Comprehensive Package Stems from Attorney General Milgram’s Initiatives; Would Enhance Penalties and Laws to Protect Children on the Internet

(TRENTON) – The Assembly Judiciary Committee unanimously released a sweeping 10-bill package Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein and 13 other Assembly Democratic lawmakers sponsored that would give law enforcement enhanced abilities to crackdown on child Internet crimes.

The 10-bill package, among other things, would upgrade penalties and crimes for offenders who communicate in a harassing, sexually offensive or abusive manner with minors on Web sites and through electronic communication.

The bills are part of Attorney General Anne Milgram’s Internet safety initiatives.

“This 10-bill package would give law enforcement the tools they need to better protect children who use the Internet for education and recreation,” said Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer), who is sponsoring each bill. “No longer will Web sites be the playgrounds of criminals looking to prey on vulnerable children.”

Offices of 6th District Legislators to Assist Eligible Seniors, Disabled Residents in Completing Applications for Tax Relief

(VOORHEES)– Senator James Beach, Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Louis Greenwald, and Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (all D-Camden) today urged seniors and those with disabilities to take advantage of the state property tax reimbursement program known as the “Senior Freeze.”

“Our senior citizens and residents with disabilities are feeling the one-two punch of economic recession and rising property taxes,” said Beach. “For many eligible New Jerseyans, the ‘Senior Freeze’ means much-needed relief.”

Now in its eleventh year providing reimbursement to eligible seniors and disabled residents for property tax increases, the “Senior Freeze” deadline is June 1 this year. Under the program, eligible applicants receive direct reimbursement for the difference between the property tax amount paid in their “base year” (the first year a resident became eligible and filed for the program) and the amount paid in the current year. 

“In tough economic times, every penny counts, especially if you’re living on a fixed income,” said Greenwald. “I urge eligible residents to apply for the ‘Senior Freeze,’ which can provide significant savings.”

ASSEMBLY BILLS TO UPDATE, IMPROVE
NEW JERSEY’S CORPORATE BUSINESS RULES NOW LAW

Measures Are Among Nearly 40 advanced by Assembly to Further Enhance Efforts to Ensure N.J. Emerges Strong from Economic Crisis

(TRENTON) – Assembly bills to simplify New Jersey’s corporate governance statutes and further enhance efforts to ensure New Jersey emerges strong from the global economic crisis are now law.

The two measures were signed Tuesday by Gov. Jon S. Corzine. They’re sponsored by Assembly members Patrick J. Diegnan Jr., Joseph Vas, Albert Coutinho, Wayne DeAngelo, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Upendra Chivukula and Pamela R. Lampitt.

They’re among seven corporate governance reforms that passed the Assembly in September. The other bills remain pending in the Senate.

“For New Jersey to be competitive as a home for industry in the global marketplace, we need laws that will allow them to operate in real time, using 21st century technology,” said Diegnan (D-Middlesex), who crafted the bill package.

According to the sponsors, the changes in New Jersey’s corporate business laws stem largely from recent conversations with business leaders and a desire to be more cognizant of how corporations work and operate in the instant-access global marketplace. The sponsors also studied policies in neighboring states – particularly Delaware.

Assemblywoman Lampitt discusses her legislation which would encourage the in-state manufacturing of “green” technologies

PANEL OK’S DIEGNAN/CRYAN/LAMPITT BILL CREATING
STANDARD FOR SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT CONTRACTS

Greatly Varying Perks, Salaries Underscore Need For Statewide Boilerplate Language

(TRENTON) – The Assembly Education Committee today released legislation Assembly members Patrick J. Diegnan, Joseph Cryan and Pamela Lampitt sponsored to implement a statewide contract template for the hiring of all public school superintendents.

“There is absolutely no reason that superintendent contracts should vary so greatly from district-to-district,” said Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “A standard contract template would level the playing field across districts and stop the end-run abuses of tax dollars meant for the classroom. Most importantly, it would insulate the vast majority of dedicated educators from seeing their reputations tarnished by the untoward practices of a few.”

The legislation (A-3185) would require that all school districts in New Jersey use a standard contract template when hiring a new superintendent. The template would be created by state education officials and would address all aspects of employment including salary, health insurance, pension, sick days and vacation. School boards and prospective superintendents seeking to deviate from the standard contract would have to seek approval the Commissioner of the Department of Education.