any of your questions or concerns regarding the programs and will have applications available for interested residents.

Please note that all applications for assistance must be filed by October 31, 2011. Please come out and take part.

Any questions please feel free to call Vera Greaves, Councilwoman-at-Large for the 1st and 4th Wards, at 908-672-8701, or veragreaves@verizon.net.

Wisniewski: Christie Property Tax Rhetoric Can't Change the Facts of His Record

2011-10-14T11:14:00.000-04:00

(Trenton, NJ) - New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman John Wisniewski released the following statement in response to Chris Christie's property tax press conference:

"Chris Christie may be entitled to his own opinion, but he certainly is not entitled to his own facts. And no matter how strong his rhetoric, he can't change the facts of his record," said Wisniewski.

"As governor, he gave a tax cut to New Jersey's 16,000 millionaires while middle class, senior, and disabled homeowners saw their property taxes rise. Media reports have highlighted how the typical property tax bill in many South Jersey municipalities increased by more than 25%. Homeowners need relief from their increased tax burden, not politically motivated press conferences by the Governor."

VOTING UPDATE FOR UNION COUNTY

2011-10-13T15:45:00.000-04:00

Dear Jerry,

This month the Union County Clerk's Office initiated a pilot program for a new Vote By Mail service at the county's Westfield Office. I hope you will share this information with your constituents.

Union County voters can now apply for a Vote By Mail in person at the Westfield Annex, receive their ballot and cast it at the same time. This pilot program makes voting more accessible, particularly with convenient evening and Saturday hours. Prior to this program, ballots were available only in Elizabeth.

The Westfield Annex of the County Clerk's Office is located at 300 North Avenue East, Westfield, NJ 07090. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays & Thursdays; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: and 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

The main County Clerk Office, located at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, will continue to provide Vote By Mail services as usual. The deadline for filing an application in person is Monday, November 7th before 3:00 p.m.

To obtain an application form, voters also may pick up the form at their municipal building; they can download the form at the Union County Clerk's website: www.ucnj.org/government/county-clerk/vote-by-mail or they can contact the Union County Clerk at (908) 527-4996. The Clerk's website also includes a video that explains how to fill out the Vote By Mail application form.

Thank you for making this information available to your constituents.

With all best wishes, I remain,

Sincerely,

Joanne Rajoppi
Union County Clerk