S2490 Archives - NJ Senate Democrats

15 Jan: Gill & Weinberg Act To Provide ‘Bridge’ Funding For VAWA Programs In NJ

TRENTON – Acting to protect New Jersey programs supported by the federal Violence Against Women Act from losing all funding, Senate President Pro Tempore Nia Gill and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg have introduced legislation that would provide bridge funding until Congress reauthorizes VAWA. House Republicans refused to renew the landmark law during the 112 Congressional session, jeopardizing the $5.8 million the state and other entities receive in support of programs that protect women against sexual assault, domestic violence and intimidation.

Introduced on Monday, the legislation, entitled the “VAWA Bridge Act,” would set aside up to $1 million for the Department of Law and Public Safety.

“The refusal of House Republicans to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act jeopardizes the ability of programs in New Jersey to continue to provide important services to protect women against acts of violence,” said Senator Gill (D-Essex/Passaic). “Without the VAWA grants, programs could be forced to close their doors after the First of March when their funding will run dry. This appropriation will provide enough funding to bridge the gap until Congress does the right thing and renews the act.”

By DMUAdmin Loretta Weinberg News & Releases

03 Dec: Weinberg’s ‘Billy’s Law’ Approved By Senate Budget Committee

TRENTON ? A measure sponsored by Senator Loretta Weinberg known as “Billy’s Law,” which would create an oversight council on the out-of-state placement of children was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

The bill is named for Billy Albanese of Brooklyn, NY. Billy suffered a traumatic brain injury and attended Bancroft Neurohealth in Haddonfield from 1992 to 1997. Billy was reportedly left unsupervised in his wheelchair on numerous occasions, resulting in three falls which required a total of 40 stitches to his face and head. Billy?s father, Vito Albanese, helped found the Family Alliance to Stop Abuse and Neglect, Senator Weinberg said.

“As parents and grandparents, our main priority must be to protect the health and safety of our children. This responsibility increases when they are out of our care, and so must our diligence in protecting our kids,” said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen. “This legislation would work to help protect hundreds of New Jersey?s children. We must work to ensure that our children who are sent out-of-state for treatment are kept safe, and treated with the same amount of care that they would receive here in New Jersey.”

By DMUAdmin Loretta Weinberg News & Releases

07 Jun: Weinberg’s ‘Billy’s Law’ Clears Senate Health Panel

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Loretta Weinberg known as “Billy’s Law,” which would create an oversight council on the out-of-state placement of children was unanimously approved today by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens committee.

The bill is named for Billy Albanese of Brooklyn, NY. Billy suffered a traumatic brain injury and attended Bancroft Neurohealth in Haddonfield from 1992 to 1997. Billy was reportedly left unsupervised in his wheelchair on numerous occasions, resulting in three falls which required a total of 40 stitches to his face and head. Billy’s father, Vito Albanese, helped found the Family Alliance to Stop Abuse and Neglect, Senator Weinberg said. Mr. Albanese and Billy attended today’s committee hearing.