M. Teresa Ruiz

By DMUAdmin M. Teresa Ruiz News & Releases

21 Jun: Senator Ruiz Statement On Senate Passage Of Historic Tenure Reform Legislation

TRENTON – Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex), chair of the Senate Education Committee, issued the following statement today on the Senate passage of legislation (S-1455) she sponsored to overhaul the state’s century-old tenure law. The bill was approved unanimously by a vote of 39-0:

“Today is an extraordinary day for the state of New Jersey. The action taken by the Senate on this historic reform bill shows the commitment and dedication of so many to ensuring that students across our state receive a high-quality education that will prepare them for college and a career. It also demonstrates our commitment to elevating and supporting the teaching profession, the most important profession there is.

“With this legislation, we will overhaul a century-old tenure law and craft a new policy that will create supports for our teachers, an ongoing evaluation system that will allow for deficiencies to be identified, corrective action plans to be implemented and for professional development that will help strengthen our educators. With this bill, we will create fundamental change that ensures our students have the best leaders in the classroom. It is policy based on the foundation that no matter a child’s background, ZIP code or socio-economic status, all students deserve equal access to an excellent education.

“This bill represents nearly two years of work in a process that included all of the stakeholders, in order to ensure that we had the best policy possible for New Jersey. I want to thank everyone who was part of the process. This bill demonstrates that no matter what side of an issue you are on, when people are truly willing to work together, and to continue to work regardless of the disagreements that may take place, extraordinary things can happen.”

By DMUAdmin M. Teresa Ruiz News & Releases Sandra Cunningham

14 May: Ruiz/Cunningham Bill Granting American-Born NJ Students Equal Access To College, Regardless Of Parents’ Immigration Status Advances

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate Education Chair M. Teresa Ruiz and Senate Higher Education Chair Sandra Bolden Cunningham to ensure that New Jersey students born in the United States are provided equal access to college, regardless of their parents’ immigration status, was approved today by a Senate committee.

The Higher Education Citizenship Equality Act would reverse a discriminatory state policy that prevents New Jersey students – who are born in the country and, therefore, are U.S. citizens – from accessing financial aid offered under state tuition assistance programs if their parents are undocumented immigrants. The measure (S-1760) would also provide that New Jersey students born in the United States are eligible for in-state tuition rates, provided they have resided in the state for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment and that their parents submit certain income tax documentation to the institution.

“The practice of denying students state aid based on their parents’ immigration status is discriminatory and unjust,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex). “It unfairly prevents U.S. citizens from accessing the educational opportunities they are entitled to and that their classmates are being provided. Moreover, this policy is contrary to our goal of ensuring that all students have the tools they need to attain educational success. It is unacceptable and should be corrected.”

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

By DMUAdmin Linda Greenstein Loretta Weinberg M. Teresa Ruiz Nellie Pou News & Releases

01 May: Women Senators –- Use Untapped Job Training Dollars For Women’s Healthcare

TRENTON – Following the revelation that $6 million from a job training program for women and minorities will be lapsed into the General Fund in the current budget, a group of female Senators that serve on the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee said that the money would be put to better use by restoring drastic cuts to women’s healthcare programs that the Governor instituted since he took office.

“Rather than funnel unused job training dollars back into the General Budget, the unused funds should instead be invested in women’s healthcare for women who have been unable to find work in the current job market,” said Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen. “When Governor Christie drastically cut funding for women’s health care in the last two State budgets, he made it more difficult for women to access the tests and treatments which can save lives. If we’re now at a point where we can identify surplus funds in underutilized programs, our first priority should be restoring some of the painful cuts from budgets past.”

Returning members of the State Senate are sworn in

By DMUAdmin Jim Whelan M. Teresa Ruiz News & Releases Shirley K. Turner

15 Mar: Whelan-Ruiz-Turner Bill To Address Shortage In Math And Science Teachers Approved

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Jim Whelan, Teresa Ruiz, and Shirley K. Turner which would create an alternative method of endorsing teachers in specific subject areas in order to address a shortage in those subject areas was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 36-0, receiving final legislative approval.

“We have a responsibility to our kids to make sure they receive a top-notch education in order to compete in an increasingly global marketplace,” said Senator Whelan, D-Atlantic. “However, when our schools are facing down shortages in key subject areas, not only is the quality of education jeopardized, the availability of even fundamental education comes into question. This bill would ensure that we have enough quality teachers at all levels and in all subject areas to meet the need, without compromising an inch on the quality of the education our kids receive.”

“This bill would make sure that New Jersey schools have access to a qualified and dedicated workforce whenever shortages in any subject area may arise,” said Senator Ruiz, D-Essex, and Chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee. “It would create an alternate path for subject area endorsements for teachers who demonstrate proficiency in any given subject and a desire to teach that subject. Ultimately, it would ensure that New Jersey is better-equipped to meet the demand for quality teachers in every school district and every educational discipline.”

“By giving our State’s teachers the ability to pursue alternate subject area endorsements, we’re making sure that we have adequate and available staffing in all educational disciplines,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer and Hunterdon, and Vice Chair of the Education Committee. “This bill strikes a thoughtful balance between the staffing needs of our schools and the need for quality teachers in our classrooms. It will result in teachers filling in the holes whenever a district faces a shortage in a particular subject area.”

By DMUAdmin M. Teresa Ruiz News & Releases Nia H. Gill

23 Jan: Gill/Ruiz Measure To Establish Loan Forgiveness Program For Teachers Clears Education Committee

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Nia H. Gill (D-Essex/Passaic) and M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) to establish a loan redemption program under which teachers could have a portion of their undergraduate loans forgiven by the state in exchange for work at a school in New Jersey was approved today by the Senate Education Committee.

“Tasked with preparing the next generation of scientists, nurses and community leaders of our state, teachers have what is arguably the most difficult job there is,” said Senator Gill. “But to become teachers, many of these individuals are forced to take on massive amounts of debt that will take years to pay off. We have to do everything we possibly can to attract and retain excellent teachers. A loan forgiveness program will serve as an incentive for our best and brightest to stay here after college and to choose a New Jersey school to start their careers.”

By DMUAdmin Donald Norcross M. Teresa Ruiz News & Releases

17 Jan: Norcross/Ruiz Bill To Help Out-Of-Work EMTS Now Law

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester) and M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex/Union) to help emergency medical technicians get back to work sooner while at the same time saving hiring agencies training-related costs is now law.

The law (S-2411) establishes a special reemployment list to allow municipalities to hire EMTs who have been laid off for economic reasons, provided that the termination occurred within the preceding 60 months. It allows the hiring of EMTs who have been laid off before completing a working test or probationary period but had not yet received permanent status at their previous place of employment. However, under these circumstances, a non-permanent EMT would be required to complete the remainder of any probationary/field work test period.

“This law will not only make it possible for municipalities to give laid off EMTs priority hiring status, but also create an incentive for towns and cities to do so,” said Senator Norcross. “Hiring emergency responders who already have experience in the field will save municipal officials training costs, which will ultimately benefit taxpayers. This is a win for emergency officials and residents alike.”

By DMUAdmin M. Teresa Ruiz News & Releases

09 Jan: Ruiz Bill To Include Cheerleaders In Nj’s Concussion Prevention/Treatment Program Signed Into Law

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator M. Teresa Ruiz that would boost the state’s extensive efforts to protect high school student athletes from head injuries has been signed into law.

The law (S-3053) provides specifically that cheerleaders and their coaches are included in the student-athlete head injury safety program required by a new law signed last year. The law made New Jersey the state with the most comprehensive concussion prevention and treatment program in the country.

“New Jersey has done a tremendous amount of work to protect high school students participating in sports from head injuries. Given the documented number of student-athletes who have suffered concussions, and the potential long-term affects of these injuries, we know that the education and training that our state laws require is a critical component of our athletics programs,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex/Union), chair of the Senate Education Committee. “However, statistics show that cheerleaders are also at high risk of suffering head injuries. This law will ensure that cheerleaders and their coaches are included in the head injury safety program required in New Jersey schools and provided the tools that are necessary to keep them safe.”

By DMUAdmin M. Teresa Ruiz News & Releases Nia H. Gill

16 Dec: Ruiz/Weinberg Bill Allowing Patients To Detail End-Of-Life Treatment Preferences Heads To Governor

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex/Union) and Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) aimed at ensuring that people with chronic or terminal illnesses are treated with dignity and respect in their final days by ensuring their medical wishes are known by medical professionals providing them care was approved today by both houses of the Legislature. It now heads to the desk of Governor Chris Christie.

The bill (S-2197) would establish the framework for a program that would allow individuals to use of Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms in New Jersey. The POLST form is a statewide, standardized document that essentially converts a person’s wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment into a medical order. These forms are currently being used, or are in the process of being established, in more than 30 states.

“People have the fundamental right to make their own decisions regarding end-of-life care,” said Senator Ruiz. “This bill will create a program that allows patients to convey specifically how they would like to be treated in the event they lose the capacity to express their preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments. The POLST form will help to ensure that people are, in fact, able to decide how they want to live out their time here, and that their wishes are well-known by the medical professionals providing them care.”

By DMUAdmin M. Teresa Ruiz News & Releases Richard J. Codey

02 Dec: Ruiz, Codey Bills To Improve Concussion Prevention/Treatment Measures In NJ Schools Advance

TRENTON – Two bills that would boost the state’s extensive efforts to protect high school student athletes from head injuries were approved unanimously Thursday by the Senate Education Committee.

Sponsored by Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, the first bill (S-3053) would provide specifically that cheerleaders and their coaches are included in the student-athlete head injury safety program required by a new law signed last year. The law made New Jersey the state with the most comprehensive concussion prevention and treatment program in the country.

“New Jersey has done a tremendous amount of work to protect high school students participating in sports from head injuries. Given the documented number of student-athletes who have suffered concussions, and the potential long-term affects of these injuries, we know that the education and training that our state laws require is a critical component of our athletics programs,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex/Union). “However, statistics show that cheerleaders are also at high risk of suffering head injuries. This legislation will ensure that cheerleaders and their coaches are included in the head injury safety program required in New Jersey schools and provided the tools that are necessary to keep them safe.”

By DMUAdmin Jim Whelan M. Teresa Ruiz News & Releases

26 Sep: Ruiz/Whelan Measure Authorizing Green Job Certification Programs In County Colleges, VO-TECH Schools Heads To Governor

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex/Union) and Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic) to permit county colleges and vocational school districts to establish green job certification programs today received final legislative approval in the Senate.

Specifically, the bill (S-1648) would allow county vocational school districts and county colleges to partner with private entities to develop and establish green job certification programs. The college or vocational district would identify needed skills, develop training programs and train workers for green jobs in industries such as energy efficient building, construction and retrofits, renewable electric power, energy efficient vehicles, biofuels and manufacturing that produces sustainable products and uses sustainable processes and materials.

“As we continue our effort to grow businesses and improve our state economy, we need to ensure that education is a key component. Creating training and green job certification programs in our educational institutions will allow us to prepare the next generation of workers for employment in the renewable energy sector,” said Senator Ruiz. “At the same time, these programs will provide residents with the ability to acquire new skills that will allow them to obtain good-paying jobs and to move up the economic scale.”

“We have the ability in New Jersey to be an international leader in the green energy economy, by developing new technologies in the areas of solar, wind and biofuels. But in order to compete in the worldwide marketplace, it is critical that we have a highly-skilled workforce that is well trained,” said Senator Whelan. “By allowing our colleges and vocational schools to partner with the industry, we will ensure that our residents have the skills necessary to compete in the 21st century green economy, so that we can expand our renewable energy sector, spur job creation and fuel economic growth.”

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M. Teresa Ruiz