Tuesday, December 18, 2012

BETTYLOU DeCROCE SWORN INTO ASSEMBLY

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, R- Morris, Essex and Passaic, who won a special election in November to serve the unexpired term of her late husband Alex DeCroce, was sworn in today to the General Assembly. In January, DeCroce was elected by the Republican County Committee to represent the 26th Legislative District until November’s election. Assemblywoman DeCroce joins Senator Joe Pennacchio and Assemblyman Jay Webber serving the 26th Legislative District.

DeCroce has over 30 years of experience serving at various levels of government. Prior to her service in the Assembly, DeCroce served as a councilwoman in Mine Hill and as the Roxbury Township municipal clerk and deputy township manager. Most recently, she served as deputy commissioner in the state Department of Community Affairs.

“I am honored to represent the people of the 26th Legislative District,” said DeCroce. “I have spent my professional career serving the public, and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the effort to make New Jersey a better place to live and work. I am committed to serving the needs of my constituents and intend to be a voice that represents the interests of taxpayers. I am sure Alex would be happy that I am able to serve the public as he proudly did for over 20 years.”

Commenting on DeCroce’s swearing in, along with her Republican colleague Assemblywoman Donna Simon, Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick said, “I am so very proud to lead a caucus that has state representatives as talented and honest as Assemblywomen DeCroce and Simon. They are true treasures of the state of New Jersey and their districts are very fortunate to have them as their advocates.”

Monday, December 17, 2012

WEBBER-BUCCO-DeCROCE BILL ON EDUCATIONAL COSTS FOR STUDENTS IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS APPROVED BY ASSEMBLY

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Jay Webber, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic, supporting women and families in domestic violence shelters and the communities that host them, was approved by the General Assembly today.

In addition to Webber, other primary sponsors include Assembly Republicans Anthony M. Bucco and BettyLou DeCroce.

“This bill is the result of the unanimous support of the Assembly which recognizes the financial burdens presently imposed on towns that provide transitional facilities for battered women and their children,” said Webber, who is a member of the Assembly Budget Committee. “During the budget hearings this year, the committee heard testimony that drew its attention to the school funding obligation placed on the municipality where these facilities are located if the student resides there beyond one year. The typical stay at a transitional facility is two years, requiring the host town to absorb the cost of the second year of the student’s education.

“This bill removes the unfair financial burden on the host municipalities that house victims of abuse from communities across the state and will help sustain the viability of the transitional housing facilities which provide the compassionate care these abused victims need and deserve,” Webber stated.

The legislation, A-3164/S-2120, which received unanimous support in the Assembly (77-0), would take effect in the 2012/13 school year. The bill stipulates the State will pay the educational costs of students who reside in a domestic violence shelter or transitional living facility for more than one year. The Departments of Education and Children and Families will establish rules to identify those facilities that qualify as transitional living facilities or domestic violence shelters.

“New Jersey’s per-pupil costs are a drain on local budgets,” said Anthony M. Bucco, R-Morris and Somerset, who is also a member of the Budget Committee. “Communities with shelters that house students who live in these facilities are forced to bear an inequitable fiscal burden. At a time when host towns are trying to cut costs, but preserve services while keeping property tax rates in check, this bill helps alleviate the costly burden municipalities are incurring.”

An administrative law court’s decision in 2010 interpreted conflicting statutes and concluded that once a family in transition lives within a school district for 12 consecutive months, the financial responsibility of any school age children in that family is the host district’s responsibility.

“Municipalities around the state are strapped for cash as it is,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “Requiring them to bear this additional fiscal burden on their own isn’t fair. At the same time, we have a responsibility to assist victims of abuse who face dire situations through no fault of their own. This legislation is an equitable solution.”

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

DECROCE GENERATOR BILL INCLUDES TAX INCENTIVES

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, R-Morris, Passaic and Essex, has sponsored legislation requiring gas stations, nursing homes and other critical facilities to have generator backup power during declared emergencies. To help implement the generator program, DeCroce has included in her legislation a tax incentive to make the upgrades affordable to businesses.

DeCroce’s bill, “The N.J. Residents Power Protection Act” (A 3495), would address the power outage problems suffered by many residents during Hurricane Sandy by requiring vital and unique facilities to install either natural gas or propane powered generators. Those facilities would extend beyond gas stations and nursing homes to include private assisted living facilities, Class C (dementia patients) boarding homes, pharmacies and all firehouses and emergency medical facilities.

“I am not an advocate of government mandates, but after witnessing what occurred in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy it is clear that there are holes in our economic and safety network that need to be mended. We need to ensure that power is available for key businesses and institutions during emergencies,” said DeCroce.

To offset the cost of the generator upgrades the bill provides for a corporation business tax deduction and gross income tax deduction (not to exceed $10,000 in either case), and a sales tax exemption, for the purchase of applicable equipment by the business and facilities covered under the Power Protection Act.
DeCroce said the economic incentive portion of the Power Protection Act is vital to moving it forward in the legislature.

“I would not add another government mandate on businesses without an offsetting tax incentive that will mitigate the cost of the improvement,” said DeCroce. “I strongly believe in the need to have backup power supplies for key industries and health providers during natural disasters.

“It’s the right thing to do for residents and for our economy,” explained DeCroce. “Government and business must work together to make the kinds of improvements needed to benefit the citizens of New Jersey during extraordinary events like Hurricane Sandy.”

DeCroce’s legislation would require the backup energy come from natural gas generators — where natural gas is available — or propane stored in above-ground tanks. The generators would be hard wired into the facilities’ electrical systems to provide near instantaneous power in a blackout and would restore a majority of the power needed for basic services.

DeCroce noted that by hardwiring generators to facilities, there would be less need for extension cords coursing through nursing homes.

“Extension cords snaking through nursing homes are an invitation to disaster,” continued DeCroce. “The cords pose a hazard to elderly people in wheelchairs or those whose mobility is assisted by walkers and canes.”

CONVENIENCE STORES

DeCroce’s legislation would also require backup power sources for any new construction of grocery stores or convenience stores. She predicted that generator costs would be offset, not only by the tax deductions, but by a reduction in food spoilage and the stores’ ability to continue business during natural disasters. She noted that many convenience store owners were scrambling for generators before the hurricane hit and those without generators fought to save perishable food.

“With natural gas powered generators in place, convenience stores can stay open, maintain an income flow and prevent the loss of their perishable items,” said DeCroce.

“All these facilities that provide vital services to the public – whether they are emergency response buildings, gas stations, grocery stores or nursing homes – should have the backup power necessary to serve the needs of our residents and our economy,” said DeCroce.

“The technology is there to be used; let’s put it to good work before the next major storm hits our region,” added the assemblywoman.

Friday, November 30, 2012

TEMPORARY DISASTER RELIEF EMPLOYMENT

If you are interested in finding temp work while New Jersey rebuilds after Hurricane Sandy, please call 877-682-6238 or e-mail SandyHelp@dol.state.nj.us.

You may also send your resume to FEMA-NJ-localhire-jobs@fema.dhs.gov for additional job opportunities.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

KEY DISASTER RECOVERY CONTACT INFORMATION

1. FEMA: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585

2. Business Assistance Services:
N.J. Business Action Center
http://www.newjerseybusiness.gov/ or 1-866-534-7789
U.S. Small Business Administration
http://www.sba.gov/content/disaster-assistance; 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

3. Disaster Mental Help Hotline – 1-877-4357 or 2-1-1

4. Disaster Unemployment Insurance (now covering all 21 counties)
North Jersey – 201-601-4100
Central Jersey – 732-761-2020
South Jersey – 856-507-2340
Out-of-State – 888-795-6672

5. Volunteer – 1-800-537-7397

6. Donate – N.J. Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund organized by the Governor and Mary Pat Christie
http://www.sandynjrelieffund.org/.

For additional disaster-related contact information, visit the Assembly Republican website at
http://www.njassemblyrepublicans.com/?page_id=6576
or visit the state’s web page,
http://www.nj.gov/ (click on Hurricane Sandy Information Center).

Monday, November 5, 2012

DECROCE OFFERS LEGISLATION REQUIRING BACK UP GENERATORS FOR VITAL FACILITIES SERVING THE PUBLIC

Assemblywoman Drafts NJ Residents Power Protection Act

(Parsippany, NJ) In the wake of Hurricane Sandy’s devastating impact on New Jersey’s power grid, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-26th) is sponsoring  legislation requiring  gas stations, nursing homes and certain other critical facilities to have generator backup power.  
DeCroce said certain facilities which provide critical and unique services that protect public safety and help economic recovery must have secondary sources of power.

“We cannot allow our frail elderly in nursing homes to be at the mercy of high winds and rains that topple trees and power lines,” said DeCroce. “And neither can we tolerate  long lines at a handful of operating gas stations as people try to get fuel to run their home generators or to operate their cars.”

Besides requiring gas stations and nursing homes to have backup generators, DeCroce’s N.J. Residents Power Protection Act  would require public and private assisted living facilities, Class C (dementia patients ) boarding homes and all firehouses and emergency medical facilities to have a full source of backup power.

DeCroce’s legislation would require the backup energy come from natural gas generators  -- where natural gas is available --  or propane stored in above-ground tanks. The generators would be hard wired into the facilities’ electrical systems.

Natural gas and propane are preferable to gasoline powered generators, said DeCroce because the source of energy would be more constant and reliable and would eliminate the hazards posed by gasoline powered generators, which emit harmful fumes and pose a fire risk.  She noted that there were at least two deaths reported from fumes of a gas powered generator  -- two teenage girls in Newark – who kept the generator too close to a window.

DeCroce also said that by hardwiring generators to facilities, there would be less need for extension cords coursing through nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

“Extension cords snaking through nursing homes are an invitation to disaster,” said DeCroce. “The cords pose a hazard to elderly people in wheelchairs or those whose mobility is assisted by walkers and canes.”

DeCroce’s legislation would also require backup power sources for any new construction of grocery stores or convenience stores.
“All these facilities that provide vital services to the public – whether they are emergency response buildings, gas stations, grocery stores or nursing homes – should have the backup power needed to serve the needs of our residents and our economy,” said DeCroce.

“The technology is there to be used; let’s put it to good use before the next major storm hits our region,” added the assemblywoman.

DeCroce said she is seeking bipartisan support for the legislation. “Storm victims are not Republicans or Democrats, they are our friends and neighbors,” she said.


Contact Info:
Tel: 973-265-0057

Thursday, September 20, 2012

DeCROCE: TIME FOR ASSEMBLY TO GET BACK TO THE BUSINESS OF REFORM

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce / 973-265-0057
Assembly Republican Press Office / 609-847-3400


          Now that the Assembly Budget Committee has received its update from the Office of Legislative Services (OLS) on the state’s revenue picture, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, R-Morris, Passaic and Essex, said it is time for the people’s house to take up the people’s business.

            “On Wednesday, we heard an update from OLS that now is not the time to hit the panic button on the state’s financial situation,” said DeCroce. “The Assembly Democrats went out of their way to convince everyone their committee hearing was not about politics. With no earth-shattering revelations from OLS, I hope they recognize that it is time to move forward and begin to tackle the unfinished business which taxpayers deserve."

            DeCroce said she supports the call for the Assembly to take up the issues that have not been addressed, such as a middle class tax cut, closing the loopholes being exploited by municipalities in the property tax cap law, reforming payouts for unused sick days and enacting good government legislation.

            “I hope the chairpersons of the respective committees will put meaningful bills on their agendas that address the important issues,” said DeCroce. “We should be devoting time to debate legislation that drives down the cost of government, returns money to the most overtaxed people in the country and holds government and elected officials accountable for their actions. It is time to have constructive conversations and put aside the transparent political attacks. People expect their elected officials to fix problems, not avoid them.”

Friday, June 29, 2012

GOVERNOR CHRISTIE SIGNS ANGELINI/DeCROCE BILL

Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini / 732-531-1045
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce / 973-884-6190
Assembly Republican Press Office / 609-847-3400


            Governor Christie signed legislation today that would reorganize the departments responsible for women, children and family programs.

            The legislation, A-3101, was sponsored by Assembly Republicans Mary Pat Angelini and BettyLou DeCroce.

            “This reform strengthens the critical social services New Jersey provides without any impact on those who rely on them,” said Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini, R-Monmouth, a member of the Health and Senior Services and Human Services committees. “The Department of Children and Families will be able to better focus its services on individuals by treating the child and family in one place.”

            The Department of Children and Families will be reorganized by transferring the Division on Women from the Department of Community Affairs to the DCF and transferring services for children less than 21-years-old to DCF.

            “This will enhance critical programs for women facing domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault,” Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, R-Morris, Passaic and Essex, a member of the Assembly Women and Children Committee. “This streamlined approach will make these vital programs more efficient and effective.”

Thursday, June 21, 2012

McHOSE/CASAGRANDE/DeCROCE VOTE TO PROTECT WOMEN AND BABIES

Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose / 973-300-0200
Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande / 732-866-1695
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce / 973-884-6190
Assembly Republican Press Office / 609-847-3400


            Assembly Republicans Alison Littell McHose, Caroline Casagrande and BettyLou DeCroce voted to protect women and babies by opposing legislation that would permit legally binding agreements between donor and surrogate parents.

            “This legalizes the sale of the womb,” McHose, R-Sussex, Warren and Morris, said. “It preys upon low-income women who will not be informed of the health risks – both physical and emotional – and disregards the sacred fact that both mother and her baby are human beings, not a commodity.”

            The legislation was approved despite widespread opposition of groups such as New Jersey Right to Life and the National Organization for women.

            “This is a dangerous class warfare that benefits the wealthy at the expense of the health, safety and emotional well-being of low-income women who are desperate for cash, as well as innocent babies,” Casagrande, R-Monmouth, said. “A number of women will put their bodies through the wringer and expose themselves to all sorts of disease because they are poor, need money and some members of this Assembly decided to serve the best interests of those with the most cash.”

            The bill also ignores recommendations of the New Jersey Bioethics Commission that said gestational agreements should never be legal.

            “The bill poses the risk of developing a breeder class of women, particularly for the poor and impoverished who will be exploited by brokers who have a financial self-interest,” DeCroce, R-Morris, Passaic and Essex, said. “The National Organization for Women and Right to Life’s joint opposition is a strong signal that something is horribly wrong with this policy.”

Monday, March 5, 2012

ALEX DeCROCE’S LAW ENHANCING CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce / 973-884-6190
Assemblyman Bob Schroeder / 201-391-3673

Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi / 201-666-0881
Assembly Republican Press Office / 609-847-3400

BILL WOULD STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS FOR CRIME VICTIMS –
WHICH THE LATE REPUBLICAN LEADER ALEX DeCROCE STRONGLY SUPPORTED

            Bipartisan legislation enhancing the rights of crime victims was approved by Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee today. It is named for the former Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce, who championed the rights of crime victims.

            “Alex DeCroce’s Law,” is sponsored by Assembly Republicans BettyLou DeCroce, Bob Schroeder and Holly Schepisi.

            “This bill builds upon the rights of crime victims that Alex and I fought so hard to secure through a public referendum that changed the constitution,” said BettyLou DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic, a former trustee of the New Jersey Crime Victims’ Law Center. “As the court process plays out, crime victims deserve equal, if not preferential treatment from the court system. They deserve to know when hearings will occur, be safe from intimidation and receive fair compensation for their losses.”

            The bipartisan bill, A-2380, would ensure:

  • Victims are notified about the progress of their case, including any changes in the court schedule.
  • Protect them from harassment or abuse by defendants or their supporters.
  • Provide medical assistance that is related to the crime.
  • Guarantee compensation for losses sustained by the victim.
  • Give greater consideration to a victim’s impact statement.
  • Allow victims to display a picture or wear a button in support of a murdered loved one in court.

“Crime victims deserve our empathy and protection as they endure the process of bringing criminals to justice,” Assemblyman Bob Schroeder, R-Bergen and Passaic, said. “They help prevent others from having to suffer the same ordeal they have experienced, and we need to do everything we can to support them. I’m honored to continue to advance the rights of crime victims in the name of Alex DeCroce. ”

            Alex DeCroce sponsored and advocated for the Victims’ Rights Amendment – a landmark amendment to the New Jersey Constitution that guaranteed the rights of crime victims. After voters approved the amendment, crime victims’ rights were constitutionally-protected in 1991.

Alex DeCroce had sponsored legislation strengthening those rights for several sessions and his measure was on the agenda, but not called for a vote, on the last day of the 214th Legislature. The former Assembly Republican leader died in the Statehouse that night after the session ended.

            “Alex DeCroce revolutionized the way crime victims are treated in New Jersey and this legislation will ensure that innocent people are not re-victimized during the legal process,” Schepisi, R-Bergen and Passaic, said. “The fair and compassionate treatment of victims is a pillar of our judicial system.”

Thursday, February 16, 2012

BETTYLOU DeCROCE ASSEMBLY’S NEWEST MEMBER

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, R- Morris, Essex and Passaic, was sworn in today in Trenton as the newest member of the General Assembly. DeCroce succeeds her late husband, former Assemblyman and Minority Leader Alex DeCroce, who passed away unexpectedly on January 9. Assemblywoman DeCroce joins Senator Joe Pennacchio and Assemblyman Jay Webber serving the 26th Legislative District.

Previously, Assemblywoman DeCroce served as a councilwoman in Mine Hill and as the Roxbury Township municipal clerk and deputy township manager. Most recently, she served as deputy commissioner in the state Department of Community Affairs.

“No one can ever fill Alex’s shoes or compare to the contributions he made to the people of New Jersey,” said DeCroce. “I have spent my professional career serving the public, and I am eager to be a part of the effort to make New Jersey a better place to live and work. I am committed to serving the needs of my constituents and intend to be a voice that represents the interests of taxpayers. While this is a bittersweet moment for me, I am sure Alex would be happy that I am able to serve the public as he proudly did for over 20 years.”

Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick, R-Union, Morris and Somerset, welcomed DeCroce to the Assembly, commenting, “Assemblywoman DeCroce has extensive experience in government and leadership, having been a former deputy commissioner and councilwoman. We welcome her to the caucus as she follows in her husband's tradition as an honest and sincere public servant.”

www.NJAssemblyRepublicans.com