Asbury Park - State education officials have told city school board president Remond Palmer that he is permanently disqualified from serving on the board because of a past cocaine possession conviction in 1989.
In a letter dated Aug. 22 to Superintendent Denise Lowe, Carl H. Carabelli, manager of the state Education Department's criminal history review unit, said that Palmer had been told he cannot be on the school board and asked Lowe to let the state know what action was taken to remove him.
Palmer, 43, could not be reached for comment Tuesday, but his acknowledgement that he is off the school board could become clear by a scheduled board meeting at 7p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24.
Superintendent Lowe said she sent the state letter to the full board Monday.
Palmer's disqualification comes under a new law signed by Gov. Chris Christie May 26 requiring all board members to comply with criminal background checks and step down if they have past conviction for a wide array of crimes, of which cocaine possession is one.
Carabelli wrote in the Aug. 22nd letter that the disqualifying offense was in Laurens County, South Carolina, where Palmer was arrested June 30, 1989. He was convicted later that year.
Palmer's removal is the second time he has been forced to step down while a sitting president on the Asbury Park school board. In 2004, the state removed him on an ethics code violation of interfering with hiring in the district.
Palmer came back in 2010, winning a three-year term. By the spring of 2011, he had consolidated his power and was once again board president. He switched board attorneys.
But this time the new board's majority's agenda to hire or fire and to challenge the superintendent's educational initiatives were met by the stronger power of a state fiscal monitor established in the district since 2007 to control all financial matters. The new board attorneys have filed at least two lawsuits to challenge that state power. So far, those suits have gone nowhere.
Palmer's disqualification matches a similar ban for his cocaine conviction that he encountered three years ago after he applied to be a substitute teacher at Monmouth Regional High School.
Palmer fought that disqualification in court but has yet to win. In an unexpected development in late April, action Education Commissioner Chris Cerf agreed to reconsider an earlier commissioner's decision that Palmer was disqualified. Specifically, Cerf was to review a pardon Palmer obtained in South Carolina.
The commissioner has not yet ruled. In a brief dated June 28, Deputy Attorney General Jennifer L. Campbell wrote on behalf of the education department that "South Carolina pardons are not considered extraordinary relief, do not connote innocence and do not eliminate the offender's conviction."
The education department said the permanent disqualification from public school employment should stand.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Hurricane Irene - State of Emergency Declared
Governor Christie has declared a State of Emergency in anticipation of Hurricane Irene hitting New Jersey late Saturday into Sunday. News reports indicate the storm has tracked west meaning an increased potential for a significant impact on New Jersey. Governor Christie has requested all individuals evacuate the barrier islands of the Jersey Shore, he stated he will consider mandatory evacuations. The Governor also stated a website http://www.njready.gov/ is available to help assist individuals with planning for the impact (Note: loading the site is very slow as many people are likely accessing it).
The State of Emergency declaration triggers the price gouging law (N.J.S.A. 56:8-109).
Specifically, this law makes it an unlawful practice to sell merchandise at what constitutes an excessive price increase during the State of Emergency or within 30 days of the termination of the State of Emergency. An excessive price increase is defined as:
"Excessive price increase" means a price that is excessive as compared to the price at which the consumer good or service was sold or offered for sale by the seller in the usual course of business immediately prior to the state of emergency. A price shall be deemed excessive if:
The State of Emergency declaration triggers the price gouging law (N.J.S.A. 56:8-109).
Specifically, this law makes it an unlawful practice to sell merchandise at what constitutes an excessive price increase during the State of Emergency or within 30 days of the termination of the State of Emergency. An excessive price increase is defined as:
"Excessive price increase" means a price that is excessive as compared to the price at which the consumer good or service was sold or offered for sale by the seller in the usual course of business immediately prior to the state of emergency. A price shall be deemed excessive if:
- The price exceeds by more than 10 percent the price at which the good or service was sold or offered for sale by the seller in the usual course of business immediately prior to the state of emergency, unless the price charged by the seller is attributable to additional costs imposed by the seller's supplier or other costs of providing the good or service during the state of emergency;
- In those situations where the increase in price is attributable to additional costs imposed by the seller's supplier or additional costs of providing the good or service during the state of emergency, the price represents an increase of more than 10 percent in the amount of markup from cost, compared to the mark up customarily applied by the seller in the usual course of business immediately prior to the state of emergency.
Riley, Coughlin & Coutinho Bill to Restore Aids Drug Program Eligibility Signed Into Law
(Trenton) - Legislation Assembly Democrats Celeste M. Riley, Craig J. Coughlin and Albert Coutinho sponsored to restore the income eligibility for New Jersey's AIDS Drug Distribution Program to the level it was at before it was slashed by Gov. Chris Christie has been signed into law.
The budget signed by the governor in June 2010 reduced eligibility for the AIDS Drug Distribution Program from 500 percent of the federal poverty level to 300 percent. The new law (A-3286) restores income eligibility levels to 500 percent of the federal poverty level.
"Shared sacrifice has become a popular refrain in New Jersey, but to deny AIDS patients the drugs vital to their well being as a cost saving measure is simply unconscionable," said Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). "We must restrain spending, but not at the expense of people's lives and public health. By restoring eligibility, this law aims to rectify this reckless cut by the governor."
"This program means life or death for many people," said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). "Spending cuts are needed, but we cannot be inhumane in the decisions we make when lives are on the line. We also shouldn't be making decisions that lead to higher medical costs when AIDS patients who lose their drugs grow sicker and require more expensive treatments."
"This funding cut was, without exaggeration, a death sentence for the nearly 1,000 people who cannot afford to purchase AIDS medication on their own," said Coutinho (D-Essex). "No one argues that we must reduce our budgetary spending, but that does not mean we can simply cut without a conscience. As public servants, it is incumbent on us to help those who need it most."
The budget signed by the governor in June 2010 reduced eligibility for the AIDS Drug Distribution Program from 500 percent of the federal poverty level to 300 percent. The new law (A-3286) restores income eligibility levels to 500 percent of the federal poverty level.
"Shared sacrifice has become a popular refrain in New Jersey, but to deny AIDS patients the drugs vital to their well being as a cost saving measure is simply unconscionable," said Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). "We must restrain spending, but not at the expense of people's lives and public health. By restoring eligibility, this law aims to rectify this reckless cut by the governor."
"This program means life or death for many people," said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). "Spending cuts are needed, but we cannot be inhumane in the decisions we make when lives are on the line. We also shouldn't be making decisions that lead to higher medical costs when AIDS patients who lose their drugs grow sicker and require more expensive treatments."
"This funding cut was, without exaggeration, a death sentence for the nearly 1,000 people who cannot afford to purchase AIDS medication on their own," said Coutinho (D-Essex). "No one argues that we must reduce our budgetary spending, but that does not mean we can simply cut without a conscience. As public servants, it is incumbent on us to help those who need it most."
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Quigley, Prieto, Coughlin & Coutinho Bill to Expand Crime-Fighting Potential of DNA Database Signed into Law
(Trenton) - Legislation Assembly members Joan Quigley, Vincent Prieto, Craig Coughlin and Albert Coutinho sponsored to increase law enforcement's crime-fighting potential by expanding New Jersey's DNA law to require samples from individuals arrested on suspicion of certain violent crimes has been signed into law.
The bill was approved 67-4-7 by the Assembly in June.
"New Jersey is not alone in this movement. Roughly 20 other states have expanded their laws to include anyone arrested on suspicion of these crimes. This is an important step in bringing wanted criminals to justice," said Quigley (D-Bergen/Hudson).
Current DNA law only requires samples to be taken from individuals convicted of certain violent crimes.
The new law (S-737/A-2594) amends the state's "DNA Database and Databank Act of 1994" to require DNA samples from anyone arrested on suspicion of these crimes: murder; manslaughter; second degree aggravated assault when the person attempts to cause or causes serious bodily injury to another or causes bodily injury while fleeing or attempting to flee a law enforcement officer; kidnapping; luring or enticing a child; engaging in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of a child; or aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, criminal sexual contact or an attempt to commit any of these offenses.
"This is a smart move given the fact that statistics show that roughly 40 percent of burglaries and other non-violent crimes are bring committed by someone who has already committed a violent crime," said Prieto (D-Bergen/Hudson).
"DNA is the most important 21st century crime-fighting tool we have," said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). "It's reliability is an important factor in meting our justice both for victims and those who might be falsely accused."
"The move to expand our DNA database works on both sides of the equation. It will increase law enforcement's ability to track down and convict otherwise elusive, and possibly violent, criminals, while also helping to exonerate anyone that may have been wrongfully accused of a crime," said Coutinho (D-Essex/Union).
The FBI uses a system called CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) to provide for the storage and exchange of DNA records on a national basis. CODIS consists of a "forensic" index containing DNA profiles from crime scene evidence. It also has an "offender" index, with DNA profiles of convicted offenders. By electronically comparing DNA profiles from those indexes, analysts often are able to obtain "hits" (or matches) between DNA found at crime scenes and DNA profiles in the forensic database.
The new law also stipulates that if the charges against a perform from whom a DNA sample was collected are dismissed, or if a person is acquitted at trial, the sample would be destroyed, and all related records expunged, upon request by an individual.
In order to ensure compliance with DNA collection, the law will also make it a crime of the fourth degree for any person who knowingly refuses to submit to the collection of a blood or biological sample. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine up to $10,000, or both.
Quigley has been working on the law since 2009 with Sen. Nicholas Sacco.
"I want to thank Sen. Sacco for his cooperative efforts on this important public safety concern," Quigley said. "Together, we've worked to make New Jersey a safer place to live, and we hope this effort will continue to protect New Jerseyans for generations to come."
The bill was approved 67-4-7 by the Assembly in June.
"New Jersey is not alone in this movement. Roughly 20 other states have expanded their laws to include anyone arrested on suspicion of these crimes. This is an important step in bringing wanted criminals to justice," said Quigley (D-Bergen/Hudson).
Current DNA law only requires samples to be taken from individuals convicted of certain violent crimes.
The new law (S-737/A-2594) amends the state's "DNA Database and Databank Act of 1994" to require DNA samples from anyone arrested on suspicion of these crimes: murder; manslaughter; second degree aggravated assault when the person attempts to cause or causes serious bodily injury to another or causes bodily injury while fleeing or attempting to flee a law enforcement officer; kidnapping; luring or enticing a child; engaging in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of a child; or aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, criminal sexual contact or an attempt to commit any of these offenses.
"This is a smart move given the fact that statistics show that roughly 40 percent of burglaries and other non-violent crimes are bring committed by someone who has already committed a violent crime," said Prieto (D-Bergen/Hudson).
"DNA is the most important 21st century crime-fighting tool we have," said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). "It's reliability is an important factor in meting our justice both for victims and those who might be falsely accused."
"The move to expand our DNA database works on both sides of the equation. It will increase law enforcement's ability to track down and convict otherwise elusive, and possibly violent, criminals, while also helping to exonerate anyone that may have been wrongfully accused of a crime," said Coutinho (D-Essex/Union).
The FBI uses a system called CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) to provide for the storage and exchange of DNA records on a national basis. CODIS consists of a "forensic" index containing DNA profiles from crime scene evidence. It also has an "offender" index, with DNA profiles of convicted offenders. By electronically comparing DNA profiles from those indexes, analysts often are able to obtain "hits" (or matches) between DNA found at crime scenes and DNA profiles in the forensic database.
The new law also stipulates that if the charges against a perform from whom a DNA sample was collected are dismissed, or if a person is acquitted at trial, the sample would be destroyed, and all related records expunged, upon request by an individual.
In order to ensure compliance with DNA collection, the law will also make it a crime of the fourth degree for any person who knowingly refuses to submit to the collection of a blood or biological sample. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine up to $10,000, or both.
Quigley has been working on the law since 2009 with Sen. Nicholas Sacco.
"I want to thank Sen. Sacco for his cooperative efforts on this important public safety concern," Quigley said. "Together, we've worked to make New Jersey a safer place to live, and we hope this effort will continue to protect New Jerseyans for generations to come."
A Letter from Senator Frank Lautenberg
Dear Jerry,
Republicans in Washington and Trenton - these days, it's hard to say which are worse.
Governor Christie and the Tea Party extremists in Washington share the same goal: To dismantle the gains we've made in expanding women's and workers' rights, protecting retirement security and building strong public schools.
At a time when many Americans need help from government just to get by, Governor Christie and the Republicans in Washington are slashing and burning essential programs, while asking absolutely nothing from the very wealthy.
They're throwing women, workers, and seniors under the bus so billionaires can keep riding in style - and we need to fight back in Washington and here at home.
That's why I voted against the debt deal that came before the Senate last month. It's a travesty to place the burden on balancing the budget on those most at risk in these challenging economic times while asking nothing from those who have the most.
Yet the Republicans in Washington are willing to end Medicare as we know it so the rich can keep their tax cuts, and Governor Christie has put New Jersey children at risk by vetoing a millionaire's tax to fund our schools.
This is no time to capitulate. The debt ceiling deal and state budget fight are just the beginning - there will be many battles ahead as the GOP continues to pander to the Tea Party while leaving most Americans out in the cold.
The progressive gains we've made are at greater risk right now than ever before. It's time for Democrats to start standing up and speaking out, right now.
Remember, these battles are far from over. Check my website for updates on my efforts and news on these important issues.
Sincerely,
Frank Lautenberg
Republicans in Washington and Trenton - these days, it's hard to say which are worse.
Governor Christie and the Tea Party extremists in Washington share the same goal: To dismantle the gains we've made in expanding women's and workers' rights, protecting retirement security and building strong public schools.
At a time when many Americans need help from government just to get by, Governor Christie and the Republicans in Washington are slashing and burning essential programs, while asking absolutely nothing from the very wealthy.
They're throwing women, workers, and seniors under the bus so billionaires can keep riding in style - and we need to fight back in Washington and here at home.
That's why I voted against the debt deal that came before the Senate last month. It's a travesty to place the burden on balancing the budget on those most at risk in these challenging economic times while asking nothing from those who have the most.
Yet the Republicans in Washington are willing to end Medicare as we know it so the rich can keep their tax cuts, and Governor Christie has put New Jersey children at risk by vetoing a millionaire's tax to fund our schools.
This is no time to capitulate. The debt ceiling deal and state budget fight are just the beginning - there will be many battles ahead as the GOP continues to pander to the Tea Party while leaving most Americans out in the cold.
The progressive gains we've made are at greater risk right now than ever before. It's time for Democrats to start standing up and speaking out, right now.
Remember, these battles are far from over. Check my website for updates on my efforts and news on these important issues.
Sincerely,
Frank Lautenberg
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Conaway Bill to Fund Grants for Historic Preservation Projects Now Law
(7th Legislative District) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Herb Conaway M.D. appropriating $10.8 million to the New Jersey Historic Trust to fund grants for historic preservation projects was signed into law Monday.
The law (A-4058) appropriates $10.2 million from the 2009 Historic Preservation Fund and the 2007 Historic Preservation Fund for grants for certain historic preservation projects, and $600,000 from the 2009 Historic Preservation Fund for associated administrative expenses.
"New Jersey has an enviable history that should be preserved and invested in for future generations," said Conaway (D-Burlington/Camden). "Preservation creates a sense of identity, and contributions to our economy as heritage tourism draws visitors looking for unique historical and cultural travel experiences."
Of the $10.2 million, $9.3 million will be used for capital preservation grants, and $945,996 will be used for historic site management grants.
The historic site management grants support non-construction activities such as long-term planning of operations and programs including building assessments, accessibility, landscape plans, and creating educational campaigns to increase public awareness.
Historic site management grants for projects in Burlington and Camden counties include:
The law (A-4058) appropriates $10.2 million from the 2009 Historic Preservation Fund and the 2007 Historic Preservation Fund for grants for certain historic preservation projects, and $600,000 from the 2009 Historic Preservation Fund for associated administrative expenses.
"New Jersey has an enviable history that should be preserved and invested in for future generations," said Conaway (D-Burlington/Camden). "Preservation creates a sense of identity, and contributions to our economy as heritage tourism draws visitors looking for unique historical and cultural travel experiences."
Of the $10.2 million, $9.3 million will be used for capital preservation grants, and $945,996 will be used for historic site management grants.
The historic site management grants support non-construction activities such as long-term planning of operations and programs including building assessments, accessibility, landscape plans, and creating educational campaigns to increase public awareness.
Historic site management grants for projects in Burlington and Camden counties include:
- $46,875 to the Mercer County Park Commission for the Abbott Farm National Historic Landmark District in Burlington and Mercer counties.
- $50,000 to the Westmont Theatre in Haddon Township
- $30,690 to the Westampton Twp Historical Society for the Rancocas Lyceum in Westampton Township
- $20,000 to the Alice Paul Institute for Destination Paulsdale: Revealing the Hidden Gem in Mount Laurel Township.
Coughlin, Greenwald & Riley Bill to Improve Quality of Health Care for Medicaid Recipients Now Law
(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Craig J. Coughlin, Louis D. Greenwald and Celeste Riley creating a three-year pilot program to improve health care outcomes, quality and access for Medicaid recipients at reduced costs has been signed into law.
The law (S-2443/A-3636) creates the Medicaid Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Demonstration Project. Under the program, nonprofit groups can apply to provide health care to Medicaid fee-for-service recipients residing in an area with more than 5,000 Medicaid recipients.
Providers that can deliver improved care, expand access to primary and behavioral health care services, and reduce unnecessary and inefficient costs associated with care rendered to Medicaid recipients would be entitled to gain sharing or cost savings payments from Medicaid.
"This program will provide improved health care at reduced costs for New Jersey's most vulnerable patients, many of whom have limited access to coordinated and primary care services, and tend to delay care, underutilized preventive care, and seek care in hospital emergency departments for preventable problems," said Coughlin (D-Middlesex).
"The ACO model is recognized as a mechanism that can be used to improve health care quality and health outcomes, while lowering the costs of medical care by providing incentives to coordinate care among providers throughout a region," said Greenwald (D-Camden). "This is welcomed news for Medicaid patients and taxpayers."
"People often assume better health care means higher costs, but this program has shown the opposite," said Riley (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester). "I'm hopeful that after the trial period, it will serve as a model for achievement of improved health care at lower costs that can be replicated in other settings to the benefit of patients and taxpayers throughout New Jersey."
The law (S-2443/A-3636) creates the Medicaid Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Demonstration Project. Under the program, nonprofit groups can apply to provide health care to Medicaid fee-for-service recipients residing in an area with more than 5,000 Medicaid recipients.
Providers that can deliver improved care, expand access to primary and behavioral health care services, and reduce unnecessary and inefficient costs associated with care rendered to Medicaid recipients would be entitled to gain sharing or cost savings payments from Medicaid.
"This program will provide improved health care at reduced costs for New Jersey's most vulnerable patients, many of whom have limited access to coordinated and primary care services, and tend to delay care, underutilized preventive care, and seek care in hospital emergency departments for preventable problems," said Coughlin (D-Middlesex).
"The ACO model is recognized as a mechanism that can be used to improve health care quality and health outcomes, while lowering the costs of medical care by providing incentives to coordinate care among providers throughout a region," said Greenwald (D-Camden). "This is welcomed news for Medicaid patients and taxpayers."
"People often assume better health care means higher costs, but this program has shown the opposite," said Riley (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester). "I'm hopeful that after the trial period, it will serve as a model for achievement of improved health care at lower costs that can be replicated in other settings to the benefit of patients and taxpayers throughout New Jersey."
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