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.

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.

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.

DeCroce, O'Toole Applaud Governor's Energy Resiliance Initiative; Urge Legislation Leaders To Approve Power Protection Act

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce and Senator Kevin O’Toole today applauded Governor Christie’s administration for allocating $25 million to pursue creative and cost-effective alternatives to enhance statewide energy resilience – including the purchase of generators. The funds are being allocated from the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

“I applaud the Governor for taking a strong leadership position on the vitally important issue of backup power when some leaders in the legislature are not,” said DeCroce.
DeCroce (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) is the sponsor of the N.J. Residents Power Protection Act (A-3495), which seeks to address the power outage problems following Superstorm Sandy that hit New Jersey late last October.

Senator O’Toole (R-Bergen, Essex, Morris,Passaic) is the sponsor of companion legislation in the senate. He noted that the Christie Administration energy resilience plan includes a $7 million grant program that will allow targeted retail fuel stations, on and near evacuation routes, faster and more reliable access to backup power during an energy emergency.

The state will make funding available to more than 250 fuel stations located along key thoroughfares identified by state homeland security and emergency management personnel. Eligible station owners will use the funds to purchase generators or permanent connection points for mobile generators, also known as “quick connects.”

“The Governor should be congratulated for recognizing thatNew Jerseystill has serious gaps in its energy security network and that he is allocating federal funds as an innovative solution while the legislature continues to deliberate on this important issue,” said O’Toole.

DeCroce’s legislation would require all 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.

While DeCroce’s legislation has been stalled by state legislative leaders, she says she is encouraged by Governor Christie’s leadership on backup power issue and hopes it will spur the legislature to act. The governor’s emergency energy program is targeted at critical facilities, including police and fire stations, shelters, emergency operations centers, and wastewater treatment plants in 146 municipalities, counties and other government units.

“While the governor’s program serves the needs of 146 municipalities, counties, and other government entities; we need a mandatory statewide backup program that serves the residents in all 565 municipalities,” said DeCroce.

“It’s nearly a year sinceSandyslammedNew Jersey, and the State Legislature has not done enough in my opinion to avoid a repeat of the horrific conditions residents had to endure in the aftermath of that storm,” said DeCroce.

DeCroce said the images of long lines of people trying to get gasoline for cars and generators at the few gas stations that were open; and the disruption to commerce and the threats to the lives of our elderly brought by the loss of power are still firmly etched in her mind.

“The conditions for many people, especially our most vulnerable citizens were barbaric and must never be repeated,” added the Assemblywoman. “I hope the Assembly Speaker and Senate President will take a cue from Governor Christie on the matter of energy security and will post the kind of legislation needed to protect all the residents of this state.”

DeCroce Named 'Champion' For Work On Health Care For Women And Babies

Source: Montville Patch-

District 26 Asw. BettyLou DeCroce received the New Jersey Primary Care Association’s “Community Health Center Champion Award” for 2013 at a special ceremony Friday at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Atlantic City. The association said DeCroce was recognized for her commitment to improving outcomes in high-risk pregnancies throughout the Garden State.

“I am sincerely humbled by this recognition and would like to thank the NJPCA for this honor,” said the lawmaker, who represents citizens of Morris, Essex and Passaic counties. “In New Jersey, we are fortunate to have access to some of the best medical care in the country. That being said, there’s no excuse for not making sure we provide high-risk, expectant mothers and their babies with the best possible care and outcomes.”

DeCroce sponsored Assembly Bill A-4056, which she said would improve outcomes in high-risk pregnancies and improve the health of low-income mothers and their newborns with more thorough testing and pre-natal care.

“After listening to powerful testimony about the high rate of miscarriages in our state during an Assembly Women and Children Committee meeting last fall, I introduced a bill requiring more proactive monitoring and care during the crucial perinatal period, from the 20th week of a pregnancy through the first four weeks after a baby’s birth,” she said. “I am confident that with the collaboration of the New Jersey Primary Care Association and medical professionals and advocacy groups, we can bring this life-saving legislation to fruition.”

The New Jersey Primary Care Association is a nonprofit corporation that represents community-based ambulatory health care providers and affiliates across the state.

DeCroce said the measure so far is finding bipartisan support in Trenton.

DeCroce Recieves Community Health Center Champion Award From The New Jersey Primary Care Association

Source: Assembly Republican Press Release -

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce was presented with the New Jersey Primary Care Association’s “Community Health Center Champion Award” for her commitment to improving outcomes in high-risk pregnancies in New Jersey.

“I am sincerely humbled by this recognition and would like to thank the NJPCA for this honor,” said DeCroce, R- Morris, Essex andPassaic. “In New Jersey, we are fortunate to have access to some of the best medical care in the country. That being said, there’s no excuse for not making sure we provide high-risk, expectant mothers and their babies with the best possible care and outcomes.”

DeCroce is the sponsor of bi-partisan legislation, A-4056, to improve outcomes in high-risk pregnancies and improve the health of low-income mothers and their newborns with more thorough testing and pre-natal care.

“After listening to powerful testimony about the high rate of miscarriages in our state during an Assembly Women and Children Committee meeting last fall, I introduced a bill requiring more proactive monitoring and care during the crucial perinatal period, from the 20th week of a pregnancy through the first four weeks after a baby’s birth,” stated DeCroce, who received the award at a conference today, at The Golden Nugget Hotel in Atlantic City.

“I am confident that with the collaboration of the New Jersey Primary Care Association and medical professionals and advocacy groups, we can bring this life-saving legislation to fruition.”

DeCroce was elected to the General Assembly to represent the constituents of the 26th Legislative District in 2012. She serves on the Assembly Education, Assembly Women and Children, and Assembly Higher Education committees, and the Joint Committee on Public Schools.

She is the former Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, where she oversaw the Division on Local Government Services and the Division on Women.

New Jersey Primary Care Association, Inc. (NJPCA) is a not-for-profit corporation that represents the organizational providers and affiliates of community-based ambulatory healthcare, specifically focusing on FQHCs, in the State ofNew Jersey.

ASSEMBLYWOMAN DECROCE ADDRESSES INTERNATIONAL CODE BODY IN ATLANTIC CITY

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-Morris), drawing on her experience as a Deputy Commissioner at the State Department of Community Affairs, which oversees code enforcement and fire safety, addressed the International Code Council (ICC) at their 10th Annual Conference in Atlantic City.

The ICC is an international membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention.  The group develops codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings.

Stressing the need for policymakers at the local, county, state and national levels to cooperate and share information on code development and enforcement, DeCroce said, “I believe there is an urgent need for municipalities, state and national agencies to have an open a dialogue that leads to informed decision-making.

She said that a lot of the work that the ICC will do at its conference over the next 10 days can be a catalyst to that dialogue.

"The springboard for that open and cooperative dialogue should begin with the ICC,” said DeCroce. “There is a need to have a dialogue about what regulations work and which ones don’t.  In an era of limited government resources, governments need to streamline regulation and employ those that have the greatest safety impact on people’s lives.” 

DeCroce also mentioned the key role code development and enforcement plays in the rebuilding efforts from Superstorm Sandy.  “We need drive only a short distance from here to see the devastation brought by Sandy and the many examples of how code requirements, properly enforced, made a difference”, said DeCroce. 

“Buildings constructed in accordance with modern codes fared much better than older, non-compliant structures.”