We were elected on a message of making New Jersey affordable again for everyone who lives and works in this state. We promised in our campaign to change the way business is done in Trenton, and we are working to make that a reality. Your mandate to us was government reform, and here are some of the areas we are working on:
- Relieving the tax burden on property owners.
- Cutting wasteful government spending.
- Consolidating government functions through shared services among municipalities, counties and schools boards.
- Adopting reforms that reduce the costs to taxpayers for public employee benefits, including pensions and health care.
- Providing quality public schools, in part by forcing tax money to go toward classrooms and school facilities – not toward excessive salaries and perks for administrators.
- Making local, county and state government more open, accessible and accountable to the public.
Memorial Day: A Time for Reflection
Mon, 05/27/2013 - 9:22amDear Neighbor,
This Memorial Day as we enjoy the weekend with family and friends, we must pause as always to honor those members of the United States Armed Forces dedicated to serving our country. This is a time to remember the countless Americans who have given their lives in defense of freedom and to mourn their loss.
As temperatures climb and the days get longer, the signs of summer are upon us. One such sign is the appearance of VFW members distributing their Buddy Poppies at supermarkets and community centers for a donation. These Buddy Poppies are symbols of remembrance that have been supporting local VFWs as well as our nation’s disabled and needy veterans since 1923. When you donate to your local VFW in exchange for a Buddy Poppy, you’re also giving back to those veterans across our country who gave so much for us.
We salute the men and women who continue to serve our country at home and abroad with tireless dedication. We also applaud the many organizations, groups and individuals who provide them with much needed support and advocacy when they come home. We will always remember and pay homage to those selfless and courageous soldiers who sacrificed everything to ensure the freedom of all Americans.
Respectfully,
DONALD NORCROSS
Senator
ANGEL FUENTES
Assemblyman
GILBERT L. “WHIP” WILSON
Assemblyman
Bookmark/Search this post with:
ASSEMBLY PASSES FUENTES “SOCIAL MEDIA EDUCATION ACTâ€
Mon, 05/20/2013 - 3:52pmAssembly advances measure to teach students safe social media practices
(TRENTON) –The General Assembly passed legislation by Assemblyman Angel Fuentes (D-Camden/Gloucester) to include social media as core curriculum content for students in grades 6 through 8. Bill A3292 would require all public school districts to teach social media related essentials to students.
“In an increasingly digital world, there are a growing number of opportunities for us to broaden our horizons,” said Assemblyman Fuentes. “There are also opportunities for our young people to fall prey to the pitfalls of the many social media platforms at their fingertips.”
Students would learn the purpose and acceptable usage of the varying social media sites, as well as behavior that ensures cyber safety, ethics, and security on social media. The curriculum should also include the potentially negative consequences of social media, such as bullying or irresponsible usage of social media platforms.
Citing multiple instances of inappropriate behavior on social media in our state alone, Assemblyman Fuentes highlighted the need for curriculum that addresses not only the dangers of social media use, but also the possible benefits of using social media effectively. A Kaplan survey of college admissions recruiters discovered that over 80% use Facebook and Twitter as resources.
Read more >>Bookmark/Search this post with:
NORCROSS RESOLUTION CREATING ASSISTANCE ANIMAL RECOGNITION DAY ADVANCES
Mon, 05/13/2013 - 3:34pmCommittee approves measure reserving second Wednesday in August
(TRENTON) – A resolution drafted by Senator Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester) designating the second Wednesday of every August as “Assistance Animal Recognition Day” was approved by the Assembly Agriculture Committee today.
“Assistance animals are lifelines for thousands of New Jersey residents,” said Senator Norcross. “Too often, people who rely on assistance animals are met with ignorance or not afforded the proper respect.”
Senator Norcross crafted this resolution in partnership with Leah Levine – founder and CEO of Animals At Work, Inc. Through her non-profit, Ms. Levine works to advocate on behalf of those who utilize assistance animals, in addition to raising awareness and providing training to non users about the important relationship and impact of the assistance animal "team".
Last session, Senator Norcross championed legislation to allow students with autism and other disabilities to bring their companions to school. The bill, which was signed into law in January 2012, recognizes the role assistance animals play in providing a level of normalcy for their companions that is crucial to their education and development.
“It is right that we take this opportunity to recognize the partnership and tireless service provided by these animals,” Senator Norcross went on to say.
The resolution was passed by the Assembly Agriculture Committee unanimously.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
