Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Nicholas P. Scutari, D-Union, Middlesex and Somerset, addresses his colleagues on the floor of the State Senate.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Nicholas P. Scutari, D-Union, Middlesex and Somerset, addresses his colleagues on the floor of the State Senate.
Senate Education Committee’s hearing on underage drinking on college campuses
TRENTON – A Senate panel today advanced a bill, S-1987, sponsored by Senators Jim Whelan and Jeff Van Drew to authorize casino workers to seek election to the Council in Atlantic City.
“This (bill) will broaden the pool of talented and concerned local residents who can help lead Atlantic City in these complex times,” said Senator Whelan, D-Atlantic. “The stringent employment standards for casino employees will ensure candidates are of the utmost integrity.”
TRENTON – Senator Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, issued the following statement regarding today’s news conference with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in support of his legislation – known as Ricci’s law – which would require first-time drunk drivers to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles:
“In July of 2006, Ricci Branca, a 17-year-old young man from Egg Harbor Township, was doing things that kids do during the summertime – enjoying time off from school and hanging out with his friends. He was a good kid who brought a lot of joy to his friends and family and had his whole life ahead of him.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Nicholas P. Scutari, D-Union, Middlesex and Somerset, addresses his colleagues on the floor of the State Senate.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Nicholas P. Scutari, D-Union, Middlesex and Somerset, addresses his colleagues on the floor of the State Senate.
Senator Whelan Press Conference with MADD on Ignition Interlock Devices
TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale, Jim Whelan, Shirley K. Turner and Nia H. Gill which would create a system of licensure and accountability for genetic counselors in the State of New Jersey was unanimously approved by the Senate Commerce Committee today.
“Genetic counseling has become an invaluable medical tool for parents looking to assess the risks of transmitting genetic disorders to their kids, and individual looking for greater understanding of their own health,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “As we move forward with cutting-edge health care – like personalized medicine and custom-made health care plans – genetic counseling is becoming an even bigger part of the future of medicine. Unfortunately, individuals looking for medical guidance have no way of knowing who’s an appropriate genetic counselor and who’s simply using the title without the necessary training and education.”
TRENTON – On Monday, Senate Committees will meet to consider measures which will improve the economic climate of New Jersey for businesses and guarantee that State workers’ benefits contributions cannot be diverted to other purposes.
S-2130, sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex, and Senate Budget Committee Chair, Senator Barbara Buono, D-Middlesex, which would extend the carry-forward provision for net-operating losses in the State’s corporate business tax (CBT), from 7 years to 20 years, will be up for consideration in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee at 1:00 PM.
TRENTON – A package of bills sponsored by members of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee which address hospital governance in an attempt to keep hospitals competitive in New Jersey was signed into law today by Governor Jon Corzine.
The first bill in the package, S-1794, requires each general hospital in New Jersey to annually conduct a public meeting for the community it serves. The meetings will focus on the delivery of care to the community, and give local residents a chance to form a dialogue with hospitals’ executives to discuss how better to serve the community.
“Our local hospitals serve as safe havens for the residents who live nearby, and they play a vital role in the communities they serve,” said Senator Redd, D-Camden and Gloucester, who is a prime sponsor of S-1794. “Hospitals can only continue to provide this necessary care if they are in tune with the needs of residents, so it is imperative that the lines of communication are open between hospital administration and the public.”
Two years ago this week, 17-year-old Ricci Branca was riding his bicycle with friends along Ocean Drive in Egg Harbor Township when a drunk driver took away his future, devastated his family and left his many friends in shock.
When law enforcement caught up with drunk driver Stephen French after he fled the scene, his blood alcohol level was found to be four times the legal limit. After admittedly drinking at least ten glasses of wine in a bar over four hours, he still got behind the wheel of his car. He’s now doing 16 years in State prison.
ATLANTIC CITY – Governor Jon S. Corzine signed legislation today sponsored by Senator Jim Whelan that transfers ownership of the Atlantic City Convention Center from the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (Sports Authority) to the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority (Visitors Authority).
“We’re streamlining the management of the Convention Center and making it more responsive to the needs of Atlantic City,” said Senator Whelan, D-Atlantic. “It no longer makes sense to have the Sports Authority up in the Meadowlands owning the Convention Center in Atlantic City, especially since the Visitors’ Authority has been running it since the day it opened.”
ATLANTIC CITY – Governor Corzine signed legislation today, sponsored by Senator Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, which will allow casinos, racetracks and simulcasting operations to stay open for up to seven days in the event of a State government shutdown similar to the crisis caused by the July 2006 budget impasse.
“The 4th of July weekend is primetime for Atlantic City’s economy, with visitors pumping in millions of dollars into hotels, restaurants and casinos in the resort,” said Senator Whelan. “Not only do casino operators rely on the economic activity over the holiday weekend, but dealers, hotel and restaurant employees, support staff, and a whole host of workers in related industries depend upon every penny earned in the busy July month. Under this new law, Atlantic City’s economy will no longer be subject to hijacking based on budget stalemates in Trenton.”