Linda Greenstein

A view of the Senate Chambers from the 2010-2011 Senate Reorganization.

23 May: Beach-Greenstein Bill To Grant Professional And Occupational Licensure To Military Spouses Clears Committee

TRENTON – In an effort to support military families and ease their transition into New Jersey, Senators Jim Beach and Linda R. Greenstein have sponsored legislation that would permit non-resident military spouses to lawfully practice their profession under a temporary courtesy license, while they fulfill additional requirements for permanent certification in New Jersey. The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee today approved the bill.

“Military families make countless sacrifices, both on and off the battlefield, and we have a civic duty to minimize the challenges they face on the home front,” said Senator Beach, D-Camden. “The effects of repeated deployments and constant transfers wreak havoc on the financial stability of these families who have dedicated their lives to protect our nation. By allowing military spouses who hold licenses in other states to continue practicing in their certified profession, this legislation will help pave a direct path to long-term employment and make their transition into New Jersey as simple as possible.”

Returning members of the State Senate are sworn in

20 May: Smith-Whelan-Greenstein ‘Preserve New Jersey Act Of 2013’ Approved By Senate Environment Committee

TRENTON – Two measures sponsored by Senate Environment and Energy Committee members Bob Smith, Jim Whelan and Linda R. Greenstein that would create a stable source of funding to continue the state’s open space programs were approved today by the Committee.

“Because New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the nation, it is important that we protect the open space we have for the enjoyment and health of future generations,” said Senator Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset, Chairman of the Committee. “Throughout the years, residents have overwhelmingly supported open space bonds that provide money for parks, wetlands and farmland. Rather than going back to the voters time after time, asking for additional funding, we can create a constant stream that will ensure the protection of open spaces for decades.”

Senator Linda Greenstein, D-Middlesex and Mercer, addresses the State Senate after being sworn in to office.

20 May: Greenstein Bill To Ensure First Responders Receive Compensation And Medical Benefits For Illnesses Caused By Catastrophic Events Headed To Governor

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Linda R. Greenstein that would ensure New Jersey’s first responders receive medical care and compensation for conditions resulting from their actions in the line of duty, particularly medical conditions that may not manifest until long after the event, received final legislative approval today and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

“First responders are our front line defense in times of chaos and tragedy. In most cases, they are running into danger when most people are running out. When these heroic actions lead to illnesses, we should be supporting these men and women,” said Senator Greenstein, D-Middlesex and Mercer. “We must ensure compensation and health benefits are provided to our firefighters, police officers, EMTs and nurses who protect and serve the people of New Jersey during catastrophic events and terrorist attacks.”

13 May: Greenstein Bill To Ensure First Responders Receive Compensation And Medical Benefits For Illnesses Caused By Catastrophic Events Approved By Senate

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Linda R. Greenstein that would ensure New Jersey’s first responders receive medical care and compensation for conditions resulting from their actions in the line of duty, particularly medical conditions that may not manifest until long after the event, was approved today by the full Senate.

“Each day first responders from police and fire to EMTs and paramedics to nurses and hospital personnel go to work to protect and serve the people of New Jersey and in doing so, put their own lives on the line,” said Senator Greenstein, D-Middlesex and Mercer. “When a catastrophic event or terrorist attack happens on American soil, these emergency workers may be exposed to carcinogens, communicable diseases, radiation and related hazards to their health, along with witnessing severe death and suffering, the affects of which do long-term damage to the worker. It is our duty to honor these men and women for their service and sacrifice by providing them with the compensation and health care they have earned.”

09 May: Greenstein Bill To Ensure First Responders Receive Compensation And Medical Benefits For Illnesses Caused By Catastrophic Events Advances

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Linda R. Greenstein that will ensure New Jersey’s first responders receive medical care and compensation for conditions resulting from their actions in the line of duty, particularly medical conditions that may not manifest until long after the event, was approved today by the Senate Labor Committee.

“While most everyone tries to stay out of harm’s way, first responders run into danger when a terrorist attack or catastrophic event occurs,” said Senator Greenstein, D-Middlesex and Mercer. “In doing so, they take on a high level of risk, not only of immediate injury or death, but long-term health problems including respiratory issues, cancer and post traumatic stress disorder. We cannot ignore that these health problems have a direct correlation to high risk emergency situations and it is our duty to provide these men and women with the compensation and health care they have earned.”

A view of the Senate Chambers from the 2010-2011 Senate Reorganization.

29 Apr: Greenstein-Beach Measure To Allow Military Spouses To Teach In New Jersey Schools Heads To Governor

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Linda R. Greenstein and Jim Beach that would support military families and ease their transition into New Jersey by allowing qualified military spouses to teach in New Jersey schools while completing additional requirements for teacher certification received final approval today in the General Assembly.

“While our service men and women are heroes to this country, they are not the only ones who make tough sacrifices to protect our nation. Their spouses and families often endure long times separated from their loved ones and have to move regularly, causing them to lose out on career opportunities and advancement,” said Senator Greenstein, D-Middlesex and Mercer. “By providing military spouses who hold a teaching certificate or license from another state with the ability to continue their teaching careers while working through New Jersey’s licensure process, we can provide some relief from wage loss and unemployment for these families.”

A view of the Senate Chambers from the 2010-2011 Senate Reorganization.

29 Apr: Beach-Greenstein Introduce Legislation To Reform Campaign Finance Laws In New Jersey

TRENTON – In an effort to bring more transparency to the electoral process, Senators Jim Beach and Linda R. Greenstein today introduced legislation that would overhaul campaign finance laws by strengthening disclosure requirements, closing loopholes, and standardizing provisions of “pay-to-play” laws statewide.

“The current campaign finance system in New Jersey is full of loopholes and unnecessary complexities, making it difficult for ELEC to enforce and the public to understand,” said Senator Beach, D-Camden. “By requiring full disclosure of all donations, we are not limiting those who wish to donate, but making the process more transparent so that the public can make educated decisions regarding candidates and their contributors. This bill will go a long way to take bureaucracy out of campaigns, and make certain that all candidates, municipalities, and contractors are held accountable to the same set of standards.”

05 Apr: Senators Greenstein, Sweeney & O’Toole Introduce Legislation To Modernize Megan’s Law

TRENTON – Senator Linda R. Greenstein, Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Kevin O’Toole announced today they have introduced legislation to revise and strengthen Megan’s Law to improve community supervision of convicted sex offenders and to better protect New Jersey’s children. The legislation also updates the law based on improved electronic communication and would ensure that minors who sext are not placed on the sex offender registry for life.

“Nineteen years ago, when Megan’s Law was initially established here in New Jersey, it would have been impossible to predict modern advances in technology from the commonplace of cell phones and tablets to the widespread availability of Wi-Fi,” said Senator Greenstein, D-Middlesex and Mercer. “With these technological advances come new concerns for our children’s safety. Parents must now be vigilant against sexual predators both when their children are outside and inside the home, because luring and sexual advances can happen on computers and phones in living rooms and bedrooms. We need to arm our law enforcement – including parole officers – with the skills, training and tools to effectively monitor those convicted of sex crimes to ensure the continued safety of our kids.”

“The State Parole Board has the daunting task of monitoring convicted sex offenders throughout the state under Megan’s Law. Their efforts protect our children, notify families of dangerous individuals in their neighborhoods and ensure that sex offenders do not recommit these heinous crimes and harm another child,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney, D-Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem. “As the sex offender registry continues to grow and as technology continues to change, we must update our laws to ensure that law enforcement has the resources necessary to successfully monitor those on the registry and to address new threats to our children.”