TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Loretta Weinberg which would require that employees of agencies specializing in international adoptions undergo criminal background and child abuse record checks has been introduced in the Senate.
“When parents in the United States rely on an adoption agency to find them a child in another country, social workers are called upon to bridge the gap between parents and the overseas orphanage,” said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen. “A myriad of circumstances can surround the need for a child to be put up for adoption, and more often than not, the child has lived through some traumatic experiences. Moving to a different country to live with a new family is also very traumatic, and this legislation would work to make sure that the social workers have the best interest and safety of the child in mind.”
TRENTON – Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny Jr. made the following comments after Governor Corzine signed his State budget bill, S-3000, for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
“This budget will give residents record amounts of property tax relief and the clearest picture ever of how their money is being spent to support State services.
TRENTON – Senator Barbara Buono, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, today made the following comments after attending Governor Corzine’s bill-signing ceremony for S-3000, the budget measure for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
“This budget provides record property tax relief for homeowners and economic incentives for businesses in New Jersey.
TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Ellen Karcher and Loretta Weinberg which creates the Victims of Crime Compensation Agency (VCCA) within the Department of the Treasury was signed into law today by Governor Jon Corzine.
The VCCA will be comprised of five unpaid members, each being appointed to a three-year term. Currently, the members of the Victims of Crime Compensation Board (VCCB) receive salaries of $110,000 and are eligible for tenure after serving 10 years.
TRENTON – Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny Jr., D-Hudson, the Chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, made the following comments about S-3000, the record-setting property tax relief budget bill which passed the Senate by a 22-15 vote.
“Today, we are presenting a budget plan for the coming year that contains record amounts of property tax relief and compassion for those in need.
TRENTON – Senator Ellen Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer, a leading advocate in the State Legislature for greater ethics reform and government transparency, issued the following statement regarding the approval today of the FY 2008 Budget, which passed the Senate by a vote of 22-15. Senator Karcher fought for and secured $2.9 million for underperforming, underfunded schools, including nearly half a million dollars for Freehold Borough in her legislative district:
“This year’s budget proves that we can adopt compassionate, honest funding priorities while shunning the backroom deals and last-minute add-ons which have hurt legislators’ credibility with the people we represent.
TRENTON – Both houses of the legislature today approved a measure to invest nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in long-term funding for stem cell research, a move hailed by advocates as an investment in hope. The $450 million initiative, sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey and Senator Barbara Buono, caps off a critical investment drive by the State of New Jersey, which in December approved a $270 million initiative to fund a world-class stem cell institute and several other biomedical research facilities.
“New Jersey will now be a part of the front line in the search for cures to some of our most obstinate afflictions,” said Sen. Codey (D-Essex). “The potential yield on this investment – in terms of lives saved, hope restored, and economies revitalized – is unlimited. With the support of our residents in November, this public investment will be nearly unparalleled in the United States.”
TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which would prohibit future elected leaders from holding more than one office at the same time was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 32-2, receiving final legislative approval.
“Dual office-holding is a Trenton tradition that can no longer be tolerated,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer, a leading advocate for ethics reform in the State Legislature. “The public interest is not served when elected officials double up on the perks, pay and pensions that come with serving in a dual capacity. New Jersey needs elected leaders who are focused on the task at hand, not juggling the duties of multiple offices.”
TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Sharpe James which would ban the practice of dual office-holding in New Jersey was approved by the Senate yesterday by a vote of 32-2, receiving final legislative approval.
“One of the first bills I put forward after being elected to the Senate in 1999 was a ban on dual office-holding,” said Senator James, D-Essex and Union. “As a former mayor of New Jersey’s largest city and a legislator, I know firsthand how difficult it is to fulfill the duties of both offices. I’m glad that we can finally take the steps needed to abolish this practice once and for all in New Jersey.”
TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators John Adler, Shirley K. Turner and Joseph F. Vitale which would eliminate the smoking ban exemption for New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 35-0.
“Today’s Senate action is a huge win for New Jersey,” said Senator Adler, D-Cherry Hill. “It sends the message that the public interest, and our health, is our most important priority. With this vote, we guarantee smoke-free indoor air, not just for casino patrons, but employees who risk their health just by going to work.”
TRENTON – Senator Barbara Buono, D-Middlesex, made the following statement today following final legislative approval of SCR-137/ACR-20, which would ask voters if they want to amend the state constitution to dedicate a full cent of the sales tax to property tax relief:
“Property taxes is the number one concern among New Jersey’s residents. Over the past year we have made great strides in our efforts to bring significant relief to property owners.
TRENTON – A package of bills sponsored by Senators Loretta Weinberg, Ellen Karcher and Joseph Coniglio designed to help increase resources, funding and treatment for those living with autism unanimously cleared the Senate today.
One bill, S-2558, would make training in autism awareness a condition for teacher certification. The bill would call upon the Commissioner of Education to work with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services and autism education groups to develop coursework dealing with the characteristics and needs of autistic students. The coursework would be included in the curriculums of every college or university offering teacher or paraprofessional certification.
TRENTON – The Senate today gave final approval to a measure sponsored by Senators Paul Sarlo and Barbara Buono that would require the State to use compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs whenever possible in State-owned buildings and encourage residents to do the same.
“CFL bulbs use less electricity and last longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs,” said Senator Sarlo, D-Bergen, Essex and Passaic. “With the switch to CFL bulbs, New Jersey will not only save money in the long run but also reduce the State’s greenhouse gas emissions and set a good example for everyone living in New Jersey.”
TRENTON – The Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senator Joseph Coniglio that would provide consumers with new protections from what they say are overzealous and overpriced towing companies.
“There are very few limits on what towing companies are allowed to do in New Jersey,” said Senator Coniglio, D-Bergen. “Drivers need to have some basic protections against those companies that prowl the streets actively looking for cars to tow and then charge an arm and a leg to release the car.”
TRENTON – Both the Senate and Assembly approved legislation today sponsored by Senate Shirley K. Turner that would require all historic sites granted property tax exemptions after 1999, including Princeton’s Cottage Club, to follow current requirements in order to keep that exemption.
“Every time the State grants a property tax exemption, it places a further burden on the other property owners in that town,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. “The privilege of being exempt from a community’s financial obligations must be balanced with increased participation in the community’s cultural and educational well-being. To do anything less is abusing the system.”