Top Story - 5/8/2008
Sacco/Adler Bill Would Expand Overseas Voting Rights Of New Jersey Residents
TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Nicholas Sacco and John Adler that would allow New Jersey residents living overseas, including those in the military, to vote by absentee ballot in all State and local elections was approved by the Senate State Government Committee today.
“New Jersey’s overseas absentee ballot program is outdated and disenfranchises far too many New Jersey voters, especially our servicemen and women,’ said Senator Sacco, D-Hudson. “Current technology can make it very easy to get ballots into the hands of voters, so it’s up to us to make sure that they get every opportunity to have a say in what’s going on at home while they are away.”
Weinberg Bills Would Help Increase Transparency In Government
TRENTON - Two measures sponsored by Senator Loretta Weinberg, which would work to help increase transparency and accountability in government were approved today by the Senate State Government Committee.
"These bills would work to help make government officials more accountable to the people who elected them," said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen. "Accountability needs to start immediately, and it is important for residents to know of any potential conflicts their elected representatives might have because of their source of income."
Turner Measure Would Reduce License Suspension Time For Those Who Acquire Insurance
TRENTON – Drivers who secure auto insurance could see driver’s license suspensions reduced by up to 10 months under a measure sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner and approved by the Senate Transportation Committee today.
“The current system perpetuates a downward spiral that makes it difficult for those caught without insurance to ever comply with the law and get that insurance,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. “These individuals lose their license, then lose their jobs and any ability to pay for insurance. It’s a counter-productive system that needs an injection of common sense.”
Van Drew/Madden Bill Would Designate Portion Of Route 9 As 'Police Unity Tour Memorial Highway'
TRENTON - A measure sponsored by Senators Jeff Van Drew and Fred H. Madden, which would designate Route 9 in Cape May County as 'Police Unity Tour Memorial Highway,' was unanimously approved today by the Senate Transportation Committee.
"This bill would help to increase awareness of the Police Unity Tour, and help secure funding to expand the D.C. memorial, to allow it to honor the men and women who have lost their lives protecting public safety," said Senator Van Drew, D-Cape May, who serves on the Senate Transportation panel. "We must do all we can to thank the law enforcement officials who have lost their lives while keeping us safe."
Turner Wants Bush To Release Petroleum Reserves To Lower Gas Prices
TRENTON - Senator Shirley K. Turner today called on President Bush to release 30 million barrels of national reserve oil supplies to lower gas prices at the pump this summer as part of a multi-pronged energy strategy that noticeably does not include what she calls the gimmick of a federal or state gas tax holiday.
"We're in a fuel crisis that's hitting everyone and President Bush should stop sitting on our strategic oil reserves," said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. "In 2000 when gas prices at the pump were skyrocketing, President Clinton ordered the release of a million barrels a day for 30 days and gas prices came down."
Smith-Sweeney Bill To Exempt Energy Savings From Property Tax Advances
TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senate Environment Committee Chair Bob Smith and Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney which would allow taxpayers to apply for a property tax exemption for energy cost saving measures was unanimously approved by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee today.
“New Jersey has a strong track record of promoting and incentivizing green technology,” said Senator Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset. “This bill is another step in that direction, offering tax breaks for property owners seeking to minimize their carbon footprint and reliance on natural resources. We need to continue to encourage environmental conscience and ensure that environmentally-sound improvements aren’t cost-prohibitive for property owners.”
