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.”
Cunningham Bill To Grant College Credit For Completion Of Jersey Boys And Girls State Programs Advances
TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate Higher Education Committee Chairwoman Sandra Bolden Cunningham that would award college credit to high school students participating in the American Legion Jersey Boys State or the American Legion Auxiliary Jersey Girls State programs for successful completion of the governmental leadership course was approved today by the committee.
“The students chosen for the Jersey Boys State and Girls State excel both in terms of academics and leadership potential,” said Senator Cunningham, D-Hudson. “With an expressed interest in civics and our political system, they represent the elected officials and community leaders of tomorrow. In recognition of their hard work and commitment to public service, students who successfully complete these programs should be rewarded with credits that will help advance their college career.”
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.”
Cunningham Bill To Establish Nj Advisory Council On Youth And Collegiate Affairs Clears Committee
TRENTON – In an effort to examine issues related to school-aged children and students attending higher education institution in the state, Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham has sponsored legislation that would establish the New Jersey Advisory Council on Youth and Collegiate Affairs. The Senate Higher Education Committee today approved the bill.
“The Legislature has done extensive work to create and support programs that provide direct assistance to New Jersey’s youth population, and we have an obligation to ensure that they are running efficiently,” said Chairwoman Cunningham, D-Hudson. “In order to improve these programs, it is critically important that we review how issues such as school funding, health care, financial aid, and job training actually affect today’s youth. The Advisory Council is needed so that we continue to advocate on behalf of young New Jersey residents and motivate them to stay engaged in the political process, especially on issues that have a direct impact on their lives.”
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.”
