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Returning members of the State Senate are sworn in

25 Aug: Van Drew/Girgenti Resolution Designating Sept. 11 ‘American Heroes Day’ Approved By Senate

TRENTON – A resolution sponsored by Senators Jeff Van Drew and John A. Girgenti to designate Sept. 11 of each year as American Heroes Day in honor of the emergency responders throughout the state who put their lives on the line to serve and protect the people of New Jersey was approved today by the full Senate.

“The 9/11 terrorist attacks brought to the forefront the courageous acts of heroism our emergency responders perform every day in the line of duty, when they are called upon to respond to dangerous events despite their own safety risks,” said Senator Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May/Cumberland/Atlantic). “New Jersey firefighters, police officers and emergency services personnel make tremendous sacrifices in order to ensure that all of us are safe and secure. It is fitting that we dedicate a day to pay tribute to the contributions they make to this state, and what better day to do that than Sept. 11.”

“On Sept. 11, the entire country witnessed the selfless and heroic acts of the emergency personnel who responded to the World Trade Center. Our police officers, firefighters and emergency services personnel were among those ranks, bravely carrying out their duties as they do every single day in our communities,” said Senator John Girgenti (D-Passaic). “Their actions on that day highlighted the truly heroic job they perform regularly to serve and protect their fellow citizens in spite of the risk that may exist to their own lives. On Sept. 11, we should all take the time to honor all of our American heroes.”

27 Jun: Buono Measure To Study Impact Of Freight Trains On Local Neighborhoods Passes Committee

TRENTON – The Senate Transportation Committee approved a resolution today sponsored by Senator Barbara Buono that would create the “Smart Freight Railroad Study Commission” to study the impact of additional short-line freight railroads in northern New Jersey and put a moritorium on new freight traffic on the Lehigh Valley Railroad short-line freight track from Edison to Bound Brook until the Commission has completed its report.

“An increase in freight rail traffic on these rail lines is going to have a discernable impact on the quality of life in the neighborhoods the pass through,” said Senator Buono, D-Middlesex. “Before the State spends any money to increase the capacity and use of these rail lines, we need to conduct a comprehensive study of the potential impact additional trains will have on the residents of these communities. The consequences may not justify the benefits in the end.”