News & Releases

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator John A. Girgenti to create a State POW-MIA (Prisoner of War – Missing in Action) medal to be awarded to those who were taken prisoner and held captive or declared missing in action was approved by both the full Senate and General Assembly today.

“Throughout history we have been blessed with heroes willing to sacrifice their freedom to protect and defend ours,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic, and Chairman of the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “Today, in foreign lands our military men and women are still fighting to defend our country’s freedom. They do so knowing that could fall on the field of battle, or be captured. We owe an unending debt of gratitude for the sacrifice these men and women made, the pain they endured, and the hardships they suffered to ensure our freedom, and that is why New Jersey should have a medal to honor our POWs and those missing in action.”

TRENTON – The Senate today approved a bill, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny Jr., to help save the financially troubled St. Mary Hospital in Hoboken by having it taken over by a new city hospital authority.

“St. Mary’s is vital to the people of Hoboken, but it also serves families in Union City, West New York, Weehawken and North Bergen,” said Senator Kenny, D-Hudson. “If we can transfer ownership and infuse the hospital with a new management team, St. Mary’s stands a very good chance of thriving again as a full service facility.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which would require 60-day notice in the event of closure or relocation of a nursing home or assisted living residences was approved today by the Senate by a vote of 37-0, receiving final legislative approval.

“When a nursing home closes its doors, it can create a real hardship for residents and their families who have to make alternative arrangements,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “Picking an appropriate nursing home setting that meets the needs of the resident and the family takes time, and should not be rushed. Giving nursing home residents advanced warning when a facility is set to close would allow them and their families to make the best, most educated decision regarding their long-term care.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which would clarify that the penalties for illegally parking in a handicapped parking spot are active even when those penalties are not posted on a handicapped parking sign was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 36 – 0.

“In this day and age, almost every driver can identify a handicapped parking sign as off limits to anyone without disability, even if some choose to ignore it,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “However, some drivers have been able to skirt the law when it comes to handicapped parking, and are not ticketed because of a loophole that requires penalties to be posted on the sign. Through this bill, we are clarifying that semantics is not a valid excuse when it comes to violating the handicapped parking laws in New Jersey.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which would increase penalties on animal cruelty, particularly in commission of another crime, was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 38-0.

“The bond between a pet and an owner can be very strong, and we go to great lengths to keep our pets safe and comfortable,” said Senator Karcher. “Anyone with a sense of compassion can see that when it comes to cruelty laws, slap-on-the-wrist penalties will not cover it. We need to send a message that the mistreatment and abuse of animals will not be tolerated in New Jersey, and that the penalties will be strong enough to make criminals think twice before they participate in animal cruelty.”