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 President Richard J. Codey Unveiled Public PSA Campaign to Explain Video Game Ratings
TRENTON – The New Jersey State Senate is scheduled to meet on Monday to give final legislative approval to a package of economic stimulus bills intended to blunt some of the fiscal trauma the State faces as a result of the current economic crisis gripping the nation.
“Whether it’s struggling families or struggling businesses, these bills provide a broad range of assistance to help temper the blow of the continuing financial crisis,” said Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex. “We can’t expect to solve a global crisis at the State level, but what we can do is find smart ways to direct our limited resources to those who need it most – the families fighting to get by on a daily basis, those clinging to their homes by a thread, and the businesses trying to survive and provide much needed jobs to our residents.”
At a news conference in the Statehouse, Senator Jeff Van Drew was joined by health care professionals, representatives of the…
TRENTON � A measure sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner, which permits the Department of Human Services (DHS) to cover the cost of a $25 annual fee on child support payments, or require non-custodial parents to cover the cost, has been signed into law by Governor Jon Corzine. The DHS has indicated its intent to pay the fee with federal incentive dollars. According to DHS, there will be no additional cost to the State.
In October of 2005 the Federal Government began requiring families to pay an annual fee of $25 when the State collects at least $500 in child support payments.
�By nature, child support payments are designed to ensure that kids receive financial support from both parents,� said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. �While payment of the fee is mandatory, it would be unfair to call for single, custodial parents who are already working hard to raise their kids to cover the cost of child support. By stepping up and covering the cost of the fee, DHS is reaffirming its commitment to New Jersey�s families.�
EDISON – Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney has been named “Legislator of the Year” by the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA). The award ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2008 at The Pines Manor in Edison.
“I am honored to have been chosen to receive this award, from an organization whose members dedicate their time, talent and lives to ensuring the safety of the people of New Jersey,” said Senator Sweeney, D-Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem. “The men and women of the New Jersey State PBA pride themselves in ‘helping those who help others,’ and they deserve our respect and thanks for all they do to help keep the people of this state safe.”
TRENTON – At a news conference in the Statehouse today, Senator Jeff Van Drew was joined by health care professionals, representatives of the Medical Society of New Jersey, and patients’ families to urge Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to enter into good-faith negotiations with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to allow thousands of the State’s sickest kids to continue to receive top-notch specialized pediatric health care.
“Many families in South Jersey have relied on Children’s Hospital through the years to provide the sort of specialized pediatric care for which they have built a world-wide reputation,” said Senator Van Drew, D-Cape May and Cumberland. “However, Horizon’s decision to end their relationship with CHOP means that such world-class care will be inaccessible for thousands who subscribe to the State’s largest health insurer after March 11 – the cut-off date under the existing contract. Horizon needs to come to the negotiating table in good faith and ensure that New Jersey families continue to have access to the health care resources of the world’s best pediatric hospital.”
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 Jeff Van Drew Holds News Conference to Urge Horizon and Children’s Hospital to Come to Agreement
TRENTON – Senate Majority Leader Stephen M. Sweeney today said if credit unions in the State get access to public deposits of government funds, it will boost the New Jersey economy and help fight the credit crunch locally.
“The infusion of funds from public deposits will enable credit unions to provide more loans to their members and help struggling small businesses,” said Senator Sweeney, D-Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland.
TRENTON – Senate Majority Leader Stephen M. Sweeney today said he is gathering support to establish a state-funded, county-wide tax assessment pilot program for Gloucester County to replace the current municipal system.
“It’s clear we’ll save money for taxpayers, increase efficiencies and streamline government services with a county-based assessment system,” said Senator Sweeney, D-Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland.
TRENTON � Senate President Richard J. Codey and Senator Jennifer Beck today sent a letter to Governor Jon Corzine urging him to convene a panel of experts and interested parties to discuss the long term stability and funding of the horse racing industry in New Jersey.
�The recently signed purse supplement was a short term solution for an industry with longer term issues,� said Codey (D-Essex). �We feel it is imperative that the Governor impanel this commission as soon as possible so we can have a thoughtful and deliberative process with input from all interested parties to ensure the viability of the horse racing industry in New Jersey. If we don’t move quickly, we’ll be left in the starting gate while other states race to the prize.�