Sandra Cunningham

Senators Ronald L. Rice, D-Essex, and Sandra Cunningham, D-Hudson, speak about legislation on the floor of the Senate

15 May: Cunningham-Rice Bill To Ensure Notification Of Hospital Closures To Local Leaders Advances

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Sandra Bolden Cunningham and Ronald L. Rice which would require the Department of Health and Senior Services to provide written notification to local leaders when a hospital in their municipality files with the department to close was unanimously approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today.

“Recently, with the closing of Greenville Hospital in Jersey City, I’ve seen firsthand that time is of the essence when it comes to mobilizing the community to fight for a health care facility,” said Senator Cunningham, D-Hudson. “Local leaders need to be given every chance to work to keep a hospital open if it serves a major need in the community, or prepare local residents for life after closure. This bill gives elected leaders ample warning to work with their constituents for a health care solution that meets the needs of the neighborhood.”

Senator Sandra Cunningham, D-Hudson, listens to testimony before the Senate Labor Committee.

30 Apr: Cunningham: Transportation Access Critical To New Jersey’s Residents

TRENTON –Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham, D-Hudson and lead questioner during today’s Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee’s hearing on the proposed FY09 budget for the New Jersey Department of Transportation, NJ Transit and the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), made the following statement after the hearing:

“Access to transportation, whether it be via mass transit or the State’s highways and local roads, is of critical importance to the residents of New Jersey. Most residents can’t get to work, send their kids to school or go to the store without relying on our roads, trains and buses.

Senator Sandra Cunningham listens to testimony during the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee hearing.

28 Apr: Cunningham Voices Her Support Of Small Business Transportation Carriers For Medicaid Beneficiaries

TRENTON – Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham, D-Hudson, released the following statement regarding today’s Budget and Appropriations Committee hearing with the Department of Human Services:

“It has come to my attention, that the Department of Human Services will entertain requests for proposals to outsource a $15 million contract for providing medical transportation for Medicaid recipients. My concern is, if this proposal is implemented, small and minority owned medical transportation companies would be at a definite disadvantage and more than likely could be put out of business.

Senator Cunningham in the Senate Chamber

23 Apr: Cunningham Favors Getting Family Input On Second Jersey City ‘9’11’ Memorial

TRENTON – Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham, D-Hudson, released the following statement regarding today’s Budget and Appropriations Committee hearing with the Department of Environmental Protection, during which plans for a second September 11, 2001 memorial in Jersey City were discussed:

“The events of September 11, 2001 affected all of us very deeply, but I think it’s safe to say that the most affected were the families of the people who perished that day. Many of the people who lost their lives that day were from New Jersey, so it’s only fitting that they are memorialized here.

Senator Sandra Cunningham listens to testimony during the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee hearing.

21 Apr: Cunningham: Strengthening Requirements May Be Key In Maintaining NJ STARS Programs

TRENTON – Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham, D-Hudson, the lead questioner for today’s FY 2009 Budget with the Higher Education Commission, released the following statement:

“The State’s NJ STARS programs, while relatively new, seem to be making a real difference in the lives of New Jersey’s scholars. I applaud Senator Wayne Bryant for authoring this legislation because it gives hope to some of the State’s hardest working scholars.

“With this year’s bleak financial forecast, it’s obvious that we’ll need to make some changes with regard to higher education funding. Governor Corzine’s proposed budget includes an increase of $900,000 to help cover the cost of tuition and fees under the STARS programs. It is imperative that we find a way to continue to provide the STARS programs to some of our neediest students, which could mean cutting funds for those who can afford to pay.

Senator Sandra Cunningham listens to testimony during the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee hearing.

16 Apr: Cunningham: Critical Corrections Programs Go Beyond Locking Up Inmates

TRENTON – Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham, D-Hudson and a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement regarding today’s panel hearing on the affect of the FY 2009 Budget on the State Department of Corrections:

“While talking with senior staff from the Department of Corrections today, it struck me that the Department’s most important programs don’t focus on the incarceration of inmates, but rather on making sure New Jersey citizens don’t commit crimes in the first place.

Senator Sandra Cunningham listens to testimony during the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee hearing.

09 Apr: Senator Cunningham Statement On Budget Hearings

TRENTON – Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham, D-Hudson, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement regarding today’s hearing on the FY 2009 Budget for the State Department of Health & Senior Services:

“With the recent closure of Greenville Hospital in Jersey City, I have been extremely concerned that the community’s uninsured residents would be put in jeopardy, unable to access necessary medical care. During this morning’s Budget Committee hearing I was relieved to learn from Commissioner Howard that the charity care funding allotted to Greenville Hospital will stay in the community to offset the increased costs that will be borne by other hospitals in the city.

Senator Sandra Cunningham, D-Hudson, looks on as the Senate votes on legislation.

24 Mar: Cunningham Statement On The First Meeting Of The Joint Committee On Public Schools

TRENTON – After the first meeting of the Joint Legislative Committee on Public Schools for this Legislative Session, State Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham, D-Hudson, a member of the panel, issued the following statement:

“Educating our young is one of the most sacred and important obligations of government. We must ensure future generations have the tools and training needed to be successful in today’s world, and a good education is the foundation for future success.

Senator Sandra Cunningham listens to testimony during the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee hearing.

24 Mar: Cunningham Statement On Greenville Hospital Closure

TRENTON – State Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham, D-Hudson, issued the following statement after receiving a letter from Department of Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard indicating that she would allow Liberty Health Systems to close Greenville Hospital in Jersey City due to financial hardship:

“I’m disappointed by the announcement today that Greenville Hospital has been given approval by the Commissioner of Health to close. It’s unfortunate that the people in the Greenville section of Jersey City will lose access to such a vital health care center which has served as a part of the community for more than 100 years.

Senator Cunningham in the Senate Chamber

12 Mar: Cunningham: Corners Must Be Cut, But Not At The Expense Of Those Who Can Least Afford Them

NEW BRUNSWICK – Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham, D-Hudson, today released the following statement highlighting her concern about proposed cuts to health care and education funding within Governor Corzine’s proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget. Senator Cunningham and other members of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee heard testimony today from representatives of municipalities, interest groups and organizations at a hearing held at Rutgers’ New Brunswick campus.

“First and foremost, I’m concerned about many of the proposed cuts within this budget. I understand the necessity of freeing up funds to help improve New Jersey’s fiscal standing, but it is imperative that we look at the people who will be affected by the reductions in aid.