I am truly saddened to learn that my friend and mentor Alex DeCroce passed away last night. He truly loved New Jersey and from an early age dedicated his energy, his intellect and his spirit to serving the people of this State. I learned a lot on how to be an effective legislator, under Alex’s tutelage, during my tenure in the General Assembly as part of his leadership team.
My thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family and those he served with in the Legislature.
I considered him a role model for public service. His work for his constituents and all the residents of this state left New Jersey a better place. Alex will be sorely missed by all who knew and respected him.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Sen. O'Toole Comments On Passing Of DeCroce
Senator Kevin O’Toole issued the following statement on the passing of Assemblyman Alex DeCroce:
Christie Statement On Loss Of Alex DeCroce
Here is New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's complete statement on the load of his friend, New Jersey Assemblyman Alex DeCroce:
“I lost a dear friend, colleague, and mentor – Assembly Republican Leader Alex De Croce. I have known Alex for nearly twenty years. He helped to give me my start in elective politics in Morris County in 1993. He was one of the most kind, considerate, and trustworthy people I have ever had the pleasure to know. He was an enormously accomplished legislator and a tremendous servant to the people of New Jersey. Mary Pat and I offer our most heartfelt condolences to his wife, Department of Community Affairs Deputy Commissioner Betty Lou de Croce, and to Alex’s entire family. This is an enormous loss for our state and for me personally.”
Sen. Kean: DeCroce 'Great Leader, Tireless'
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R- Union) issued the following statement mourning the death of his friend and colleague, Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce:
The New Jersey Legislature lost one of its own today, and with him, a great leader and public servant.
Assemblyman Alex DeCroce passed away while serving the people of New Jersey shortly after adjournment of the 2010-2011 legislative session.
Alex was a true leader for the Republican caucus in the Assembly, and was loved and respected by legislators of both chambers, on both sides of the aisle. He worked tirelessly for his constituents, for our party, and to make sure this institution never lost sight of who it was supposed to serve- the people of New Jersey.
I knew Alex DeCroce long before my first term in the Assembly, and we forged a special bond as leaders of our respective caucuses. It is hard to believe we will start a new legislative session without his wit, charm, and energy.
My deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to his wife, Betty Lou, and the entire DeCroce family, as well as the Assembly Republican members and staff who fought alongside Alex until his last minutes on Earth to make our state a better place.
Alex DeCroce will leave a huge void in this institution and in the hearts of the loved ones he leaves behind.
Christie Mourns Passing Of Alex DeCroce
Assemblyman Alex DeCroce, the leading Republican of the lower house who represented Christie's own Morris County (a GOP stronghold) for 23 years, collapsed and died just moments after the 214th Legislature held its final voting session.
DeCroce, 75, of Parsippany, began serving the 26th Legislative District in the Assembly in 1989 and was the Republican minority leader since 2003.
In a statement just released, Christie expressed sadness at the loss of "a dear friend, colleague and mentor." Christie knew DeCroce for nearly 20 years and said he helped give him his start in politics.
"He was one of the most kind, considerate and trustworthy people I have ever had the pleasure to know," Christie said. "He was an enormously accomplished legislator and a tremendous servant to the people of New Jersey."
He added: "This is an enormous loss for our state and for me personally."
After DeCroce's sudden death, stunned lawmakers and staffers stood mostly silent and milled around the vestibule and stairs by the Democratic and Republican caucuses’ offices last night absorbing the news. Then, a short time after midnight, Gov. Chris Christie reportedly arrived, hugged Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, and the group walked into the Senate Democrats’ office. About a half-hour later, Christie headed to his office.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Allen/Beck Bill Helps Sexually Exploited Juveniles
Legislation creating an affirmative defense for sexually exploited juveniles charged with prostitution and requiring these victims be offered intervention and protective services by the state has been approved by the Senate.
S-2599, sponsored by Senators Diane Allen (R- Burlington/Camden) and Jennifer Beck (R- Monmouth/Mercer), affirms that persons under the age of 18 cannot willingly consent to engaging in sexual solicitation and would require their treatment as victims in the eyes of the law.
“The guiding principle here is that no child can make the conscious choice to engage in prostitution; that those engaging in that type of behavior are being criminally exploited,” said Allen. “Many of these children are victims of sexual assault from a very young age. They are being taken advantage of by others, and they need to be treated by the system as victims of a crime in need of help rather than criminals who should have known better.”
Beck noted that it was important to prevent sexually exploited minors from carrying the stigma of a criminal conviction for the rest of their lives. “Treating juveniles who are the victims of sex trafficking or coerced into prostitution as offenders requires them to carry a criminal conviction with them for the rest of their lives,” she said. “That is a gross miscarriage of justice that will hamper their ability to lead productive adult lives. By diverting these children into treatment, we can help them overcome the emotional damage done to them by their exploiters and steer them toward a better future.”
S-2599, sponsored by Senators Diane Allen (R- Burlington/Camden) and Jennifer Beck (R- Monmouth/Mercer), affirms that persons under the age of 18 cannot willingly consent to engaging in sexual solicitation and would require their treatment as victims in the eyes of the law.
“The guiding principle here is that no child can make the conscious choice to engage in prostitution; that those engaging in that type of behavior are being criminally exploited,” said Allen. “Many of these children are victims of sexual assault from a very young age. They are being taken advantage of by others, and they need to be treated by the system as victims of a crime in need of help rather than criminals who should have known better.”
Beck noted that it was important to prevent sexually exploited minors from carrying the stigma of a criminal conviction for the rest of their lives. “Treating juveniles who are the victims of sex trafficking or coerced into prostitution as offenders requires them to carry a criminal conviction with them for the rest of their lives,” she said. “That is a gross miscarriage of justice that will hamper their ability to lead productive adult lives. By diverting these children into treatment, we can help them overcome the emotional damage done to them by their exploiters and steer them toward a better future.”
Van Gogh In Philly: Hotel/Travel Packages
Van Gogh Up Close runs from February 1 through May 6, 2012.
Travelers can choose from the Best Western Center City Hotel, the Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel, the Rittenhouse Hotel, and the Four Seasons. All four popular and conveniently-located properties are making an art of Van Gogh-inspired travel accommodations as the exhibition of van Gogh’s masterpieces fills the Museum’s Dorrance Special Exhibition Galleries over three months.
Rail travelers planning a trip to Philadelphia to see Van Gogh Up Close can also purchase discounted train tickets via Amtrak by visiting www.philamuseum.org beginning on January 14, where they will be directed to a designated page on Amtrak’s website. Tickets are 15% off a regular adult fare. Restrictions and black out days will apply.
Guests may reserve their rooms and receive two tickets (per room reservation) guaranteeing admission to Van Gogh Up Close with no date or time restrictions during exhibition hours: February 1 – May 6, 2012, Tuesday through Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Friday evenings: until 8:45 p.m.
Best Western Center City Hotel
(800) WESTERN
www.bestwestern.com/centercityhotel
Includes free parking and continental breakfast
Weekend/weekday from $189*
Radisson Plaza – Warwick Hotel
(215) 735-6000
www.radisson.com/philadelphiapa
Weekend/weekday from $179*
The Rittenhouse Hotel
(800) 635-1042
www.rittenhousehotel.com
Includes guest room taxes, special welcome amenity, complimentary Wifi, complimentary use of the indoor pool, steam room, sauna, and health club, complimentary show shine and newspaper delivery.
Weekend/weekday from $330.72
Four Seasons Hotel
(215) 963-1500
fourseasons.com/philadelphia
Includes breakfast for two in The Fountain Restaurant
Weekend from $357*
Weekday from $407*
* Hotel package prices do not include any applicable taxes and gratuities (except where otherwise noted) and are subject to availability.
Christie Signs, Vetoes Legislation
New Jersey Governor Christie has taken action on pending legislation, signing twenty-five bills and either conditionally or absolutely vetoing sixteen others. Among the legislation conditionally vetoed by the Governor is S-958/A-1088, a bill to permit pharmacy sales of syringes and needles without a prescription.
In issuing the conditional veto, Governor Christie cited the need to weigh both unnecessary impediments for individuals who use injectable medications and the need for additional public safety measures to limit the distribution of needles or syringes used for non-medical purposes while also discouraging minors from buying needles or syringes. Among the Governor’s recommendations is the requirement of purchasers to present a photo identification to demonstrate proof of age, similar to requirements in federal law for various cold medicines. Additionally, the changes would require the Department of Health & Senior Services to provide pharmacies information about syringe disposal and substance abuse treatment.
In issuing the conditional veto, Governor Christie cited the need to weigh both unnecessary impediments for individuals who use injectable medications and the need for additional public safety measures to limit the distribution of needles or syringes used for non-medical purposes while also discouraging minors from buying needles or syringes. Among the Governor’s recommendations is the requirement of purchasers to present a photo identification to demonstrate proof of age, similar to requirements in federal law for various cold medicines. Additionally, the changes would require the Department of Health & Senior Services to provide pharmacies information about syringe disposal and substance abuse treatment.
BILLS SIGNED:
S-211/A-4383 (Whelan/Burzichelli, Caputo) – Requires guidance offered by Local Finance Board to members of local governing body employed by casino, or regarding casino employment of immediate family member thereof, be in form of pubic advisory opinion
SCS for S-590/ACS for A-1677 (Beach, Haines/Greenwald, Conners, Prieto, Quijano) – Requires public institutions of higher education and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ to include link on their websites for access to educational information
S-847/A-3862 (Turner, Allen/Prieto, Ramos, Conners, Moriarty, Gusciora) – Requires signs posted by retail motor fuel dealers to indicate motor fuel prices for cash and credit card customers; establishes additional $1,000 penalty for violations
S-1141/A-898 (Van Drew/Dancer, Albano, Milam) – Permits board of fire commissioners to amend fire district budget after adoption to insert special items of revenue
S-1301/A-3818 (Madden, Doherty/Moriarty, DiMaio, Watson Coleman, Singleton) – Provides unemployment insurance benefits for shared work programs; requires Department of Labor and Workforce Development report
S-1711/A-3837 (Turner, Allen/Benson, Vainieri Huttle, Riley, Singleton, Quijano) – Establishes ovarian cancer public awareness campaign in DHS
S-1797/A-1718 (Norcross/Burzichelli, Spencer, Prieto, Moriarty. Fuentes) w/Statement – Allows students with disabilities to bring service animal to school
S-2212/A-4381 (Madden, Scutari/Conaway, Munoz) – Establishes New Jersey Multiple Sclerosis Task Force
S-2731/A-3876 (Girgenti, Sacco/Bramnick, Wagner, Coughlin, Evans) – Establishes that certification for police training course lasts five years
S-2880/A-4063 (Van Drew Beach/Albano, Milam, Amodeo) - Provides penalty for registration violations occurring under State’s saltwater fishing registry program
S-2985/A-4171 (Lesniak, T. Kean/Schaer, Chiusano) – Concerns rights of financial counterparties to terminate and settle certain agreements with certain insurers in the event of insolvency or liquidation
A-921/S-2456 (Chivukula, McKeon/Scutari, Cardinale) – “New Jersey Trade Secrets Act”
A-2845/S-3149 (Burzichelli, Milam, Albano, Riley/Whelan) – Prohibits MVC from inspecting buses on casino-owned property and designated casino parking, pick-up, or drop-off locations, except under exigent circumstances
A-2878/S-2028 (Vainieri Huttle, Chivukula, Ramos/Gordon, Greenstein) – Requires DHS to collect and disseminate data about persons with developmental disabilities
A-3133/S-2927 (Riley, Coughlin, Burzichelli/Gordon, Beach) - Permits use of rebates, allowances, concessions, or benefits for motor fuel purchases on credit, debit or rewards cards
A-3591/S-1979 (Johnson, Chivukula/Weinberg) - Concerns certain limitations on claims for victim compensation
A-3659/S-2719 (Angelini, Rible, Wolfe, Holzapfel, Vainieri Huttle/S. Kean, Beach) – Requires DCF to develop and adopt Statewide youth suicide prevention plan
ACS for A-3908/S-2765 (DeAngelo, Benson, Ramos, Moriarty/Beck, Buono) – Requires State, regional, and local authorities, boards, and commissions to establish an Internet website and post information related to each entity’s mission, finances, meetings, and employees
A-4008/S-3053 (Diegnan, Jasey, Schroeder, Coughlin/Ruiz, Allen) – Requires DOE to include cheerleaders in the student-athlete head injury safety program
A-4012/S-3147 (Coughlin, Burzichelli/Vitale) – Eliminates permit requirement for home production of wine and beer for personal use
A-4111/S-2998 (Conners, Milam, Tucker, Conaway/Beach, Madden) – Creates Veterans Haven Council
A-4114/S-2956 (Coughlin, Wagner, Wisniewski, Wilson/Vitale, Rice) – Allows all municipalities to sell and lease unneeded public property for “urban” farming and gardening purposes
A-4177/S-2909 (Albano, Milam/Van Drew) – Allows MVC to process title transfer of abandoned vessels without court order; lengthens time period required for desertion of vessel to ripen into abandonment
A-4267/S-3078 (Wagner, Prieto, A.M. Bucco, Coughlin, Vainieri Huttle, Giblin, Wisniewski/Gordon, Bateman, Greenstein) – Allows counties and municipalities to use open space trusts funds for purchase of flood-prone properties
ACS for A-4297/SCS for S-3010 (Wisniewski, Caputo, Wagner, Mainor, McKeon, Prieto, Evans, Fuentes/Sacco, Greenstein, T. Kean, Allen) – “Caylee’s Law;” upgrades penalties for failing to report a death; criminalizes failure to report disappearance of child within 24 hours
BILLS VETOED:
S-958/A-1088 (Vitale, Weinberg/Gusciora, Johnson, Coughlin) - CONDITIONAL – Permits limited pharmacy sales of syringes and needles without a prescription
S-441/A-3625 (Turner, Gordon/Stender) - CONDITIONAL – Limits annual fee increases in shared service agreement to 2 percent
S-676/A-3166 (Sarlo, Gill/Egan, Evans, Wisniewski, Giblin) - CONDITIONAL – Increases workers’ compensation for loss of hand or foot
SCS for S-1406/ACS for A-2502 (B. Smith, Bateman/Chivukula, DeAngelo, Lampitt, Gusciora, Vainieri Huttle, Diegnan) - CONDITIONAL – Establishes “New Jersey Property Assessment Clean Energy (NJ PACE) Municipal Financing Program”
S-2422 (Turner, Sacco) - CONDITIONAL – Modifies provisions of municipal ordinance requiring bond or other security from landlord
S-2989/A-3949 (Codey, Van Drew/Chivukula, Mainor, Riley) - CONDITIONAL – Exempts certain collocations of wireless equipment from site plan approval
S-3046/A-4323 (Gill/Schaer, Benson) - CONDITIONAL – Requires State to provide recipients of State tax refunds, unemployment insurance benefits and State employee compensation certain payment options
S-3052/A-4336 (Whelan, Sarlo/Benson, Coutinho, Singleton, DeAngelo) - CONDITIONAL – Establishes Small Business Loan Program in EDA allowing certain small businesses to be eligible for low interest rate loans of up to $250,000 to expand their businesses
A-387/SCS for S-1735 (Barnes, Diegnan, Greenstein, Stender, Ramos, Green/Vitale, Gordon) - CONDITIONAL – Increases specialized care nursing facility beds for persons with Huntington’s Disease
A-1448/S-2124 (Wisniewski, McKeon, Rudder/Whelan) - CONDITIONAL – Prohibits manufacture or sale of reflective glass beads with high arsenic content; prohibits DOT and State’s toll road authorities from using paint mixed with reflective glass beads for roadway markings
A-2095/SCS for S-818 (Conaway, Fuentes, Evans, Quigley/Vitale, Sweeney) - CONDITIONAL – Revises requirements for emergency medical services delivery
A-2464/S-1783 (Burzichelli, Quijano/Oroho, Addiego) - CONDITIONAL - Requires all State agency rules be published in NJ Register, and prohibits use of regulatory guidance documents except under certain circumstances
A-3688/S-2728 (Wilson, Riley, Quijano, Vainieri Huttle, Jasey/Norcross, Whelan, Ruiz) - CONDITIONAL – Authorizes Department of Agriculture to implement mobile fresh produce markets for residents of urban “food desert” communities
A-3991/S-2978 (Chivukula, Johnson/Whelan) - CONDITIONAL – Provides exception from BPU standards for construction and installation of certain solar and photovoltaic electric generation equipment on utility poles by electric public utilities
ACS for A-3992/SCS for S-2887 (Chivukula/B. Smith) - CONDITIONAL – Provides for streamlined review of certain wind energy generation facility installments on farmland
A-4332/S-3080 (Oliver, Coughlin, Wisniewsi, Moriarty, DeAngelo/Greenstein, Gordon, Madden) - ABSOLUTE – Establishes “Back to Work NJ Program”; makes an appropriation
Video: Tebow 'Miracle' Playoff Pass Bests Steelers
He did it again!
And -- in case you missed it -- here's a video of that overtime Tebow pass for the Big Win yesterday.
Tim Tebow's game winning pass to Demaryius Thomas was a thrill. This was the first game with the new overtime rules and it ended with an 80 yard touchdown pass on the first play to send the Steeler packing
And yes -- he tebowed at midfield to give thanks.
Christie: Obama's 'Anger' Is Faked
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie thinks President Obama is faking it.
He thinks Obama's merely pretending to be angry (at any one of a number of phony campaign targets) because he knows that he American people are angry and he wants to redirect all this anger.
Yesterday, Christie called Obama the “most pessimistic man I’ve ever seen” and said he is faking anger to win reelection.
Christie, appearing alongside GOP presidential front-runner Mitt Romney at a campaign rally at a high school in New Hampshire, accused the president of a cynical effort to redirect the anger of the American people by appearing angry himself.
“I have a suggestion for the president: He doesn’t do angry well,” Christie said. “He understands that the American people are angry and they’re scared and they’re worried about the future. So he’s decided, in the most cynical reelection strategy that you could ever think of, that he doesn’t care if you’re angry, he just wants you to be angry at somebody else.”
BTW: Governor Christie has been drawing THOUSANDS to his appearances for Romney in New Hampshire.
He thinks Obama's merely pretending to be angry (at any one of a number of phony campaign targets) because he knows that he American people are angry and he wants to redirect all this anger.
Yesterday, Christie called Obama the “most pessimistic man I’ve ever seen” and said he is faking anger to win reelection.
Christie, appearing alongside GOP presidential front-runner Mitt Romney at a campaign rally at a high school in New Hampshire, accused the president of a cynical effort to redirect the anger of the American people by appearing angry himself.
“I have a suggestion for the president: He doesn’t do angry well,” Christie said. “He understands that the American people are angry and they’re scared and they’re worried about the future. So he’s decided, in the most cynical reelection strategy that you could ever think of, that he doesn’t care if you’re angry, he just wants you to be angry at somebody else.”
BTW: Governor Christie has been drawing THOUSANDS to his appearances for Romney in New Hampshire.
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