Top Story - 5/21/2013
Turner Bill To Ensure Job Training Programs Submit Success Statistics Approved By Labor Committee
TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner that would require job training providers and schools to submit data regarding the completion and success of their programs in order to receive state or federal training funds was approved on Monday by the Senate Labor Committee.
“Training providers and schools are required to submit information that allows consumers to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs before students make time and financial commitments to enroll,” said Senator Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon). “Given that these training providers receive millions of taxpayer dollars to train unemployed and underemployed workers, it is a matter of responsible government to track the effectiveness of these programs to determine if we should continue to direct students and taxpayer dollars to them.”
Sweeney/Vitale/Beach Bill Prohibiting Discrimination Against Individuals With Developmental Disabilities Clears Assembly
TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney (D – Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem) and Senators Joseph F. Vitale (D – Middlesex) and Jim Beach (D – Camden) that would prohibit discrimination against a potential organ transplant recipient on the basis of a mental or physical disability cleared the full Assembly today.
“People with developmental disabilities should not be treated as second-class citizens,” said Sweeney. “Their disabilities do not make them any less human or worthy of respect and common decency. They should be afforded the same rights as anyone would want when entering a hospital.”
Sacco-Cunningham Bill Extending Eligibility To Public Access Walkways For Shore Protection Funding Clears Committee
TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Nicholas J. Sacco and Sandra Bolden Cunningham that would extend eligibility to public access walkways for consideration on the shore protection project priority list and for funding from the Shore Protection Fund, was unanimously approved yesterday by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
"Without the help that this bill could offer the entire Hudson River Walkway program, which we have been collectively working toward for so many years, our region is in serious jeopardy. Condo owners and private entities that are responsible for maintaining waterfront walkways must be given the assistance they need to so that this precious public resource continues to be available to everyone,” said Senator Sacco, D-Hudson and Bergen.
First Of Gun Safety Bills Gain Final Legislative Approval
TRENTON – The first of the gun safety bills from the landmark package already advanced by the Senate gained final legislative approval on Monday when the Assembly passed and sent to the governor legislation that would enhance the tracing of weapons used in crimes, find ways to improve school security and take illegal guns out of circulation. Three bills were sent to the governor and a fourth, that would include mental health records in background checks, was amended, approved and sent back to the Senate. All four were passed by the Senate last Monday.
“This marks more progress on our work to enhance gun safety with a plan that modernizes and improves the permitting process,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney, the plan’s lead sponsor. “We are accomplishing here in New Jersey what they haven’t been able to do in Washington. In fact, we will be a model for the Nation with an electronic system that helps keep weapons out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, laws that crack down on illegal guns and that makes our communities safer and more secure.”
Sweeney Legislation Requiring State-Issued Id Badges For Home Improvement Contractors Clears Assembly
TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem) that would revise the “Contractors’ Registration Act” to require state-issued identification badges for home improvement contractors today cleared the full Assembly.
“New Jersey has shown remarkable resilience and caring in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy,” said Sweeney. “Unfortunately, there are always going to be individuals who will take advantage of times like these for their own personal benefit. By requiring a picture ID, we are adding another layer of protection for storm victims against fraud.”
Madden-Beach Legislation Creating 'Nj Safe Act' Heads To Governor's Desk
TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Fred H. Madden and Jim Beach that would provide unpaid leave for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault received final legislative approval today in the General Assembly.
“Victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault experience lasting physical and psychological wounds that carry into all aspects of their lives, including the workplace,” said Madden, D-Gloucester and Camden. “This legislation is needed so that the crime victims can pursue medical treatment, obtain necessary counseling and appear in court as required - without fear of losing their jobs. Providing victims and their families the time they need to put their lives back together is a matter of simple, common decency.”
