Friday, December 20, 2013

DeCroce Full-Day Kindergarten Bill Wins Assembly Approval

A bill creating a task force to study the feasibility of full-day kindergarten programs throughout the state, was approved by the General Assemly at the State House in Trenton Thursday.
The bill, sponsored by District 26 Asw. BettyLou DeCroce, now moves to Gov. Chris Christie for his signature.
“Effective early childhood education can provide a rock-solid foundation for later academic and career success,” said DeCroce, a Republican who represents parts of Essex, Morris and Passaic counties. “Efficient and productive full-day kindergarten programs can be critical in launching our students to higher achievement, making them competitive with high-performing students from
around the world and making New Jersey more competitive in the global marketplace.”
The bill, A-3972, establishes a 21-member task force to study and evaluate issues related to implementing full-time kindergarten in the Garden State. The lawmaker said the task force will review existing research; implementation issues, including staffing needs and facility space availability; funding concerns; and curriculum comparisons between full- and half-day programs.
“A five-year-old in a dynamic all-day session benefits from social interaction and skill-building, but the most important dividends are educational,” said DeCroce. “It is a springboard to sufficient learning. A longer school day and a more ambitious curriculum can enable kindergartners with exposure to core verbal and reading principals, and develop a solid foundation in mathematics.”
The bill was approved by the General Assembly last June, but was amended and advanced from the Senate in November. The amended version that won passage Thursday boosts the panel’s size to 21 members, including one member appointed by the Assembly’s minority leader, one appointed by the Senate’s minority leader and a third member appointed by Gov. Christie upon the recommendation of the Garden State Coalition of Schools.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

DeCroce Bill Extending Permit Extension Moratorium Date Approved By Assembly

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assembly Republican BettyLou DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic, that extends the moratorium on the imposition of fees on non-residential construction projects through December 31, 2014 was approved by the General Assembly today. The moratorium had expired on July 1, 2013.
The legislation, A-4457, which was released from the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Dec. 12, provides that municipalities are required to return any monies paid by a developer during the time period between July1, 2013 through the effective date of the bill. Municipalities that have already spent such fees on affordable housing projects would not be required to provide a refund.
“The building industry is one of New Jersey’s key economic drivers as it creates jobs and facilitates commerce,” said DeCroce. “Extending the moratorium will save builders from re-applying for approvals previously obtained which only drives up the costs of a project. Many jobs are created both directly and indirectly due to the building industry, such as suppliers, retailers, financial institutions and real estate.
“Extending the expiration date will save permit holders millions of dollars that can be used to create good-paying jobs,” explained DeCroce. “I would like to thank my colleagues Assemblymen Burzichelli, Bramnick and Singleton and Assemblywoman Lampitt for working in a bipartisan manner on this legislation.”

DeCroce Bill to Explore Establishment of Statewide Full-Day Kindergarten on way to Gov. Christie's Desk

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -
A bill creating a task force to study the feasibility of full-day kindergarten programs throughout the state, sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, was approved by the General Assembly today.
“Effective early childhood education can provide a rock-solid foundation for later academic and career success,” said DeCroce, R-Essex, Morris and Passaic. “Efficient and productive full-day kindergarten programs can be critical in launching our students to higher achievement, making them competitive with high-performing students from around the world, and making New Jersey more competitive in the global marketplace.”
The bill, A-3972, establishes a 21-member task force to study and evaluate issues related to implementing full-time kindergarten sessions. The task force will review existing research concerning full-day kindergarten; implementation issues, including staffing needs and facility space availability; funding concerns; and curriculum comparisons between full-day and half-day programs.
“A 5-year-old in a dynamic all-day session benefits from social interaction and skill-building, but the most important dividends are educational,” said DeCroce. “It is a springboard to sufficient learning. A longer school day and a more ambitious curriculum can enable kindergartners with exposure to core verbal and reading principals, and develop a solid foundation in mathematics.”
The bill was approved by the General Assembly in June, and was amended and advanced from the Senate in November. The amended version approved today increases the size of the Task Force to 21 members, adding one member one member appointed by the Assembly Minority Leader, one member appointed by the Senate Minority Leader, and one member appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Garden State Coalition of Schools.

DeCroce Bill An Effort to Spur Job Growth in New Jersey

Source: The Star-Ledger -
Land developers in New Jersey would get a financial break at the expense of affordable housing funds under a bill scheduled for a vote in the state Assembly on Thursday.
The bill would freeze a 2.5 percent fee that developers pay for building shopping malls or industrial projects in New Jersey — anything but housing.
Usually the proceeds go to state or municipal affordable housing trust funds, but lawmakers have given developers a break from the 2.5 percent fee throughout most of the last five years in an effort to spur economic activity.
The fee waiver would cover projects from July 1, 2013, to the end of 2014. Towns that already spent the proceeds on affordable housing units would not be required to give refunds.
Mayors across the state have quarreled for years with the state agency in charge of overseeing the affordable housing program, and construction has largely ground to a halt over the last decade amid court battles.
Waiving the developer fee for another year could spur job creation if it brings new shops or businesses, Burzichelli said. The bill (A4457) is sponsored by South Jersey Democrats and Minority Leader Jon Bramnick (R-Union).
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-Morris), another sponsor, said in a statement that “the building industry is one of New Jersey’s key economic drivers as it creates jobs and facilitates commerce.”
“Many jobs are created both directly and indirectly due to the building industry, such as suppliers, retailers, financial institutions and real estate,” DeCroce said.
Housing advocates oppose the bill, saying “there is no compelling evidence” that freezing the fee in previous years led more businesses to New Jersey and that, if the bill passes, towns may have to raise property taxes to meet their constitutional obligation to provide affordable homes.
“Developers locate in New Jersey because it a good place for their business,” Arnold Cohen, senior policy coordinator of the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, wrote to legislators in a recent letter asking them to oppose the bill.
“The fee is a small price of the cost of doing business here. It is an investment in our state’s residents and its future.”
The state Supreme Court ruled in September that after years of delays in New Jersey’s program to build affordable homes, state officials had to get back to work. The court gave Gov. Chris Christie and state officials until Feb. 26 to write new regulations for the program, but the administration already is being sued by housing advocates for failing to meet the first deadlines.
“A remedy must be put in place to eliminate the limbo in which municipalities, New Jersey citizens, developers, and affordable housing interest groups have lived for too long,” Justice Jaynee LaVecchia wrote for the court in September.
State Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth) has introduced a companion bill in the upper house, but no action has been taken there yet.
A representative from the state League of Municipalities said it has no position on the bill.

DeCroce, Cablevision Visit, Honor Parsippany Students

Source: Parisppany Patch -
Assemblywoman Betty Lou DeCroce and Cablevision Power to Learn recognized students at All Saints Academy for their participation in Power to Learn’s Internet Smarts program on Dec. 3.
The program provides students with curriculum and tools designed to teach safe and appropriate Internet use, according to a press release.
“Interacting with others via social media is the norm for young people today and regrettably cyberbullying has become all too common, with many young people not fully understanding the repercussions from such behavior,” said DeCroce. “In this regard, it’s important that we provide students with the latest information regarding responsible Internet use. I applaud Cablevision for its Internet Smarts program that does just that.”
Principal Judith Berg gave welcoming remarks and Cablevision emcee Lou Brogno discussed the Internet Smarts program and introduced Assemblywoman DeCroce who spoke to students about the dangers of cyberbullying.
“One of the goals of Power to Learn is to provide schools like All Saints Academy with cutting-edge technology and interactive educational programs that engage young minds,” said Cablevision Vice President of Public Affairs Jennifer Ostrager. “We are committed to partnering with teachers, students and parents to ensure that, though Internet Smarts, students can navigate and use the Internet and digital technology safely and appropriately.”
Technology Teacher Joel Castillo discussed the students’ use of Internet Smarts and introduced the presenting 6th grade students who presented the topic of cyberbullying through two skits. They prepared the skits using Power to Learn’s online curriculum.
Assemblywoman DeCroce wrapped up the event with a Q&A with students and signed a large “Internet Smarts” certificate for the school; student presenters also signed a large “Internet Smarts” pledge.
According to the release, Power to Learn, Cablevision’s nationally recognized education initiative, is dedicated to integrating technology into education. Through its “Triple Play for Education” technology offer, Cablevision provides its full suite of Optimum video, high-speed Internet and digital voice-over-cable services to schools for educational use. These services are available free of charge to K-12 schools across the company’s service area in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut. In addition to providing the technology, Power to Learn also provides innovative educational curricula and tools designed to make technology useful to teachers, students and parents. More information and content is available at www.powertolearn.com.

Monday, December 16, 2013

DeCroce and Casagrande's 'Autumn Joy Stillbirth Research Act' Advances in Assembly

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -
The “Autumn Joy Stillbirth Research and Dignity Act,” sponsored by Assemblywomen BettyLou DeCroce and Caroline Casagrande, today was voted out of the Assembly Women and Children Committee.
The bill, A-4280, requires the Department of Health to establish protocols for stillbirths and to create a database for stillbirth research.
“The loss of a child in stillbirth is a horrific event, plunging the mother and the entire family into the depths of unthinkable grief,” said DeCroce, R-Essex, Morris and Passaic. “This legislation will provide our medical practitioners and staff additional tools to ensure grieving families are handled sensitively and compassionately,” DeCroce said.
DeCroce and Casagrande’s bill requires the development of policies to ensure that families experiencing a stillbirth receive psychological and emotional support.
The Act is named in honor of Autumn Joy Vijayvergiya, a baby who was stillborn in New Jersey in 2011. Approximately one in every 160 pregnancies in the U.S. ends in stillbirth, or 26,000 each year.“It is an emotional, psychological and physical trauma, leaving mother and family feeling devastated and alone.” said Casagrande, R-Monmouth. “Following the life-changing tragedy of a stillbirth, it is imperative a mother and the entire family receive sensitive and beneficial treatment from hospitals and doctors. The protocols established by our legislation will better prepare medical professionals for this critical role.”
By directing the Department of Health to establish a database to serve as a comprehensive resource for stillbirth research, the bill could ultimately provide valuable information for the prevention of stillbirths.
Companion bill, S-2843, passed the Senate, 39-0-1.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Bill to Reinstate Nonresidential Construction Fee Moratorium Advances

Source: NJBIZ -
A bipartisan-supported bill that would reinstate a moratorium on nonresidential construction project fees was unanimously advanced by the Assembly Appropriations Committee Thursday.
The original moratorium on the fees, which are designated to fund affordable housing projects, had expired in July. The new bill would extend it through the end of 2014.
Under the bill, municipalities which collected the affordable housing fees after the moratorium’s expiration must return them to developers. However, municipalities that have already been spent the money from the fees on affordable housing projects will not be required to refund the developers.
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-Parsippany), a bill sponsor, said that the bill helps promote the building industry, which she called one of the state’s “key economic drivers.”
“Extending the moratorium will save builders from reapplying for approvals previously obtained which only drives up the costs of a project,” DeCroce said in a release. “Many jobs are created both directly and indirectly due to the building industry, such as suppliers, financial institutions and real estate.”
Michael Egenton, senior vice president of government relations for the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, said he saw the matter as an issue of competitiveness. With the passage of the Economic Opportunity Act and its slew of incentives, to not extend the moratorium would “almost kind of neutralize” and contradict everything the state is working for in terms of development.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

DeCroce Bill Extending Permit Extension Moratorium Date Released By Comittee

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assembly Republican BettyLou DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic, that extends the moratorium on the imposition of fees on non-residential construction projects through December 31, 2014 was approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee today. The moratorium had expired on July 1, 2013.
The legislation, A-4457, provides that municipalities are required to return any monies paid by a developer during the time period between July1, 2013 through the effective date of the bill. Municipalities that have already spent such fees on affordable housing projects would not be required to provide a refund.
“Extending the expiration date will save permit holders millions of dollars that can be used to create good-paying jobs,” explained DeCroce. “I would like to thank my colleagues Assemblymen Burzichelli, Bramnick and Singleton and Assemblywoman Lampitt for working in a bipartisan manner on this legislation.”“The building industry is one of New Jersey’s key economic drivers as it creates jobs and facilitates commerce,” said DeCroce. “Extending the moratorium will save builders from re-applying for approvals previously obtained which only drives up the costs of a project. Many jobs are created both directly and indirectly due to the building industry, such as suppliers, retailers, financial institutions and real estate.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

DeCroce Lauded for Bringing State-Level Support to West Milford's Cancer Cause

Source: Suburban Trends -
The governing body’s request to have pediatric cancer research donations collected through the state’s income-tax returns has received some influential support.
“The incidence of pediatric cancer is ever increasing, and its impact on society and the families of those affected, devastating. Yet surprisingly little progress is being made toward uncovering the causes of childhood cancer and finding new and targeted therapies,” Bill 4491 states.On Nov. 25, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) introduced state Assembly Bill 4491. Mirroring a resolution adopted by the West Milford Township Council in September, the bill calls for the establishment of a New Jersey Pediatric Cancer Research Fund to collect funds for childhood cancer research via the state’s NJ-1040 income-tax return form.
“Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15 in the United States, and every year, approximately 13,500 children and adolescents under age 20 are diagnosed with cancer. More children lose their battle with cancer each year than to AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and diabetes combined,” it continues.
“Currently, less than 5 percent of federal funding for cancer research is dedicated specifically to understanding and seeking cures for pediatric cancer, and only two drugs specifically targeting childhood cancer have been approved in the past 20 years,” it says.
During a recent town council meeting, West Milford Mayor Bettina Bieri recognized DeCroce for taking up the cause.
“I’d like to thank Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce for supporting our resolution,” Bieri said.
It was Sept. 18 when the council adopted Township Resolution 2013-275, which sought support for adding the option to make a voluntary contributions to pediatric cancer research on the annual tax form filled out by millions of residents. Other specific, cancer-related causes – including lung, breast, and prostate cancer research funds – are options. The money collected is given to the State of New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research, which disperses the funds.
The cause was one the whole governing body collectively rallied around late this summer. It went on to promote September as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month like never before, with the help of 4-year-old Aaron Newton and his mother Kerrie.
Bill 4491 states that it was drafted in honor of Aaron Newton, a local resident and cancer survivor who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at less than 2 years of age. The bill lists Aaron Newton’s parents, Kerrie and Scott, as the inspiration for the local campaign to advocate for awareness surrounding childhood cancer.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

DeCroce Visits School to Speak and Learn About Cyberbullying

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce returned to school on Tuesday to listen and learn about the issue of cyberbullying. DeCroce visited the All Saints Academy in Parsippany to speak with sixth graders about the Power to Learn program which is an education initiative sponsored by Cablevision. The program provides advice and information to parents, teachers and students about the dangers of cyberbullying.
“I was impressed with the students’ knowledge and I know everyone who participated came away with a better understanding of this potentially dangerous and harmful issue,” explained DeCroce. “The Power to Learn program is a comprehensive and common sense approach on avoiding and dealing with cyber-harassment. This kind of intimidation extends beyond the classroom and making students aware of the ways to deal with cyberbullying is a positive step that benefits everyone.“In today’s society, the level of sophistication on using the internet and mass media communications does not require a college degree,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “In order to protect students from the dangers of cyberbullying, we need to reach them at an early age. Listening is an important part of learning, and that is exactly what everyone discovered.
“The most important component of dealing with this problem is communication,” explained DeCroce. “Students need to know how important it is to tell their parents or speak to a teacher when they are confronted with this kind of bullying. They are not alone and help is available.”
Part of the Power to Learn program includes tips for students and parents on dealing with cyberbullying, such as:
•Don’t share your login and password – even with friends.
•Think before you post. You can’t control what others do with your information.
•Be careful about loaning your cell phone or laptop to friends.
•Don’t respond to cyberbullying – report it to an adult.
•Keep the evidence of texts and emails as a record.
•Signs that a child is a victim of cyberbullying are: changes in mood, sleep habits and being less social with friends.
•Block the person who is sending the unwanted messages.