Take A Stand

	Dear Supporter, Yesterday, the Democrats passed a budget that makes the middle class of New Jersey a priority.  Today, Chris Christie is sitting in his office reviewing the Democratic budget and trying to figure out ways to continue his assault on the middle class. Unfortunately for the working men and women of this state, the Governor is only interested in protecting the wealthiest New Jerseyans.  He does not share our priorities and will continue to ask already struggling New Jersey families to unfairly shoulder the burdens created by his Republican Party orthodoxy. I became Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic Party to represent Democratic values. This state needs a strong middle class and not the lashing sound bites and YouTube moments of Chris Christie.  I need your help to protect working families from the hypocrisy of this Governor.   Midnight tonight is a crucial fundraising deadline and we need to show the strength of the Democratic Party in New Jersey. Please consider a contribution of $100, $50, or even $25 so that we have the resources to respond to the Governor’s hypocritical attacks with your grassroots support.  I am proud of our Democratic budget and it clearly defines what are the priorities of the Party.   Restoring the funding to women’s health programs, prescription drug subsidies and FamilyCare, the state’s health insurance program for low-income families. Increasing the funding for reimbursements to nursing homes and federal health clinics for low-income residents, both of which saw rates cut under the governor’s plan. Reinstating the full formula funding for every school district, providing more money for police departments, and reestablishing the Earned Income Tax Credit, which was cut under Christie, leading to a tax increase. Proposing a true millionaires tax on income over $ 1 million dollars.  According to a June 29 story in Bloomberg News, 58% of New Jersey residents disagreed with Christie’s decision not to extend a surcharge on the state’s highest-earning taxpayers.  Now, more than ever, Democrats need to stand together against Chris Christie. Please help us by midnight tonight and give whatever you can. Together, we can keep New Jersey Blue!  Sincerely, John Wisniewski Chairman Paid for by the New Jersey Democratic State Committee 196 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
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The NJDSC Week In Review For June 24, 2011

Welcome to the latest installment of the NJDSC's week in review.  Here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and toward the end, some of the upcoming events around the state next week: Chairman Wisniewski on The Rachel Maddow Show Chairman Wisniewski discussed the pension and benefit legislation on The Rachel Maddow Show following the vote in the Assembly:  Democratic Lawmakers reject Christie budget cuts AP: NJ Democratic lawmakers reject GOP Gov. Christie's budget plan, will draft their own version. Star Ledger: Democratic legislators to introduce budget, includes tax relief, money for police. N.J. Democrats to introduce millionaires tax bill. New Jersey Newsroom: The Democratic version restores more than $1 billion to underfunded school districts and also places millions of dollars back into property tax relief. AP: NJ Democrats' budget proposal allocates $1.6B to public education; hearing set for Monday. Star Ledger:  Democrat leaders in the Senate and the Assembly agreed on a budget proposal that restores Medicaid cuts, provides property tax relief for senior citizens and money for cash-strapped police departments. Capitol Quickies: NJ budget showdown looming; Democrats insisting on millionaire’s tax. Blue Jersey: Drawing the battle lines on the 2012 budget. PolitickerNJ: Democrats unveil their spending plan. NJ Spotlight: The Millionaire's Tax Makes a Comeback -- as a School-Funding Vehicle. Stile: Of course there's plenty of inconvenient facts Christie omits from his defense. Raising the millionaire's tax did not have to be tied to the pension payment and no one has ever made a convincing case that wealthy Jerseyans are leaving the state because of high taxes. Democrats fight Governor Christie's proposed budget that would cut $30M in funding for N.J. childcare centers. Stile: Democrats toss a hot potato back to GOP. Opinion: N.J. seniors, disabled citizens suffer in Gov. Christie's property tax reimbursement program. Assemblyman Greenwald on Christie's revenue certification: “Last year, the governor missed the mark on his revenue certification, and valuable programs such as property tax relief for senior citizens, health care for women and education for our children suffered because of it. “We trust our own figures and remain hopeful the governor will put his obsession with building his national conservative credentials aside and instead do what’s right for working class residents and accept our spending plan.” Senator Van Drew: Democratic budget proposal to delay Vineland Developmental Center closing, fund enterprise zone program. Pension and Benefit Reform PolitickerNJ: Assembly passes public worker reforms after protestations from majority of Democrats. PolitickerNJ: Lawmakers sound off on reform bills. Chairman Wisniewski responded to the passage of the legislation: “Had these bills been split, I would have supported much needed pension reforms to ensure the state lives up to its funding responsibilities. Unfortunately, this combined legislation does not accomplish what its sponsor’s claim with regard to addressing the true problem of exploding costs for healthcare. We are not fixing the system, but simply passing the buck. Asking workers to pay for the sins of Wall Street and past failures of Government, while not truly dealing with the problems we face, will only further erode the besieged middle class here in New Jersey.” Assemblyman O'Donnell made an attempt to introduce floor amendments to the pending Public Employee Pension and Benefit Bills to make the legislation fairer for working families and retirees. Assemblywoman Watson Coleman: “It is a very bad day in the state of New Jersey when we start taking away middle class opportunities for quality of work issues.” Senator Lautenberg criticized the legislation: "The State House should be a place where the Governor and Legislature work to improve the lives of working families... Instead of balancing the budget on the backs of middle-class New Jerseyans, the Governor and Legislature should be working to make sure the wealthiest few are paying their fair share to help fix the state’s problems.”  Christie's Lowest Rating As Women Turn Thumbs Down and Democrats continue to Stand UP New Jersey Newsroom: Women disapprove of the job Christie is doing 54 percent to 36 percent. Bloomberg: Christie Approval Rating Slips to Lowest in Year as Women Turn Thumbs Down. WABC Video: NJ Women not Christie fans. Video: NJ Gov. Chris Christie's Approval Rating Falls. Star Ledger: “If the governor vetoes this again, we have the votes to override the veto,” said state Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), an outspoken advocate on women’s issues. Weinberg said the cuts have led to the closure of six family planning clinics during the past year. Video – Assembly members Stender, Conaway, Vainieri Huttle & Wagner Rally to Restore Women’s Health Care Funding. Assemblywoman Wagner: "This weekend I met a woman who lost her husband a few years ago, as well as her job and her health benefits. She now has a job in emergency medical services making $18 an hour with no health benefits. She relies on Planned Parenthood for life-saving services like mammograms and pap smears. These are the people we need to continue fighting for..." Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle: "We see scores of women's health clinics closing, 19,000 families unable to enroll in FamilyCare and now the Governor is proposing to kick 93,000 people off Medicaid..." Video: Hey Gov Christie, what is it with women? Assemblywomen Stender Vainieri Huttle called the Assembly Republican's late game support of women's health funding an 11th hour political ploy designed to pander to the women they have abandoned for the last 18 months. Senator Weinberg to Assembly GOP: If you really care about women's health, then actually do something about it. Jon Huntsman's Reinvention Tour Begins in New Jersey, even if they call it New York NJN News: Chairman Wisniewski responds to Huntsman announcement. You can see more video coverage of Chairman Wisniewski's response here and here. DNC Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz: "A plan—like Jon Huntsman supports—that slashes support for education, eliminates investments that will foster the jobs of the future, and gives tax cuts to the richest while shifting the burden to seniors and middle-class families will not fly." Senator Menendez offered an open letter to Jon Huntsman as he began his campaign for the Republican nomination in the 2012 presidential race. Senator Lautenberg reminded Jon Huntsman that Liberty State Park is in New Jersey - not New York! Stopping the NJN Takeover NJ Today: Assembly Rejects Deal To Transfer NJN Management. Star Ledger: N.J. Senate committee holds second hearing to examine deal giving NJN to WNET. Wall Street Journal: NJ Assembly votes to stop NJN takeover deal. Philadelphia Inquirer: Alarm sounded on deal for NJN. NJN Video: Senate Budget Committee Hearing on NJN’s Transfer to WNET. Assembly passes Democratic Measure to protect the future of public broadcasting in New Jersey. Atlantic City Press: Assembly OKs resolution to block NJN sale. Democrats Continue to fight Christie's Draconian Medicaid Cuts Atlantic City Press: NJ Democrats try new tactic to foil Christie's Medicaid cuts. NJ 101.5: Medicaid cuts focus of NJ Senate panel. NJ Spotlight: Unanswered Questions Trouble Legislators as Medicaid Deadline Looms. Star Ledger: One bad idea would leave 25,000 in N.J. without health coverage. What is Christie Hiding? Philadelphia Inquirer: Citing security reasons, the Christie administration has declined to disclose full details of the governor's political tour last summer and fall. That swing around the country transformed him from a freshman governor into a national political figure. It is unclear who paid to transport, house, and feed the governor as well as his security detail and members of his staff. Star Ledger: An attorney for state Senate candidate Carl Lewis wants to have a crack at questioning Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno. In a motion filed in federal court, attorney William Tambussi requested permission to question Guadagno outside of court and requested all communications between her, Gov. Chris Christie and counsel for the state GOP regarding the former track star’s state Senate candidacy. An Issue settled in the Civil War Responding to legislation introduced by NJ Republicans to make the Federal health Insurance law 'null and void', Chairman Wisniewski said, "this is the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, and one issue that ultimately led to the attack on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor was the belief that states could nullify federal law. Apparently Assemblywoman McHose has either forgotten that part of history or was absent from school that day." Congressional Corner Senator Menendez discussed Afghanistan on the CBS Early Show. (Video) A total of 16 U.S. lawmakers have signed on as co-sponsors of the legislation in the House of Representatives and Senate, including New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg and Rep. Rob Andrews to protect the Delaware River Basin. The Hill: Senator Menendez said his chief of staff had his data stolen during the recent cyberattack on Citi and is not happy with how the financial giant handled the situation. In a letter to Finance Committee leaders [PDF], 25 senators today including Senators Lautenberg and Menendez urged adequate funding for mass transit in the next transportation authorization bill. Senator Menendez introduced a comprehensive immigration reform bill on Wednesday that would require the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country to register with the government, pay their taxes, learn English, pay a fine, pass a background check and wait in line for permanent residence. It would also strengthen border security, enhance worksite enforcement and impose tough penalties on those who misuse social security numbers. Senators Lautenberg and Menendez wrote the Comptroller General of the U.S. Government Accountability Office requesting an official review of allegations, published in an Associated Press investigation, that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has compromised its standards in granting extensions to operators of aging nuclear power stations. Congressman Andrews questioned Sec.Flournoy and Adm.Mullen about the mission after Sept.2012 in Afghanistan. (Video) Congressman Holt: "Now is the worst possible moment to slash funding for the research and development of sustainable energy technologies At a time when our economy is already fragile, abandoning scientific research would cause the United States to lose even more high-tech jobs to our foreign competitors." The Hill: Democrats turn routine review into assault on GOP's healthcare agenda, "Right off the bat, Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) - the top Democrat on the Health subcommittee - brought up an amendment requiring the committee to "examine how many children would lose healthcare coverage under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program under the Republican budget." Congressman Pascrell joined the bipartisan co-chairs of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, and 9 other House Members introduced H.R. 2269, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2011, to reauthorize programs that assist firefighters, first responders, and local communities nationwide with the equipment, training, and personnel needed to protect the public from fires and other emergencies. Congressman Sires praised reports that the Federal Trade Commission is preparing a broad antitrust probe of Google's search practices. Citing increased complaints about the search giant's anticompetitive practices, Sires said the time has come for the government to seriously scrutinize the firm's conduct. Web firms have complained in recent years that Google uses its search results to drive traffic to its own products and services. International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Marius Fransman concluded his working visit in New York and Washington by meeting with Congressman Donald Payne and Under Secretary Bill Burns and both the discussions reaffirmed the need to strengthen the existing relations and further expand the co-operation on all fronts and expressed satisfaction with the current relations between the two countries. Congressman Rothman praised Morocco's Landmark Constitutional Reforms. The Hill: Congressman Pascrell introduced the bipartisan Weapons of Mass Destruction Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2011 The congressman first introduced the legislation in 2010, but the bill was never considered by the entire House. The bill would establish a new “special assistant” to the president for biodefense who would create a federal biodefense plan and a yearly budget. The bill also contains legislation that would allow state and local first responders access to surplus vaccine. Under the Dome Gov. Chris Christie’s plan to withdraw New Jersey from a regional greenhouse gas reduction program faces a new roadblock, with a state Senate committee advancing two bills opposing the policy change. Assembly Democrats expressed disappointment over the governor's conditional veto of legislation that would have given adoptees in New Jersey access to their medical history and birth records. Legislation to help ease the blow of rising gas prices by allowing retailers to offer rebates, and promotions for purchasing gasoline was approved by a vote of 77-0 by the Assembly. (Video): Assemblymen Barnes and Diegnan discussed their bill to create specialized care nursing facilities for the treatment and care of patients with Huntington's Disease in New Jersey. NJ Today: The full Assembly approved a measure that would bar physicians from administering Botox to anyone under 18 years of age. A bill to provide members of the military with free access to a number of recreational opportunities was approved by the full Assembly. Legislators Encourage County Residents to Seek Low-Interest Loans for 2010 Storm Damages. Legislation that would help New Jersey address the long-term needs of residents with Alzheimer’s disease has been signed Into Law. Legislation to push the state toward providing enhanced visibility and accessibility to food products and commodities grown or raised in New Jersey, and baked goods made with products grown or raised in New Jersey received final legislative approval. 14th district Legislators hosted a morning seminar with constituents to discuss the status of the Property Tax Reimbursement Program – commonly known as the “senior freeze” program. Legislation requiring the New Jersey Department of Education to include cheerleading in its student-athlete head injury safety training program was introduced by a state Assembly panel. Legislation enhancing penalties for intentionally killing an on-duty police or search and rescue dog and named “Schultz’s Law” in honor of a Gloucester Township police dog killed by a crime suspect was signed into law.  The Assembly Education Committee has approved a bill requiring the design of all new public schools to follow industry recognized standards for green building practices. Legislation to push the state toward providing enhanced visibility and accessibility to food products and commodities grown or raised in New Jersey, and baked goods made with products grown or raised in New Jersey received final legislative approval. District 38 state legislators encouraged residents of Bergen county who experienced damage to their homes from the 2010 Nor’easter storms (between March 10 to March 17, 2010) to apply for low-interest loans recently made available through the Small Business Administration.  Legislation requiring the state to establish standards for exposure limits to mold in residential buildings and certification of mold inspectors and abatement workers has been released by an Assembly panel. Legislation that proponents say would make end-of-life care decisions easier for New Jerseyans and their families could soon come before the full Assembly for a vote. Upcoming Events June 26: Women’s Roundtable Coffee with Senator Menendez and special guest Senator Barbara Boxer  11:00 AM The W Hoboken Hotel, 225 River Street, Hoboken *Please note this is not a fundraiser. Please RSVP to smaltzman@menendezfornj.com or 973-732-0756. Fundraiser for Congressman Pallone Gerzberg Home, Lincoln Ave, Highland Park For More Information: (732) 571-4141 June 27: Please join Small Business owners for a fundraiser supporting 11th District Assembly Candidate Vin Gopal 6:30-8:00 PM Trinity Restaurant, 84 Broad Street, Keyport $50/supporter, $100/friend, $250/co-host Please make checks payable to "Gopal for Assembly" For more information please call 732.540.2293 June 28: Assemblyman Wisniewski’s 10th Annual Birthday Bash 6:00-8:00 PM Breakers, 1507 Ocean Ave, Spring Lake $500/pp 732-525-1400 Congressman Bill Pascrell's Annual "Summer Classic" 6:30-8:30 PM The Venetian, 546 River Drive, Garfield $500 per person; $1,000 per PAC Contact Jacky for more information: 973-618-0600. Atlantic County Democratic Committee's 4th Annual Sustaining Members Reception 5:30-7:00 PM Gourmet Italian Cuisine, 324 S. Pitney Rd, Galloway $5,000. Trustee, $2.500.  Chairman's Club, $1,000.  Sponsor, $500. Patron, for more info call Lauren at 609-641-6200 Reception Supporting 11th District Assembly Candidate Vin Gopal 6:00-9:00 PM Bella Vista County Club, 100 School Road East, Marlboro $125/supporter, $300/friend, $500/event co-host, $1,000/campaign co-chair Please make checks payable to "Gopal for Assembly" For more information please call 732.540.2293 June 29: Fundraiser in support of Bill Shea for Freeholder Park East, 3352 Highway 35, Hazlet $40/supporter, $80/sponsor, $150/event co-host Please make checks payable to Friends of Bill Shea for Freeholder, P.O. Box 155, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730 Please RSVP to Maryellen Principe at 732.720.9597 July 5: An Evening of Wine Tasting with Representative Rush Holt 5:30 - 7:30 PM Four JG's Orchards and Vineyards, 127 Hillsdale Road, Colts Neck $250 Individual / $500 Friend / $1,000 Supporter / $2,500 Host For more information or to RSVP please contact Annie O'Toole at (609) 799-0800 or Annie@RushHolt.com Or visit www.RushHolt.com/Vineyard July 9: Bruce James Breakfast Fundraiser 9:00-11:00 AM Grand Chalet, Rte 23 S Wayne $35/pp    Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee     Follow us Are you following us on Social Media yet? If not, you're missing out on the latest news as it happens.     We will continue to have updates about news from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend. Sincerely,  John Wisniewski, Chairman New Jersey Democratic State Committee Paid for by the New Jersey Democratic State Committee 196 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

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The NJDSC Week In Review For June 17, 2011

	Welcome to the latest installment of the NJDSC's week in review.  Here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and toward the end, some of the upcoming events around the state next week: Stand Up For Women Please join the Stand Up for Women! rally on June 20th at 1:30pm at the Statehouse - where supporters will gather to demand funding for women's health care! WABC: Christie responds to woman's question with "It's none of your business" Video: Assemblywoman Pou co-sponsored an event (with Paterson's Pink Breast Center) to get uninsured women tested and treated for breast cancer. Pension and Benefit Reform The Senate Budget committee advanced pension and benefit reform legislation on Thursday. NJ Today: Asm. John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), the New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman, and state Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), urged lawmakers to split the proposed legislation into two bills. “Pension reform and health benefit reform are two different discussions and should be contained within two different pieces of legislation. You can view the full statement from the Chairman and Senator Weinberg here. PolitickerNJ: Hudson, Passaic and Union Dems want Health benefits separated from pensions. Mercer Democrats also voiced their opposition and called for separating the bills. Bergen County Chairman Stellato said "these are two distinctly different issues that should be treated as such." Chairman Wisniewski condemned remarks using Nazi comparisons made at the rally held outside the statehouse: “As Senator Lesniak said immediately following the remarks at the rally, you can support workers but denounce any comparisons to Nazi’s. This rhetoric does nothing to advance the cause workers are fighting for.” PolitickerNJ: Dems introduce pension bill without healthcare component. Elizabeth Mayor Bollwage raised questions about the out of state provision in the healthcare legislation. Congressional Redistricting Members Named New Jersey Newsroom: Republicans and Democrats name 12 to N.J. Congressional Redistricting Committee. The Democrats named former Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts (D-Camden), former Assemblywoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-Camden), Essex County Democratic Chairman Phil Thigpen, Ed Farmer, former Assemblyman Michael Baker (D-Middlesex), and Jeannine Frisby LaRue. Roberts will serve as chairman of the Democrats. PolitickerNJ: Former Speaker Roberts to lead Democratic Team for Congressional Redistricting. Chairman Wisniewski: “Unfortunately due to population shifts, we know that the number of Congressional districts in New Jersey will be reduced from 13 to 12 seats. Much like the legislative redistricting process, our fight will be for a fair and constitutional map that truly represents the people of New Jersey.” Former Assembly Speaker Roberts: “It is an honor to be asked to lead our party’s team in crafting a congressional map that will ensure our delegation matches our state’s broad diversity and ensures an equal voice for all its voters. New Jersey may be losing a seat in the House of Representatives, but this team will ensure that the Democratic ideals that have guided our delegation for the past decade-and-a half are not lost. Jobs Still On The Back Burner For Christie The Record: NJ employment falls by 400 in May, unemployment rises. CBS 3: NJ Jobs Growth Slumps In May. Gannett: New Jersey's jobless rate increases. Star Ledger: The state unemployment rate inched up by 0.1 percentage point to 9.4 percent in May, compared to the nationwide rate of 9.1 percent, according to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The Garden State lost 400 jobs last month and nonfarm employment now stands at 3.9 million. The losses were primarily in manufacturing, trade, transportation and utilities, and construction. There were gains in the education and health services industries. What is Christie Hiding? Governor won't release contacts with Fox News Chairman Gawker: Gov. Chris Christie Claims Fox News Chief as Confidential Adviser. More Gawker: Christie—then a candidate—responded: 'In the interest of transparency, if I were governor I would release the e-mails.'" Star Ledger: Chris Christie claims executive privilege on alleged emails with Fox News chairman. PolitickerNJ: Report -Christie contact with Fox News chairman not subject to OPRA. New Jersey Newsroom: Gov. Christie won't discuss meeting with Roger Ailes and Rush Limbaugh. Report: NJ Department of Corrections too Lenient on Privately Run Halfway Homes Star Ledger: N.J. Department of Corrections too lenient on privately run halfway homes. More Star Ledger: "The comptroller also questioned the legality of the state’s contract with its largest provider of halfway houses, the politically connected nonprofit Education and Health Centers of America, or EHCA. The state can only contract with nonprofits for halfway homes. But the report describes EHCA as a shell corporation, passing almost all its state dollars to the for-profit company Community Education Centers, which runs the houses. The same person, John Clancy, runs both organizations. William Palatucci, Gov. Chris Christie’s close political adviser, is a senior vice president at the for-profit company." NJ 101.5: Christie confidant and his corrections connections. "The Governor has raised taxes on the elderly" Star Ledger Editorial: Gov. Chris Christie is practicing sleight of hand with a property tax relief program for senior citizens and people with disabilities. A trick he hopes no one will notice... In effect, the governor has raised taxes on the elderly... Bottom line, elderly and disabled participants will pay more in taxes. And if you just got wind of the program and wanted to apply, you’re out of luck. Last year, the program was closed to new applicants, and Christie wants to keep it closed for 2012, too. Democrats Fight Christie's Medicaid and FamilyCare Cuts Star Ledger: Undoing a Christie budget cut from last year, an Assembly panel voted to restore 2010 cuts to NJ FamilyCare health insurance program. Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle said passing the bill makes economic sense: “NJ FamilyCare is for families who do not have available or affordable employer insurance, and cannot afford to pay the high cost of private health insurance. If they don’t get his coverage, they will go to the emergency room for even more expensive care, so this bill is fiscally sensible and responsible,” Atlantic City Press: New Jersey lawmakers look to change Christie's altered Medicaid program. The Record Editorial: Scalpel, not ax. NY Times: "As a result, costs can be expected to rise in other parts of the health care system. Cuts in Medicaid payments to doctors, for example, make it less likely that they will accept Medicaid patients and more likely that people will turn to hospital emergency rooms for care. Hospitals and other health care providers often try to make up for the loss of Medicaid revenue by increasing charges to other patients, including those with private insurance, experts say." The Bully and the Bully Pulpit Huffington Post: Several recent surveys, including the Quinnipiac University and Eagleton Institute of Politics polls, have concluded that the one word most associated with Gov. Christie is "bully." As a matter of fact the Quinnipiac poll, which surveyed 1,532 registered New Jersey voters, noted that "bully" and "arrogant" were the top two words offered when voters were asked, (with no suggestions given), to describe Christie in one word, with the word "bully" out distancing "arrogant" by more than three times. Christie is known for his name-calling rants and for aggressively going after anyone who dares to question or disagree with his dictates. Setting Guidelines For Personal and Political Use of State Helicopters AP: Democratic lawmaker calls for limits on NJ Gov. Christie's use of state police helicopters. In this video press release, Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee Chairwoman Quijano called on Assembly Minority Leader DeCroce to join her in sponsoring legislation he championed in 2004 that would prohibit governors from using state helicopters for personal and political purposes. Quijano announced her intention to reintroduce the DeCroce legislation following a special meeting of her homeland security panel focused on the protocols and procedures governing the usage of State Police helicopters. The hearing was called after it was revealed that Gov. Christie had used State Police helicopters for personal and political purposes. Video: Assembly Hearing on Gov. Christie's Helicopter Trips Assemblyman Burzichelli: "With all the speech-making on how frugal we have to be and with respect to working families, this stood out like a sore thumb." Christie's Dim Outlook For Solar Energy in NJ WSJ: New Jersey is the second-largest consumer of solar energy in the country, but a draft energy plan introduced last week by Gov. Chris Christie suggests the future is cloudy for the state’s nascent solar industry. The energy proposal released by the Republican governor discusses solar power in nearly partisan terms. The sector’s costs are described as “socialized” because they are spread out among the bills of all utility customers — even though that’s the case for all types of utility investments. NJ Herald: Democrats introduce bill to stop state RGGI action. AP: Three bills designed to compel Gov. Chris Christie to keep New Jersey in an anti-pollution pact have been approved by the Assembly Environment Committee. Christie announced last month that he was pulling the state from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative by year's end. On Monday, a group of Democrats introduced legislation to stop him. The measures would make participation mandatory. Assemblyman McKeon: "The resolution clarifies the initial legislative intent and will close any loophole that may exist to allow the governor to pull the state out of RGGI or use the funds to balance the budget..." Congressional Corner Gannett: Lautenberg, Holt urge Christie to oppose rail security funding cuts, say U.S. transit funding could be slashed by 65%. Senator Menendez also condemned the proposed cuts: “Privatizing Amtrak makes as much sense as privatizing Medicare or Social Security. In other words, no sense at all. This proposal would not only disrupt Amtrak service from Washington to Boston, but it would also deny New Jersey critical infrastructure investments that are important to our commuter rail service throughout the state." Daily Record: With Osama bin Laden out of the picture and the al-Qaida terrorist network he founded on the run, there’s no longer a need for a large U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, according to a letter Democrats Frank R. Lautenberg, Robert Menendez and 25 other senators sent to the White House. Senators Lautenberg and Menendez announced that the Department of Transportation is transferring nearly $25 million to NJ Transit to create jobs and improve the environment. Senator Lautenberg joined colleagues this week introducing legislation that would protect the reproductive rights of women in the military. Congressman Sires Op-Ed in the Hill: Saving lives through innovation. Congressman Rothman announced that the federal government has pledged more than $18 million to renovate and soundproof Henry P. Becton Regional High School in East Rutherford through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program. Video: Rep. Pascrell visited a Medicaid-supported home for adolescent girls run by Children's Aid and Family Services. Congressman Pallone is sponsoring a bi-partisan bill that would reauthorize funding for training pediatricians at children's hospitals for five years. Congressman Payne has introduced a bill that would issue competitive grants to develop neighborhood-specific programs in economically disadvantaged communities toward improving student school performance and college readiness. Congressman Sires joined the newly launched Latino-Jewish Congressional Caucus. Congressman Holt said he had cautioned to guard against racial profiling in the past at Newark airport, "No one should have to fear unlawful detention or inspection based solely on the color of their skin," Congressman Pallone received the health care diversity award from national Hispanic organizations for expanding coverage. Congressman Pascrell Guest Column in the Herald News: Upgrading Water Infrastructure. Philadelphia Inquirer: Congressman Andrews on Republicans, Medicare, and the economy. In an interview with the Gloucester County Times, the Congressman said that responsible federal spending is needed to bring jobs back to Gloucester County, South Jersey Under the Dome NJ Today: Assembly Panel Advances South River Flood Control Bill. Legislation to create a council to oversee Veterans Haven, a state operated facility for homeless veterans serving veterans from all over New Jersey, was released by an Assembly panel. An Assembly panel advanced a measure that would repeal obsolete and derogatory state statutes pertaining to the status of women. Vineland Daily Journal Editorial: UEZs are too critical just to throw out, "There's an old saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Unfortunately, that's exactly what the Christie administration would be doing if it immediately eliminated the state's Urban Enterprise Zones." Legislation to allow students with special needs to bring service animals to school was released by an Assembly panel. A measure to crackdown on the dangerous practice of selling illegal drugs disguised as "bath salts" cleared a key Assembly panel. NJ 101.5: Following the tragic death of an eight year-old Irvington girl who was abused and neglected in her home, the Assembly Human Services Committee considered a bill to reform state child abuse reporting investigations. Assemblyman Fuentes discussed the Hispanic Leadership Summit on Comcast Newsmakers. (Video) Just as summer is heating up, legislation has been signed into law, which would allow municipalities to offer free or discounted beach badges to military personnel and their families. Assemblywoman Quijano has introduced the NJ State Employee Wellness Incentive Program designed to provide all state employees with financial incentives to complete regular health screenings and participate in various wellness programs. Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Conners has been selected to be the parade marshal of the New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars (NJ VFW) annual parade in Wildwood. Legislation providing tax credit subsidies to small companies in the life sciences field as an incentive to create paid internship opportunities for college students was released by an Assembly panel. A bill that supporters say would push the state toward providing enhanced visibility and accessibility to food products and commodities grown or raised in New Jersey has been passed by the state Senate. The bill also covers baked goods made with products grown or raised in New Jersey. Juveniles caught sending sexually explicit photographs via their cell phones would not face criminal prosecution but rather intense education on the ramifications under a bill advanced by a Senate Panel. An Assembly panel approved a package of bills to make end-of-life care decisions easier for New Jersey families. NJ Today: State legislators joined with Food & Water Watch, NJ Sierra Club and Delaware Riverkeeper Network to call for immediate passage of legislation to ban natural gas hydraulic fracturing in New Jersey. Getting a parking spot in New Jersey Transit train station lots can sometimes be a nightmare. The Assembly’s law and public safety committee has advanced legislation to make it easier. Senator Greenstein: Megan's Law killer only seeks to devalue progress made to protect children. A measure to aid in the treatment of cancer by ensuring that patients have access to less cumbersome oral medications was advanced by an Assembly panel. A state Senate committee approved a bill that would restrict the use of lawn pesticides at child care centers, schools, playgrounds and other recreational playing fields. Legislation to prevent the unnecessary use of public dollars at the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, which operates 20 bi-state bridges, was approved unanimously by the Senate Transportation Committee. A bill which would create greater oversight and control of municipal and county employee salaries was approved by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee by a vote of 3-0, with two abstentions. A bill which would extend whistleblower protections to employees who disclose any waste of public funds or incidents of governmental abuse or mismanagement was approved by the Senate Labor Committee by a vote of 5-0, with one abstention. Upcoming Events June 20: Stand UP for Women! Rally 1:30 PM Steps of the State House, Trenton Stand up to reductions in health care! Stand UP for Women! Please RSVP to response@njdems.org Cocktail Reception for Wayne DeAngelo 6:00-8:00 PM Tir Na Nog, 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton $100/pp 609-571-8302 June 22: Morris County Democratic Committee Annual Spring Gala Fundraiser Honoring Senator Richard Codey, Assemblyman John McKeon and Assemblywoman Mila Jasey 7:00-9:00 PM The Villa, 90 US Route 46, Mountain Lakes $100/pp, $175/couple, $75/students and seniors 973-984-8080 Cocktail Reception for Assemblyman Joseph Egan 5:30 PM Due Mari Restaurant, 78 Albany Street, New Brunswick $1,000/pp June 23: Wall Democrats JFK Valor Awards honoring Monmouth County Chairman Vic Scudiery, Majority Leader Joe Cryan, Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik and NJ State Senate Candidate Raymond Santiago 6:30-9:00 PM The Mill at Spring Lake Heights, Old Mill Road, Spring Lake Heights $80/per person June 24: Sunset Reception for Senator Bob Menendez 5:00 PM Home of Tracy and Nick Brown, 104 Wigwam Road, Locust, NJ Co-Host $5,000/Sponsor $2,500/Friend $1,000 For more information or to RSVP please contact Samantha Maltzman at 973-732-0756 or smaltzman@menendezfornj.com June 26: Women’s Roundtable Coffee with Senator Menendez and special guest Senator Barbara Boxer (CA) 11:00 AM The W Hoboken Hotel, 225 River Street, Hoboken *Please note this is not a fundraiser. Please RSVP to smaltzman@menendezfornj.com or 973-732-0756. Fundraiser for Congressman Pallone Gerzberg Home, Lincoln Ave, Highland Park For More Information: (732) 571-4141 June 27: Please join Small Business owners for a fundraiser supporting 11th District Assembly Candidate Vin Gopal 6:30-8:00 PM Trinity Restaurant, 84 Broad Street, Keyport $50/supporter, $100/friend, $250/co-host Please make checks payable to "Gopal for Assembly" For more information please call 732.540.2293 June 28: Assemblyman Wisniewski’s 10th Annual Birthday Bash 6:00-8:00 PM Breakers, 1507 Ocean Ave, Spring Lake $500/pp 732-525-1400 Atlantic County Democratic Committee's 4th Annual Sustaining Members Reception 5:30-7:00 PM, Gourmet Italian Cuisine 324 S. Pitney Rd, Galloway $5,000. Trustee, $2.500. Chairman's Club, $1,000. Sponsor, $500. Patron for more info call Lauren at 609-641-6200 Reception Supporting 11th District Assembly Candidate Vin Gopal 6:00-9:00 PM Bella Vista County Club, 100 School Road East, Marlboro $125/supporter, $300/friend, $500/event co-host, $1,000/campaign co-chair Please make checks payable to "Gopal for Assembly" For more information please call 732.540.2293 July 5: An Evening of Wine Tasting with Representative Rush Holt 5:30 - 7:30 PM Four JG's Orchards and Vineyards, 127 Hillsdale Road, Colts Neck $250 Individual / $500 Friend / $1,000 Supporter / $2,500 Host For more information or to RSVP please contact Annie O'Toole at (609) 799-0800 or Annie@RushHolt.com Or visit www.RushHolt.com/Vineyard Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee                   Follow us Are you following us on Social Media yet? If not, you're missing out on the latest news as it happens.     We will continue to have updates about news from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend. Sincerely,  John Wisniewski, Chairman New Jersey Democratic State Committee Paid for by the New Jersey Democratic State Committee 196 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
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