Ciattarelli-DeCroce Bill Supporting Voluntary Food Labeling Released By Committee

Assembly Republican Press Release -

A bipartisan resolution sponsored by Assembly Republicans Jack Ciattarelli and BettyLou DeCroce urging Congress to pass a bill allowing food manufacturers to voluntarily label their products as GMO-free was released by the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee today. A product is genetically modified if its contents include more than one percent of materials that are produced or enhanced by genetic engineering or bioengineering.

Ciattarelli and DeCroce’s bill, AR-239, supports passage of the “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015” (H.R. 1599). Under the federal bill, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would create a federal standard for the voluntary labeling of products containing GMO ingredients. It also stipulates that states would not be allowed to require mandatory labeling on products which include GMOs.

“A state-by-state patchwork of labeling requirements is not in the best interest of consumers and more costly to food producers,” said Ciattarelli, R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer and Middlesex. “The FDA should be responsible for developing consistent criteria. Without a uniform standard, added cost will be passed on to the consumer due to manufacturers having to comply with different state regulations. Centralizing GMO labeling is better for the consumer and less complicated for manufacturers.”

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 1599 in July by a vote of 275-150. The bill awaits action in the U.S. Senate.

“The science in food product development is constantly evolving,”’ said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “Consumer safety is best achieved when consistent and transparent guidelines are established and apply uniformly in all states. The FDA is the optimal place that oversees and ensures compliance with food safety standards. Allowing a hodge-podge approach by each state complicates this issue and may result in consumers misunderstanding what they read.”

African American Chamber of Commerce Presents DeCroce with "Women Who Empower" Award

Assembly Republican Press Release -

Assembly Republican BettyLou DeCroce was honored at the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) luncheon Wednesday, Aug. 26. DeCroce was presented with the “Women Who Empower” award during the luncheon, part of the organization’s 2015 Speaker Series.

“I am honored to be recognized by this outstanding organization that does so much great work promoting self-sufficiency, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the best aspects of capitalism in our communities,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “This award symbolizes the economic empowerment of men and women to believe in themselves and achieve personal and business success. Our country was built on that same independent spirit.”

John E. Harmon Sr., President / CEO of the AACCNJ and Regional Vice President of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, said DeCroce, “Has been an outstanding partner who, as a small business owner herself, understands the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and others to be successful in New Jersey. We cannot thank her enough for all she has done through the years to help our organization, first as a Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs and now as a Legislator.”

The AACCNJ is dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities through entrepreneurship and capitalistic activities within the State of New Jersey and via interaction with the National Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

For more information, visit the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey web site at www.AACCNJ.com.

DeCroce Bill to Prevent Gas Shortages During Emergencies Headed to Governor's Desk

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -

The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Assembly Republican BettyLou DeCroce to prevent gas shortages during declared states of emergency. The bill, a response to a lesson learned from Super Storm Sandy, cleared the Assembly in June and is now moves to Gov. Christie’s desk to await action.

“This measure will help make more fuel available to motorists during an emergency by allowing fuel dealers to sell higher grade fuel at the lower grade price,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “Gasoline became scarce in some parts of the state after Super Storm Sandy. People waited for hours in line to buy gas for their vehicles and generators, and many stations ran out. In an emergency, we don’t want people stranded and left in the cold.”

Under current law, fuel must be sold at its posted price which cannot be changed more than once during a 24 hour period. DeCroce’s bill, A-1733, allows a retailer to sell higher grade fuel at a lower price during an energy emergency when the dealer runs out of lower grade fuel.

Assembly Approves DeCroce Bill on Gasoline Availability During Emergencies

Press Release – Super Storm Sandy forced a gasoline supply interruption in New Jersey that inflicted pain on many people’s lives and disrupted business activities for a week. Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex, Passaic, sponsored legislation to help change the way fuel is sold in the state and to make more gasoline available. The General Assembly has acted on one of her bills and is waiting to act on another.

DeCroce’s bill, A-1733, allows a retailer to sell higher grade fuel at a lower price anytime during a declared emergency when the dealer runs out of lower grade fuel. Under current law, fuel must be sold at its posted price which cannot be changed more than once during a 24 hour period.

DeCroce said her legislation will allow consumers to save money. “It’s an important step to ensuring that we don’t have a repeat of the chaos we saw at gas stations during Sandy.”

DeCroce said she hopes the Assembly leadership will consider a companion bill, A-1732, that would remove regulatory barriers to importing gasoline from nearby states during times of natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy. The legislation automatically suspends — during a declared state of emergency — the distributor’s license requirement to import or deliver motor fuel from another state into New Jersey for 10 days or a time period determined by the governor via executive order. Under the bill, non-licensed distributors must document their New Jersey sales and pay all applicable state taxes state residents.

In the aftermath of Sandy in late October 2012 fuel supplies for New Jersey refineries were interrupted, but plenty of gasoline was available from suppliers in nearby states. That gasoline, however, could not be delivered under current law.

“My objective with these two bills is to strip away some the bureaucratic rigidity we have in this state so we can better respond to people’s needs in an emergency,” said DeCroce.

DeCroce said people who waited in long lines to get gasoline in 2012 were incensed when they learned that tanker trucks were waiting at the state border to deliver gasoline, but could not because of state regulations.

“There are some regulations that simply don’t make sense; and rules that hamper gas supplies or make it difficult to sell gasoline that is available during an emergency have to be addressed,” she said.

“I’m glad my colleagues in the Assembly approved A-1733 and now I hope the Assembly leadership will move quickly on A-1732. We are in the midst of hurricane season and I am sure no one wants to live through the fuel disruptions that we did three years ago if we are hit with another major storm,” said DeCroce.

Rumana- DeCroce-Clifton on Port Authority Legislation- Let's Get It Done

Press Release – Assembly Republicans Scott Rumana, BettyLou DeCroce and Rob Clifton, all members of the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee, today issued the joint statement below following testimony by Port Authority Chairman John Degnan on the proposal by Governors Christie and Cuomo to reform the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey:

“Rhetoric won’t reform the Port Authority. The legislation proposed by Governors Christie and Cuomo is a comprehensive and substantive plan that meets our goals for reforming the Port Authority. The Port Authority chairman assured us today that any joint projects already planned won’t be adversely affected by this bill. Let’s work together and get the job done now.”

The New York Legislative website reports that the New York Assembly has heard the companion bill before two of its committees. A vote is possible tomorrow.

DeCroce Named to Vital Education Subcommittee

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -

A member of the Joint Committee on the Public Schools, Assembly Republican BettyLou DeCroce has been designated to serve on the newly formed Subcommittee on Student and Field Services.

“Educating our children is one of state government’s most important roles. I am committed to finding the tools to deliver the best opportunity to every New Jersey student at a cost that is affordable,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “Our energy should be dedicated to finding innovative ways to teach our kids. We must provide pathways to success for our children as they prepare for the future. The challenges facing them are unlike any we have experienced in the past. It is critically important for us to review, enhance and improve our educational systems to help our young minds succeed.”

This subcommittee deals with issues pertaining to special education, after school programs, and career and technical education.

DeCroce Bill Requiring Police at Educational Facilities to Adopt AG Guidelines Signed into Law

Legislation (A-3493) sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce. R, Morris, Passaic and Essex, that requires police departments at higher education institutions to adopt the Attorney General Guidelines on internal affairs policies was signed into law by Gov. Christie on Thursday.

“This legislation extends the same standards that guide law enforcement across the state regarding internal affairs investigations to police and security departments at colleges and universities. All law enforcement officers are obligated to cooperate and assist the attorney general and prosecutors carry out their duties. The new law requires the same standards be implemented at places of higher education and ensures investigators receive the same support.”

DeCroce Bill Preventing Standardized Testing in Grades K to 2 Earns Assembly Approval

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -

The General Assembly today approved legislation sponsored by Assembly Republican BettyLou DeCroce to exempt young school children from standardized testing. The bill, A-3079, prohibits schools from administering standardized assessments from Kindergarten to 2nd Grade.

“Children in the early grades should spend as much class time as possible learning the fundamentals of reading, math and social skills,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “These years are crucial for forming the foundation for future education. Instead of testing them to collect data, we should allow kids to be kids.”

The bill prohibits commercially developed standardized tests, but DeCroce noted that the bill does not ban all testing in grades K to 2. Evaluations can be administered and scored by a teacher or school board.

Panel Approves DeCroce Bill Preventing Standardized Testing in Grades K to 2

Assembly Republican Press Release -

Assembly Republican BettyLou DeCroce sponsors legislation, approved today by the Assembly Education Committee, to exempt young school children from the rigors of standardized testing. The bill, A-3079, prohibits schools from administering standardized assessments from Kindergarten to 2nd Grade.

“The early grades are crucial for forming the foundation of future education,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “Children should spend class time learning the basics of math, reading and social skills.”

The bill prohibits commercially developed standardized tests, but DeCroce noted that the bill does not ban all testing in grades K to 2. Evaluations can be administered and scored by a teacher or school board.

“I think it is important to allow kids to be kids and not data collection tools,” DeCroce continued.

DeCroce Introduces Legislation to Strengthen NJ Manufacturing and Creates Jobs

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -

Assembly Republican BettyLou DeCroce has introduced legislation to strengthen New Jersey’s manufacturing sector and create desperately needed production jobs. DeCroce’s bill, A-4002, designates a state liaison to promote NJ manufacturers and their products nationally and globally.

“We are fortunate to have many successful and innovative manufacturers in our state. We need to do everything possible to promote the high-quality products produced by New Jersey workers,” said DeCroce, R – Morris, Essex and Passaic.

DeCroce stated that manufacturing contributed more than $41 billion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2013, and accounts for 90 percent of New Jersey’s exports.

DeCroce’s legislation, in addition, calls on the Commissioner of Education, in conjunction with the Secretary of Higher Education and the Business Action Center in the Department of State, to compile a list of industry recognized credentials in the manufacturing field to assist in the development of training programs for vocational and technical schools, colleges, and the workforce development system.

“By working together, the public and private sectors can bolster manufacturing growth, creating good jobs for trained and talented New Jersey men and women,” said DeCroce. “With the state’s help, we can increase demand for products made in New Jersey. We have the employers, and we have the talented employees to meet the demand.”

A Thanksgiving Day Message From Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce

Assembly Republican Press Release -

“Thanksgiving Day is the most truly American holiday of the year. It is a holiday requires of us nothing more than to be thankful for what we have and to share our blessings with our friends and families.

“Simply by virtue of being Americans, we have a lot to be thankful for. We can be thankful for the bounty that this great country offers us and appreciative of how truly blessed this nation is. We can be thankful for the opportunities that America provides and thankful that, compared to much of the world, we live in peace and safety.

“This holiday season, let’s all strive to open our hearts to those less fortunate than ourselves and do what we can to lessen their burden. There are many people right in our own towns who are struggling to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. These people deserve our support. And what better way to say thank you to God for all that we have, than to help those in need?

“I hope you enjoy the Thanksgiving Day to its fullest — open your hearts and your homes to your family and friends, and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

Webber, DeCroce Named Outstanding Legislators By The NJ Society For Environmental Economic Development

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -

Assembly Republicans Jay Webber and BettyLou DeCroce today were hailed as Outstanding Legislators by one of the state’s premier economic and environmental advocacy organizations. Webber and DeCroce were presented with the Arthur T. Young Award from the New Jersey Society for Environmental Economic Development (NJ SEED) during its 2014 Economic Summit in Atlantic City.

NJ SEED is dedicated to the creation of private sector jobs to bolster the economy and enhance the environment. Membership includes the business and labor communities.

“Economic growth and environmental protection are compatible policy goals that can and should be pursued together,” said Webber, R — Morris, Essex and Passaic. “NJ SEED recognizes that, and I appreciate its special recognition.”

“I am proud and honored to be acknowledged for promoting reasonable and responsible policies that provide private-sector jobs and economic growth,” said DeCroce, R — Morris, Essex and Passaic. “With the proper balance, we can augment our state’s environmental vulnerabilities and fuel a flourishing economy for New Jersey families.”

DeCroce Calls For Non-Tolerance of Domestic Violence At All Levels of Sports

Assembly Republican Press Release -

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce introduced a resolution (AR-179) today urging all professional sports teams and leagues to adopt a consistent, zero-tolerance policy across all the leagues regarding domestic violence. Reports of multiple incidents of domestic violence in the National Football League over the last several months have brought this issue to the forefront of national discussion.

“Domestic violence is not confined to one sport or league,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “Any policy adopted should include a structure of fines for violating this rule in addition to any legal ramifications.

“The resolution urges that funds collected from these violations be distributed to victims’ rights organizations,” continued DeCroce. “We cannot avoid dealing with an issue that not only impacts women, but children as well. Athletes are role models. Those who engage in vicious and dangerous attacks must be held accountable.”

More than 40 million women in the United States have experienced some form of domestic violence in their lifetime. New Jersey law enforcement reports over 70,300 offenses were committed in 2011. Sports leagues that implement a no-tolerance policy regarding domestic violence send a clear and powerful message there is no place for this behavior in their profession.

DeCroce Says She Cannot Support Amendment Using Corporate Business Tax For Open Space Purchases; Lawmaker Says Highland Owners Deserve Compensation From State

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce said she cannot support an amendment to the New Jersey Constitution that would allocate state business tax funds to pay for open space and recreation because the legislation is ill-defined, redundant and fails to reimburse property owners in the Highlands region for the loss of their property values.

DeCroce (R-Morris, Essex Passaic) says the legislation behind the amendment dedicating 4 percent of the corporate business tax to an open space fund, saddles corporations with an ongoing tax to fund, not only open space acquisition, but environmental cleanup and a host of other obligations that have nothing to do with business incentives or job creation.

“It is not the responsibility of business to pay a tax that will finance historic preservation, open space purchases and environmental remediation in perpetuity ” said DeCroce, noting that the CBT dedicated to open space and allied programs will increase to 6 percent in 2019 under the proposed amendment approved by the legislature this month. For the amendment to become law voters must approve a referendum that will appear on the November ballot.

“When state legislative leaders wonder how come New Jersey has such a poor business reputation it is precisely because of legislation such as this which stifles business investment in our state,” added DeCroce, a small business owner.

With a corporate tax rate of 9 percent on most corporations, New Jersey has the fourth highest corporate tax in the nation.

DeCroce said while she supports open space preservation, the state already taxes property owners on local and county levels for open space purchases .She said hundreds of millions of dollars are taken from taxpayers under the name of open space preservation only to find the funds being used for a variety of purposes that have nothing to do with buying undeveloped land.

“Paying for the construction of tennis courts and artificial turf football fields is not how most people imagine their open space tax money being used,” said DeCroce. “And with this new amendment, the public is again being fooled into thinking that the corporate tax will be used primarily for open space preservation, when in fact, that is not the case.”

PROPERTY CONFISCATION

The assemblywoman said she is particularly disturbed that in the decade since the Highlands Act became law –and more than 1,343 square miles of the state were put under severe development restrictions — there has been no action from Trenton to reimburse property owners for the devaluation of their property. The act has severely crippled the economy of many rural communities such as West Milford.

“The Highlands Act spawned the largest taking of private property rights in the state’s history without fair compensation for land owners,” said DeCroce, whose district includes several Highlands Communities.

“If the state deems it good public policy to preserve vast areas of open space by enacting extremely strict development prohibitions that make people’s land practically worthless, then it has an obligation to pay the owners for the land,” said DeCroce.

“I encourage voters to vote against the misleading and unnecessary referendum that will be placed before them on the November ballot, said DeCroce.

DeCroce Bill Extending Permit Extension Moratorium Date Helps State's Economic Development

Assembly Republican Press Release -

Legislation sponsored by Assembly Republican BettyLou DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic, that re-instates 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 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. Unlike some recent legislative proposals that will hurt job growth in New Jersey, this bill will help build it.

“Many jobs are created both directly and indirectly due to the construction industry, such as suppliers, retailers, financial institutions and real estate,” stated DeCroce. “I would like to thank my colleagues Assemblymen Bramnick, Burzichelli, Singleton and Wimberly, and Assemblywoman Lampitt for working in a bipartisan manner on this legislation.”

The legislation, A-1907, 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.

DeCroce Calls Senate Democrat Budget Plan A Job Killer

Source: Assembly Republican Press Conference -

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-Morris, Essex Passaic) said the Senate Democrats’ budget proposal that increase taxes and cuts business incentives by $1.6 billion is a “job killer” that will send more people to the unemployment line and keep them there.

DeCroce, a member of the Commerce and Economic Development committee, decried the Senate Democrats plan for failing to include any spending cuts and again call for raising taxes on hard working, productive citizens in the state.

“This is the same old tired song we hear repeatedly at budget time,” said DeCroce. “Raising taxes is the typical response to too many in Trenton and discourages the people working the hardest to create jobs and make business investment in New Jersey.”

DeCroce said adding a 15 percent corporate business tax surcharge and suspending $175 million from the Economic Development Authority’s Business Employment Incentive Program will merely add to New Jersey’s reputation as a bad place to do business.

The Assemblywoman, a small business owner, said the last thing struggling business owners need is yet another tax on their earnings.

“I encourage my Democratic colleagues to look at the national data that continually ranks New Jersey near the bottom as the place to do business in the United States,” said DeCroce. “The state already has a bad business reputation that is responsible for high unemployment. The Senate Democrat plan will guarantee just one thing – fewer jobs.”

Forbes ranked New Jersey 48th in business costs and 38 in regulatory environment in 2013. And CNBC ranked the state 42nd in the cost of doing business and 41st in business friendliness.

“Does anyone think that adding a $1.6 billion burden on people who run businesses and guide corporate investment in New Jersey is going to encourage the creation of more jobs?” asked DeCroce.

The assemblywoman said any serious discussion on the state’s budget has to begin with cutting unnecessary spending.

“Any serious discussion of the state’s budget has to begin with cutting unnecessary spending. Any budget solution that begins with raising taxes ignores our real problems and puts jobs in danger,” said DeCroce.

DeCroce Intros Bill Giving Government Opportunity to Fundraise For Beneficial Community Projects

Assembly Republican Press Release -

‘Crowdfunding’ a different approach for public projects

Government entities in New Jersey may soon have a new mechanism at their disposal to raise private funds for projects that benefit the public thanks to legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic.

“Crowdfunding” allows all governments entities, including the state, counties, municipalities, school boards and authorities to raise money via the internet or other direct solicitation vehicles for a variety of projects that governments are constrained from funding.

“These are tough economic times for many towns and school boards,” said DeCroce. “Crowdfunding offers an alternative to direct taxation to fund improvement projects that governments are unable to fund, but people want. I believe it can be a useful tool to help governments, civic groups and investors work together to make improvements that benefit the entire community without raising property taxes.”

DeCroce explained the need for the legislation, saying that there are many worthwhile projects in communities each year that do not get funded because of budget constraints or lack of community-wide support for a public expenditure. She cited projects such as bike paths, artificial turf and dog parks that crowdfunding could be used for.

“Each of these amenities has a constituency, but may not have the full support of the public if the funding had to go to a referendum,” explained DeCroce. “This measure gives governments and citizens an alternative funding method that doesn’t dip into taxpayers’ pockets.”

Crowdfunding is in use in several states and cities in the U.S., including Kansas City, Mo., which raised just under $420,000 to provide 90 shareable bikes at 12 sharing stations in the city’s downtown area. Another crowdfunding venture in the Boston area gave students iPads, Bluetooth headsets, and the training to use them.

In Portland, Oregon, the city is working on using crowdfunding to finance a world class bicycling park that will also be used for runners, picnickers, and others. The city does not have the money to develop the project, so the state Department of Transportation transferred a piece of vacant property to the city’s Parks & Recreation Bureau. A governor-appointed body, called Oregon Solutions, is using a crowdfunding website to obtain the initial capital. Although the finished project will cost millions, the campaign’s initial goal was to raise $100,000 to hire trail designers and landscape engineers to draft plans to eventually qualify for government and private grants, as well as obtain construction permits.

Cities in Europe are also turning to crowdfunding to supplement government financing. It is usually done with the assistance of a company that specializes in internet-based fundraising.

DeCroce’s legislation (A-3378) outlines the process governments must follow in New Jersey before starting a crowdfunding venture, including setting a specific fundraising target and implementing a time limit on the fundraising activity. Entities using crowdfunding for the first time must initiate a pilot project and, if successful, may take on multiple crowdfunding projects in the future.

Crowdfunding, according to DeCroce’s legislation, may be donor-based or investor- based. A donor-based effort shall specify that if the target funding amount is not reached, the funds will be allocated to the government entity in charge of the project for funding of another project.

In the case of investor-based crowdfunding initiatives, the money must be returned to the investors if the target goal is not reached.

DeCroce Bill Extending Permit Extension Moratorium Date Approved By Committee

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assembly Republican BettyLou DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic, that re-instates the moratorium on the imposition of fees on non-residential construction projects through December 31, 2014, was approved by the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee today. The moratorium had expired on July 1, 2013.

“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. The recent report that small business loan activity has increased 12 percent over the last six months in the state is certainly good news as this business segment accounts for the majority of our economic activity. Construction is an important first step in growing our economy.”

The legislation, A-1907, 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 Assembly unanimously approved the identical bill last December (A-4457), but it received no action in the Senate.

“Many jobs are created both directly and indirectly due to the building industry, such as suppliers, retailers, financial institutions and real estate,” stated DeCroce. “I would like to thank my colleagues Assemblymen Bramnick, Burzichelli, Singleton and Wimberly, and Assemblywoman Lampitt for working in a bipartisan manner on this legislation.”

Gov. Christie Signs DeCroce and Casagrande's 'Autumn Joy Stillbirth Research Act'

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -

The “Autumn Joy Stillbirth Research and Dignity Act,” sponsored by Assemblywomen BettyLou DeCroce and Caroline Casagrande, has been signed into law by Gov. Christie.

“With the guidelines that will be established, we will provide effective tools to help medical professionals and staff provide sensitive and compassionate care following the loss of a child in stillbirth,” said DeCroce, R-Essex, Morris and Passaic. “Families grieving and struggling after a stillborn loss are especially vulnerable, and skilled care is crucial.”

The new law calls on the Department of Health to create a database for stillbirth research and to develop protocols for stillbirths and to create a database for stillbirth research. It requires the development of policies to ensure that families experiencing a stillbirth receive psychological and emotional support.

“An entire family is impacted by the stillbirth loss of a child,” says Casagrande, R-Monmouth. “This new law will better prepare medical workers to care for, and comfort, mothers and fathers struggling with the emotional and psychological trauma of that loss. In addition, establishing a comprehensive research database could ultimately provide clues for the prevention of stillbirths in the future.”

DeCroce and Casagrande’s bill 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.

DeCroce and Casagrande's 'Autumn Joy Stillbirth Research Act' Approved by Assembly

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -

The General Assembly today approved the “Autumn Joy Stillbirth Research and Dignity Act,” sponsored by Assemblywomen BettyLou DeCroce and Caroline Casagrande.

Assembly bill 4280 calls on the Department of Health to create a database for stillbirth research and to develop protocols for stillbirths and to create a database for stillbirth research.

“By establishing guidelines, we are providing medical professionals and staff with tools to ensure grief-stricken families receive sensitive and compassionate care following the loss of a child in stillbirth,” said DeCroce, R-Essex, Morris and Passaic. “For a family coping with a horrific loss, appropriate and skilled care is crucial.”

DeCroce and Casagrande’s bill is named in honor of Autumn Joy Vijayvergiya, a baby who was stillborn in New Jersey in 2011. It requires the development of policies to ensure that families experiencing a stillbirth receive psychological and emotional support.

“A stillbirth is an emotionally devastating event for the mother, father and the entire family. Our bill will better prepare medical care-givers to provide sensitive, proficient treatment for the emotional, and psychological trauma of the loss,” said Casagrande, R-Monmouth.

Approximately one in every 160 pregnancies in the U.S. ends in stillbirth, or 26,000 each year.

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.

The “Autumn Joy Stillbirth Research and Dignity Act” now moves to the Governor. Companion bill S-2843 passed the Senate, 39-0-1.