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.

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.

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.