Loretta Weinberg

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Loretta Weinberg which would establish the Asperger’s Syndrome Initiative within the Department of Human Services was unanimously approved today by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

Asperger’s Syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by autistic-like behaviors – such as deficiencies in social and communication skills. Those living with Asperger’s Syndrome tend to be self-absorbed and often display obsessive or repetitive routines. The disease is not usually diagnosed until adulthood.

TRENTON – Senator Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen, today released the following statement regarding the Senate Labor Committee’s passage of S-2249, a measure that would authorize up to 12 weeks of paid Family Temporary Disability Leave (family leave) time per year for any insured employee who needs to take time off to care for a seriously ill family member or a newborn or newly adopted child:

“Having taken ‘family leave’ to take care of my husband during his serious illness I understand the necessity for this bill. Being both a mom and a grandma I understand its importance, from both ends of life.”

The legislation was approved today by a vote of 3-1. It now heads to the full Senate for approval.

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Loretta Weinberg, which allows municipalities to adopt a local ordinance to set the maximum amount of a yearly dog licensing fee has been signed into law by Governor Corzine.

“The signing of this bill serves as a good example of a group having a concern, bringing forward an idea, and actually getting it done,” said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen.

TRENTON – Senator Loretta Weinberg today called for comprehensive reforms at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to make the bi-state transit agency “more accountable and responsive to the public it was created to serve.”

Senator Weinberg said her bill, just introduced, S-2475, is part of a two-state legislative reform effort with New York Assemblyman Richard L. Brodsky, to “end a culture of secrecy” at the Port Authority.

TRENTON – Senator Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen, released the following statement today regarding the signing of S-2407, a bill she sponsored establishing civil unions for same sex couples in New Jersey:

“Today is a good day, but not a perfect day for same sex couples.

“Same sex couples have cause to celebrate today as they advance on their long and difficult journey to equality.

TRENTON – Senator Loretta Weinberg, Senate co-prime sponsor of S-2407/A-3787, a bill to authorize same-sex couples to enter Civil Unions, issued the following statement as the measured was approved by the Senate today.

It passed 23-12 and was advanced to Governor Corzine’s office for enactment.