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.”