New Jersey Assembly Republicans

“The significant thunderstorm and cloudburst experienced in Hunterdon and Somerset counties on Monday is a prime example of why utility companies need to provide the BPU with their updated strategy for handling widespread power outages,” said

Erik Peterson

Peterson, R-Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren. “Aging infrastructure needs to be evaluated and replaced. The number of downed poles, trees and wires, along with the delay in restoring power, are evidence that reinforcing the BPU’s authority to hold utilities accountable is critical. The damage caused by these kinds of storms is more than an inconvenience to residents and businesses.

“A strategic plan is needed from each utility that will detail how they will replace aging infrastructure and regularly communicate the status of restoring power to customers during an emergency is why this legislation is needed,” he continued.

Simon said Super Storm Sandy as well as other recent storms that wreaked havoc throughout the state, including Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee and the October 2011 snowstorm, exposed the vulnerabilities of some utility companies throughout the state.

“Even though certain utility companies said they were prepared to meet the serious challenges post Hurricane Irene, clearly they were not when Hurricane Sandy hit,” said Simon, R- Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer and Middlesex. “Although prolonged outages were expected, the utilities’ accountability and reliability efforts were suboptimal.

“A utility company having new outage maps on the internet is not the answer if power is out or if someone does not have a smart phone or computer. That’s why it’s imperative that utility representatives are velcro’d to County OEM’s officials for minute-to-minute restoration updates for our constituents,” she continued. “This is still an issue as evidenced by the damage and delays in restoring power following Monday’s brief storm. This measure will put them on notice that there will be consequences should they fail to prepare, quickly respond and restore. It’s too important to the safety and welfare of residents and businesses to languish. Action is needed now.”

Peterson’s and Simon’s legislation, A-3255, the “Reliability, Preparedness & Storm Response Act of 2012,” requires public utilities to put in place aggressive planning requirements for service reliability and strategic communications in an emergency in the form of an annually submitted plan. It also requires the Board of Public Utilities’ (BPU) to develop and enforce performance benchmarks for service reliability, service disruption preparedness, service restoration, and communications for electric distribution companies doing business in the State. In addition, it grants BPU investigative authority to review public utility performance during an outage and, if found to be failing in implementing its reliability plan, impose civil administrative penalties.

It also increases daily fines from $100 to $25,000 with a maximum of $2 million in penalties for any series of violations related to a particular event. Public utilities would be prohibited from passing on the cost of the penalties to ratepayers.

The measure is based on recommendations outlined in the BPU’s performance review of public utilities in New Jersey during Hurricane Irene and the October 2011 snowstorm.

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Press release — Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon applauded the placement of bill A2277 to the Assembly Agenda tomorrow. The bill increases fines for failing to practice proper lane discipline on multi-lane highways.

“Aside from drinking and driving, failure to keep right is an incredibly hazardous action – perhaps the single most hazardous and most prevalent action on our roadways” said O’Scanlon. “It may not seem like a big deal, but our failure to educate the public about this law is tragic – costing property damage, loss of life and incredible frustration on the behalf of motorists. One driver cruising along in the left lane can cause dozens of other drivers to become frustrated – leading to more incidents of aggressive driving and additional, unnecessary lane changes – which in turn lead to more accidents.”

The bill increases fines for those breaking the law by traveling in left or center lanes of multi-lane highways rather than keeping to the right. The law clearly and purposefully states that left lanes must be yielded to overtaking traffic. “Unfortunately many people just aren’t aware that this is the law. Hopefully the passage of this law – with it’s accompanying fines – and the attention it gets from the media, will help educate some folks. Senator Norcross originated this bill in the Senate. I don’t believe it is his, and certainly isn’t my, intention to have this bill be a massive revenue generator. Rather, I hope it is a reason for people to pay attention – and avoid the fines in the first place.”

“People need to understand that this is about safe flow of traffic – it’s not about who is traveling above or below the speed limit, that’s irrelevant” said O’Scanlon. “The accident and fatality rates on German Autobahns – with no speed limits – are the same as ours here because they do a good job educating people about things like keeping to the right except when passing. We would cut our accident and fatality rates here – and certainly drivers’ frustration levels – if we focus our education and enforcement priorities on issues like lane discipline.”

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Source: Assembly Republican Press Release

Assembly Republican Policy Co-Chair Caroline Casagrande and Deputy Republican Leader Amy Handlin were joined by a group of business leaders today at Monmouth University to discuss how the state can continue to work with companies to build upon the 131,500 private sector jobs that have been created since Feb. 2010.

Caroline Casagrande

“An important part of growing our economy and creating jobs is to hear from those who run a business and have their finger on the pulse of today’s marketplace,” said Casagrande, R-Monmouth. “We have made significant strides in turning New Jersey’s economy around and we can’t afford to ease up. The purpose of the meeting was to get feedback from a diversity of companies and explore areas where we can work together.”

Industries represented at the meeting included: energy, retail, real estate, food service, construction, pharmaceuticals and small businesses.

Amy Handlin

“Listening to the cross-section of employers and the issues that affect their business gives us a sense of where to focus attention,” said Handlin, R-Monmouth. “Our goal is to understand what works for job creators and determine the areas where we can help. Our economy is growing and it is essential to communicate that New Jersey offers businesses the opportunity to be successful.”

Casagrande and Handlin noted that the state has created more jobs over the last three years than it did during the previous economic expansion from 2003 to 2008 when just under 100,000 jobs were added.

“It is important to continue the dialogue with the private sector in order to learn about the challenges they face,” explained Casagrande. “Their insights are extremely valuable and an important factor in maintaining the private-sector job growth that has occurred over the last three years.”

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Source: Assembly Republican Press Release

Legislation (A-4188) aimed at preventing employees who return to work from illegally collecting government benefits was released by the Assembly Budget Committee today. Assembly Republican Anthony M. Bucco, R-Morris and Somerset, who is a member of the Budget Committee, sponsors the bill which provides that once the information is received by the Department of Human Services (DHS) that it be shared with other state agencies that administer compensation programs for those who are unemployed, including the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOL).

Anthony Bucco

“This legislation mandates that employers inform DHS of newly hired workers or those who have been rehired after being separated from that employer for at least 60 days,” said Bucco. “The incidence of people fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits is alarming and costing taxpayers. The intent is to have employers cooperate with DHS and have that information communicated to other departments such as DOL, who will ensure that individuals no longer collect payments improperly.

“Unfortunately, the honor system has been abused by some people who believe they are entitled to continue receiving payments even after they return to work,” continued Bucco. “Requiring employers to report this information will be very helpful in stemming the incidence of those who fail to inform the appropriate department they have returned to work.”

The identical bill, S-2740, was unanimously approved by the Senate Labor Committee on May 9.

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Press release –  Despite blatantly political and erroneous attacks, all the facts show that New Jersey’s public health priorities have made it a national leader in providing health care to vulnerable residents.

Declan O'Scanlon

“For several years, we’ve heard outrageous claims that people do not have access to vital community health services without any tangible proof,” O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth, said. “I’m getting tired of saying this, but as long as my friends on the other side of the aisle ceaselessly play politics with something as important as health care, they’re revealing themselves as disingenuous at best – blatantly political at worst.”

O’Scanlon said statistics, independent testimony from community health care centers and other health care officials, and the administration, have proven New Jersey’s commitment to healthcare.

• Community health centers have their doors open for same-day walk-ins, and can make appointments within two weeks, less than the time it takes most middle-class families to see a physician.
• No one has complained to the Department of Health about lack of access.
• New Jersey’s neo-natal care services are better than those of most states.
• Teen birth rates are trending down and are among the lowest in the country.
• Infant mortality rates are trending down and are among the lowest in the country.

“Facts are healthy, injecting false divisive politics into public policy discussions is poisonous,” O’Scanlon said. “This administration, by all accounts, has a stellar record on protecting access to health care for the most vulnerable members of our society, no matter how often others repeat stale and tired lies.”

Governor Christie has proposed $50 million to support community health care centers, an all-time record. Last year, more than 450,000 people were treated in the state’s 105 centers, many of whom are women, children and the uninsured. Additionally, the proposed budget contains more than $50 million for other women’s health services including family planning services, breast cancer awareness and ovarian cancer research.

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Source: Assembly Republican Press Release

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Parker Space that assesses a penalty against an individual who fraudulently obtains unemployment benefits at 25 percent of the amount obtained by deception was released by the Assembly Budget Committee today. Currently, the penalty is $20 or 25 percent of the amount, whichever is greater. The 25 percent level will now be the strictly enforced amount.

The bill, A-4186/S-2738, provides that 15 percent of the recovered fine be deposited into the State unemployment compensation fund and 10 percent deposited into the unemployment auxiliary fund.

Parker Space

“Those who deliberately deceive the government and receive unemployment benefits are cheating the hard-working men and women and employers in New Jersey who contribute to this fund,” said Space, R-Sussex, Warren and Morris. “The fund is there to assist those who are legitimately looking for work and transitioning to another job. The guidelines are clear about the parameters when an unemployed person is eligible to collect this insurance and when they are no longer entitled to this benefit.

“The unemployment insurance fund is making progress at regaining its appropriate fund balance, but those who obtain this benefit illegally set the process back,” stated Space. “A person who fails to notify the Department of Labor and Workforce Development when they return to work will now pay a consequence for their deception.”

Space’s bill also provides the same penalties to benefits obtained fraudulently by individuals under any federal unemployment compensation program, including:
1. Unemployment compensation for federal civilian employees;
2. Unemployment compensation for ex-service members;
3. Trade readjustment allowances, disaster unemployment assistance;
4. Any federal temporary extension of unemployment compensation;
5. Any federal program that increases the weekly amount of unemployment compensation payable to individuals; and
6. Any other federal program providing for the payment of unemployment compensation.

The identical bill in the Senate, S-2738, was unanimously approved by that body’s Budget and Appropriations Committee on June 3.

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Source: Assembly Republican Press Release

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Parker Space that assesses a penalty against an individual who fraudulently obtains unemployment benefits at 25 percent of the amount obtained by deception was released by the Assembly Budget Committee today. Currently, the penalty is $20 or 25 percent of the amount, whichever is greater. The 25 percent level will now be the strictly enforced amount.

The bill, A-4186/S-2738, provides that 15 percent of the recovered fine be deposited into the State unemployment compensation fund and 10 percent deposited into the unemployment auxiliary fund.

Parker Space

“Those who deliberately deceive the government and receive unemployment benefits are cheating the hard-working men and women and employers in New Jersey who contribute to this fund,” said Space, R-Sussex, Warren and Morris. “The fund is there to assist those who are legitimately looking for work and transitioning to another job. The guidelines are clear about the parameters when an unemployed person is eligible to collect this insurance and when they are no longer entitled to this benefit.

“The unemployment insurance fund is making progress at regaining its appropriate fund balance, but those who obtain this benefit illegally set the process back,” stated Space. “A person who fails to notify the Department of Labor and Workforce Development when they return to work will now pay a consequence for their deception.”

Space’s bill also provides the same penalties to benefits obtained fraudulently by individuals under any federal unemployment compensation program, including:
1. Unemployment compensation for federal civilian employees;
2. Unemployment compensation for ex-service members;
3. Trade readjustment allowances, disaster unemployment assistance;
4. Any federal temporary extension of unemployment compensation;
5. Any federal program that increases the weekly amount of unemployment compensation payable to individuals; and
6. Any other federal program providing for the payment of unemployment compensation.

The identical bill in the Senate, S-2738, was unanimously approved by that body’s Budget and Appropriations Committee on June 3.

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Source: Assembly Republican Press Release

Measure Encourages Doctors to Participate, Increases Info Sharing Between States

Assembly Republicans Mary Pat Angelini and Dave Wolfe are sponsoring legislation that seeks to curb prescription drug abuse by improving New Jersey’s system of monitoring prescription drugs.

The legislation seeks to increase participation in New Jersey’s Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) which collects data on prescriptions dispensed for all controlled dangerous substances in an effort to prevent the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs.

“The abuse of prescription drugs kills more people in this country than cocaine and heroin combined,” said Angelini, R-Monmouth. “Ensuring our prescription monitoring program is operating effectively is an important component of our efforts to curb prescription drug abuse.”

The measure, A-4220, seeks to increase participation in the PMP by allowing doctors to designate an employee from their practice to access the database. It also requires the Division of Consumer Affairs, which oversees the program, to notify prescribers and dispensers, as well as law enforcement, when they have identified potential misuse of prescription drugs.

“We have all this information on prescription drug diversion that is not being utilized by doctors and law enforcement,” said Wolfe. “Increasing the use of the prescription monitoring system and improving the way we use the data will dramatically enhance our ability to combat this growing problem.”

Angelini also noted that the legislation authorizes New Jersey’s PMP to share and receive information from other states’ prescription monitoring programs.

“Currently, an addict can avoid detection by filling their prescriptions in a different state-something that is not difficult in most parts of New Jersey,” she said. “This measure seeks to close that loophole by allowing our PMP to share data with other states.”

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Source: Assembly Republican Press Release

Bipartisan legislation requiring the labeling of all food that contains genetically modified materials (GMM) was approved by the Assembly Budget Committee today. Assembly Republicans Dave Wolfe and BettyLou DeCroce sponsor the bill.

The legislation, A-3192, defines a food product as being genetically modified if its contents include more than one percent of materials that are produced or enhanced by acid technology, genetic engineering or bioengineering. Genetically modified foods are derived from organisms whose genetic material has been changed in a way that does not occur naturally.

“Today’s shopper wants to have as much information about an item as possible before making a purchase,” said Wolfe, R-Ocean. “If a food source has been genetically modified, that is something they are entitled to know, just as its nutritional value. Many countries already require this disclosure and some states are already in the process of enacting a law. This requirement is not unprecedented, but something that provides customers with important information about how a product is grown.”

Currently available genetically modified (GM) foods stem mostly from plants, but in the future, foods derived from GM microorganisms or GM animals may be introduced on the market. Most existing genetically modified crops have been developed to improve yield through the introduction of resistance to plant diseases or of increased tolerance of herbicides.

“This is pro-consumer legislation that addresses an issue most people don’t know much about,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Passaic and Essex. “Customers today are savvy about the purchases they make and more informed than ever, but not necessarily on this aspect of food production. The science of genetically modified products is not without controversy. It is in the consumers’ best interest to be made aware of whether this growing technique was used in an item they might purchase. There is no such thing as having too much information.”

Last month, the Connecticut Senate passed bipartisan legislation requiring the labeling of food containing genetically modified ingredients. The Senate voted, 35 to 1, approving a bill that requires food entirely or partially genetically engineered to include the words “Produced with Genetic Engineering” on the packaging, as of July 2016, or 2015 if several Eastern states pass similar legislation.
In Washington State, a referendum on GMO labeling is scheduled for November.

There are approximately 64 other nations, including those in the European Union, that have labeling requirements for genetically engineered foods.

Under A-3192, penalties for failing to label a genetically modified food product would constitute misbranding in violation of pre-existing food and drug labeling laws. A fine of $200 would be assessed for the first offense; $400 for a second offense; and $1,000 for any third or subsequent offense. The Dept. of Health and Senior Services would be responsible for administering and enforcing the bill’s provisions.

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Press release — Aiming to spark interest and generate new revenue for horse racing and casino gaming, Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer has proposed bringing instant racing wagering to New Jersey.

Instant racing permits patrons to bet on previously-run races randomly selected from a video bank on special machines installed at casinos or track facilities. Bettors would see statistics for the horses without any name or other indentifying information until after the wagering window has closed.

Ron Dancer

“Both race track and casino patrons want action and instant racing will attract new interest in horse racing and gaming,” Dancer, R-Ocean, Burlington, Middlesex and Monmouth, said. “Blending historic races with the latest technology will put New Jersey on the cutting-edge of the next generation of gaming.”

Dancer’s proposal, A-4132, would permit instant racing at racetracks, off-track wagering facilities and casinos. Any casino interested in the technology would be permitted to negotiate a partnership and share revenue with a racing facility.

“We have begun a new era of cooperation between horsemen and casinos,” Dancer said. “These two industries, which have been important parts of New Jersey’s heritage and economy, can find innovative ways that will benefit the bottom lines of both.”

Kentucky, one of the first states to take advantage of this cutting-edge method of energizing interest in horse racing, has generated $356 million in little more than a year. In June, Oregon became the fifth state to allow instant racing.

“We can increase revenue for casinos, horse tracks and the state, while exposing a new generation of fans to the excitement of horse racing,” Dancer said. “The innovative electronic instant racing machines are attracting younger, video-oriented people to the sport.”

The proposal has bipartisan support from Assembly Regulatory and Gaming Committee vice chairman John Burzichelli, D-Gloucester.

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