Legislation Streamlining New Jersey's Emergency Response Services Advances
Scalera Bill Makes it Easier for Officials to Access Emergency Supplies

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Fred Scalera to make it easier for emergency management officials to access materials needed to respond to a crisis is advancing toward law.

The bill (A-2457) would require the state Office of Emergency Management to maintain a regional database of public and private entities that provide emergency supplies.

“This would help identify emergency supplies and other resources that can be made available during a crisis,” said Scalera (D-Essex/Bergen/Passaic), a career emergency responder. “Emergencies are no time to be scrambling around looking for needed supplies. Preparation is crucial, and this would be another step that would protect not only emergency responders, but the public.”

Roberts, Voss, Prieto Bill Requiring Coverage of Autism and Developmental Disability Treatments on its way to the Governor

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assemblymen Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. and Vincent Prieto and Assemblywoman Joan Voss sponsored to make New Jersey the 14th state in the nation to require health insurers to cover treatments for autism and other developmental disabilities received final legislative approval today.

“Many New Jersey families already are being stretched to their financial edge – but without health coverage for their loved ones, countless families with an autistic child are bankrupting themselves to give their child the potential for a brighter future,” said Roberts (D-Camden). “Autistic and disabled adults who have not received the proper treatment will leave our families, communities and state with new and more expensive challenges.”

Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study based on research in 14 states found one in every 150 children diagnosed with autism, with New Jersey shaving the highest rate in the country with one in 94.

Tax Amnesty Revenue Figures Better Than Expected, Assembly to Fight for Property Tax Relief

(TRENTON) - Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr., Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman and Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Louis D. Greenwald today issued a multimedia package discussing Governor Jon S. Corzine's announcement that the state's tax amnesty program has exceeded revenue projections and what it means for the FY 2010 Budget.

The package contains a video press release on the announcement, audio of same and a transcript of statements from the legislators.

The video can be accessed by clicking here.

A transcript of statements from the legislators is appended below:

N.J. debt-collection act closer to reality
Philadelphia Inquirer, Mon, Jun. 15, 2009

Moriarty Legislation to Preserve Farmland and Open Space Advance in Assembly

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Paul Moriarty to help preserve farmland and open space throughout the 4th Legislative District has been approved by an Assembly panel.

“Preserving farmland and open space limits development, protects our water quality and maintains parks and recreation for our families for years to come, all while helping to sustain our reputation and tradition as the Garden State,” said Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden). “This is supported by voters and will bring benefits to Camden and Gloucester counties for years to come.”

The preservation funding was approved by voters in 2007.

The bills would provide

• $27.75 million for farmland preservation grants for municipalities (A-3891). It includes $750,000 for Franklin.