“New Jersey already receives far less money from the federal government than it sends to Washington in taxes, less than any other state in the Union. So I guess the finger pointing by Senator Lautenberg is not surprising. He should want to obfuscate his abysmal record. I would hope in the future, New Jersey’s two U.S. Senators would concentrate more on making their home state more affordable than toeing the party line in Washington D.C.

Read the rest of Pennacchio: Lautenberg & Menendez MIA in “Race to the Top” Question (46 words)

This amendment changed not only how women participated in our elections, but how they are viewed as members of society. With an equal vote, women were given the same tools as men to make their voices heard as they cast their ballots on issues that directly affect them, both as women and as members of the community.

Read the rest of 12th District Legislators Reflect on Strides in Women’s Equality (163 words)

The first measure, A-515, will expand “Operation Recognition,” a program which offers state-endorsed high school diplomas to veterans who left high school prior to graduation to serve in the military, to include veterans of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.

Read the rest of Governor Signs Into Law Veterans Measures Supported by Connors, Rumpf & Gove (362 words)

“I was disappointed to learn today that the Obama Administration found an easily corrected, clerical error more important than the substantive education reforms outlined in New Jersey’s ‘Race to the Top’ application. I trust the Obama Administration will explain to the people of New Jersey why form is more important than substance.

Read the rest of Republican Leader Kean: Federal Government Chooses Form Over Substance (177 words)

“I have heard repeatedly from my constituents that they do not support the teen driver decal requirement that was implemented as part of Kyleigh’s Law,” said Beck. “While the law was meant to keep young drivers safe, many teens and their parents feel like it puts them at increased risk.”

Read the rest of Beck Disappointed Effort to Repeal Kyleigh’s Law Decals Blocked Again (183 words)

Legislation to rename the bridge on Route 36 over the Shrewsbury River in memory of the late Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina passed the Senate today. Sponsors of the legislation, Monmouth County Senators Jennifer Beck, Sean Kean and Joe Kyrillos, praised the passage of this bill which will honor their friend and former colleague.

Read the rest of Monmouth Delegation Lauds Passage of Azzolina Bill (286 words)

Read the rest of Senators T. Kean & Doherty Ask Senate President Sweeney to Convene Hearings on Tax Abatement Policies (599 words)

Senator Tom Goodwin (R-14) has asked Senator James Whelan (D-2), chairman of the Senate State Government Committee, to invite New Jersey Department of Education Fiscal Monitor Mark Cowell to testify at the next committee hearing on the reported financial mismanagement by the Trenton Public School District.

Following a July 22nd request to invite State Auditor Stephen Eells, Senator Goodwin, a member of the committee, expressed growing concern on new revelations of deliberate fiscal mismanagement in a letter that was sent to Chairman Whelan. 

Read the rest of Goodwin: Trenton School Management Must Be Held Accountable (301 words)

Senator Mike Doherty (R- Warren, Hunterdon) responded today to a recent article in The Record highlighting lax oversight and poor accounting practices at the state Department of Human Services and various family planning centers. The improper practices occurred from 2001 to 2005 and were detailed in reports released by the United States Inspector General in 2007 and 2008.

Read the rest of Doherty Questions Oversight at Department of Human Services for Past Billing Practices (186 words)

Certain municipalities over the years have increasingly exempted major developers from paying property taxes that support municipalities, schools and counties. The municipalities have permitted the developers to make alternative payments to only the municipalities and they that were not shared with counties and schools.

Read the rest of Kean Cites Comptroller Report as Support for His Legislative Reform Efforts (175 words)