Tuesday, November 19, 2013

DeCroce Introduces NJ Pediatric Cancer Research Fund Bill

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release
Legislation establishing the “New Jersey Pediatric Cancer Research Fund,” which allows taxpayers to make a voluntary contribution on their income tax return, was introduced by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce today. Funds collected will support cancer research projects approved by the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research.
“One of a parent’s most traumatic experiences is learning their child has cancer,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “The causes of pediatric cancer still perplex the medical community, but we know the heartache it causes. Medical breakthroughs to treat this disease start with research.”
CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, a national non-profit organization dedicated to funding children’s cancer research, has noted that for the past 25 years there have only been two new drugs developed specifically for children’s cancer.
“As we have seen when catastrophe strikes, New Jersey’s citizens are most generous and compassionate,” explained DeCroce. “Through a voluntary check-off on a tax return, we can focus funding that is committed to researching causes and treatments for an affliction that affects children and brings anxiety and pain to their loved ones.”
DeCroce’s bill, A-4491, is in honor of a West Milford youth, Aaron Newton, who is a survivor of neurablastoma cancer. Aaron and his parents are advocates for increasing awareness regarding childhood cancer.
More children lose their battle to cancer than asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and pediatric AIDS combined. On average, one out of four elementary schools has a child with cancer. The average high school has two students who are a current or former cancer patient.

Friday, November 15, 2013

DeCroce Named Taxpayer Advocate

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce was recently named as a Taxpayer Advocate by The New Jersey Taxpayers Alliance (NJTA).
The Taxpayer Advocates designation is based on a legislator’s votes on bills key to New Jersey’s individual and corporate taxpayers. The Alliance is honoring the legislators after an analysis of voting records on bills deemed crucial to the taxpayer community during the 216th Legislature.
DeCroce (R- Essex, Morris, Passaic ) said she was extremely pleased to be recognized as a taxpayer advocate and a fighter for lower cost government.
“As a businesswoman and homeowner I know the burden that state and local taxes heap on businesses and families. I am committed to finding ways to cut the cost of government and still provide quality services that people need,” said DeCroce.
The Assemblywoman  scored 100 percent on the NJTPA score card, reflecting her votes to cut the cost of government.
DeCroce said that while the state is making progress on cutting government costs, there is much more to do, but it can only be done if the majority party in the legislature is willing to act.
“Further meaningful tax cuts are only possible if we have a true bipartisan effort to review the many programs, taxes, and fees that increase the overall government tax burden on families and businesses,” said DeCroce.
“Gov. Christie has showed how the state can begin cutting costs without impacting services or quality of life. It’s up to us in the legislature to move the ball down the field,” said DeCroce. “I’m looking forward to working to make New Jersey a more affordable place to live and work.”
The NJTA noted that New Jerseyans continue to shoulder the nation’s heaviest state-local tax burden, second only to New York, according to the Tax Foundation.