Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, R- Morris, Essex and Passaic, said
today’s report issued by state Comptroller Matt Boxer revealing a lack
of oversight by 15 school districts in reviewing applications for the
Free School Lunch Program (FSLP) is troubling evidence that lessons were
not learned when such problems were revealed in the Elizabeth school
district nearly two years ago.
Boxer’s audit found that school board members and school district
employees had provided materially false information regarding their
income on the FSLP applications. The comptroller’s office is forwarding
the names of 109 individuals discovered in the audit to the Division of
Criminal Justice for its review.
“Apparently, some school districts did not learn any lessons from
what was discovered in Elizabeth,” said DeCroce, who is a member of the
Assembly Education Committee. “Lax oversight in reviewing applications
that result in ineligible students receiving a free or reduced cost
lunch is unacceptable and cheats taxpayers and other school districts.
“The fact that additional school aid is granted based on the number
of participants in this program exacerbates the problem and takes aid
from other districts that would welcome the additional help,” continued
DeCroce. “This report should serve as a wakeup call to all districts
throughout the state that taxpayers expect applications for aid to be
reviewed thoroughly and rejected when inaccurate information is
supplied. I wholeheartedly agree with the comptroller forwarding the
names of people who provided false information to the justice system for
review.”
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Thursday, July 11, 2013
DECROCE ANNOUNCES $67,000 IN SAFE CORRIDOR GRANTS FOR DISTRICT
Four municipalities in Morris and Essex counties will share $67,036
in state Safe Corridor grants to improve motorist safety along Route 46,
announced Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R- Essex Morris, Passaic).
The municipalities receiving the funds are: Montville, which will receive $18,503;
Parsippany, $910; Rockaway Township, $9,403; and Fairfield $38,220.
Assemblywoman DeCroce explained that the safe corridor grants can be used by municipalities to purchase law enforcement equipment, including police vehicles, radar equipment, hardware and software for computers, as well as for police salaries.
“Highway safety is very important and I want to thank Gov. Christie for releasing this money that will help improve safety for my constituents who travel the heavily used highway that runs through my legislative district,” said DeCroce.
The Safe Corridor grant program originated in 2003 and targets resources to 14 ten-mile segments of several highways that have a history of high automobile crash rates. Grants are supported by fines which are doubled in designated Safe Corridors for a variety of moving violations, including speeding.
The municipalities receiving the funds are: Montville, which will receive $18,503;
Parsippany, $910; Rockaway Township, $9,403; and Fairfield $38,220.
Assemblywoman DeCroce explained that the safe corridor grants can be used by municipalities to purchase law enforcement equipment, including police vehicles, radar equipment, hardware and software for computers, as well as for police salaries.
“Highway safety is very important and I want to thank Gov. Christie for releasing this money that will help improve safety for my constituents who travel the heavily used highway that runs through my legislative district,” said DeCroce.
The Safe Corridor grant program originated in 2003 and targets resources to 14 ten-mile segments of several highways that have a history of high automobile crash rates. Grants are supported by fines which are doubled in designated Safe Corridors for a variety of moving violations, including speeding.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Carroll-DeCroce Statements on Signing “Legacy Landfill” Legislation
Legislation (S-2861/A-4238) sponsored by Assembly Republicans Michael
Patrick Carroll and BettyLou DeCroce establishing requirements and
controls applicable to “legacy landfills” and properly closed sanitary
landfill facilities that accept new materials after closure was signed
into law today by Gov. Christie.
The following statements are from the Assembly Republican sponsors of the new law:
“The Fenimore landfill is a health hazard that needs the immediate attention it will now receive from the new law,” said Carroll, R- Morris and Somerset, who represents Roxbury Twp. “The unilateral decision to change the agreed upon use in a legacy landfill not only has environmental consequences but affects a town’s quality of life. There must be consequences for failing to abide by an agreement, but the most important concern is restoring the community’s intolerable living condition resulting from the detestable smell coming from Fenimore.”
“As the former municipal clerk and public servant for Roxbury Township for over 23 years, I have strong ties, loyalty and a deep conviction to this community and its residents,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “The air quality from the hydrogen sulfide emanating from Fenimore is a public health concern for everyone in the town. A host of problems, including respiratory and eye-irritation have plagued residents for weeks. I am glad the DEP acted immediately to take temporary control of Fenimore so the noxious odors emitted from the site can be controlled and the residents can return to a normal and healthy quality of life.”
The new law provides that an administrative consent order (ACO) entered into between the DEP and a potential legacy landfill purchaser will be voidable if: the DEP finds the financial assurance requirements made by the applicant are not met; the applicant entering into the ACO submitted to any governmental agency any misrepresentation, false statement or misleading statement; or fraud, misrepresentation or deceit was used in securing a license.
The administrative consent order (ACO) will be voided once initiated by the DEP and upheld in a Superior Court.
The bill also provides that if the ACO is voided, the DEP will be required to take such measures deemed necessary to protect the public, which may include closing the landfill.
A “legacy landfill” is defined as one that ceased operations prior to January 1, 1982, and received household, commercial or industrial solid waste for disposal.
The following statements are from the Assembly Republican sponsors of the new law:
“The Fenimore landfill is a health hazard that needs the immediate attention it will now receive from the new law,” said Carroll, R- Morris and Somerset, who represents Roxbury Twp. “The unilateral decision to change the agreed upon use in a legacy landfill not only has environmental consequences but affects a town’s quality of life. There must be consequences for failing to abide by an agreement, but the most important concern is restoring the community’s intolerable living condition resulting from the detestable smell coming from Fenimore.”
“As the former municipal clerk and public servant for Roxbury Township for over 23 years, I have strong ties, loyalty and a deep conviction to this community and its residents,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “The air quality from the hydrogen sulfide emanating from Fenimore is a public health concern for everyone in the town. A host of problems, including respiratory and eye-irritation have plagued residents for weeks. I am glad the DEP acted immediately to take temporary control of Fenimore so the noxious odors emitted from the site can be controlled and the residents can return to a normal and healthy quality of life.”
The new law provides that an administrative consent order (ACO) entered into between the DEP and a potential legacy landfill purchaser will be voidable if: the DEP finds the financial assurance requirements made by the applicant are not met; the applicant entering into the ACO submitted to any governmental agency any misrepresentation, false statement or misleading statement; or fraud, misrepresentation or deceit was used in securing a license.
The administrative consent order (ACO) will be voided once initiated by the DEP and upheld in a Superior Court.
The bill also provides that if the ACO is voided, the DEP will be required to take such measures deemed necessary to protect the public, which may include closing the landfill.
A “legacy landfill” is defined as one that ceased operations prior to January 1, 1982, and received household, commercial or industrial solid waste for disposal.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Top Court’s Ruling on Guiseppe Tedesco a Victory for Crime Victims and Families
Monday’s state Supreme Court ruling that upholds previous lower court
decisions that Guiseppe Tedesco, who was convicted of killing Alyssa
Ruggieri on March 27, 2010, must attend his sentencing out of respect
for the victim’s family and for the judicial system is a victory for
those impacted by such terrible tragedies said Assembly Republicans
Anthony M. Bucco and BettyLou DeCroce today.
Bucco and DeCroce, who recently introduced bipartisan legislation (A-4118) which clarifies a crime victim has a right to make a victim impact statement directly to the defendant in court at sentencing, lauded the high court’s ruling. The Bucco-DeCroce bill would amend and strengthen the current Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights.
“I fully support the court’s finding that Mr. Tedesco offered no compelling reason for his absence during his sentencing,” said Bucco, R-Morris and Somerset. “The remarks Mr. Tedesco will hear from Alyssa’s family will pale in comparison to the agony and pain he has caused them by taking an innocent life. The court used sound and rational logic in dismissing the unpersuasive excuses given by the defendant for not listening to the anguish he has caused the Ruggieri family.”
In 1991, Assemblywoman DeCroce’s late husband, Assemblyman Alex DeCroce, sponsored and advocated for the Victims’ Rights Amendment – a landmark amendment to the New Jersey Constitution that guaranteed the rights of crime victims, which voters approved.
“It was for instances like this that Alex championed this amendment because of his sensitivity to the pain and anguish felt by victims and their families,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “The trauma endured by crime victims and their families, such as the Ruggieri’s, far surpasses a request by the convicted that they forego appearing in court at their sentencing. Mr. Tedesco will never be able to comprehend the irreparable harm he has caused, and in this case, the callous disregard for human life he exhibited. The rights of victims must be upheld.”
Bucco and DeCroce’s bill was introduced on May 13 and referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
Bucco and DeCroce, who recently introduced bipartisan legislation (A-4118) which clarifies a crime victim has a right to make a victim impact statement directly to the defendant in court at sentencing, lauded the high court’s ruling. The Bucco-DeCroce bill would amend and strengthen the current Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights.
“I fully support the court’s finding that Mr. Tedesco offered no compelling reason for his absence during his sentencing,” said Bucco, R-Morris and Somerset. “The remarks Mr. Tedesco will hear from Alyssa’s family will pale in comparison to the agony and pain he has caused them by taking an innocent life. The court used sound and rational logic in dismissing the unpersuasive excuses given by the defendant for not listening to the anguish he has caused the Ruggieri family.”
In 1991, Assemblywoman DeCroce’s late husband, Assemblyman Alex DeCroce, sponsored and advocated for the Victims’ Rights Amendment – a landmark amendment to the New Jersey Constitution that guaranteed the rights of crime victims, which voters approved.
“It was for instances like this that Alex championed this amendment because of his sensitivity to the pain and anguish felt by victims and their families,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “The trauma endured by crime victims and their families, such as the Ruggieri’s, far surpasses a request by the convicted that they forego appearing in court at their sentencing. Mr. Tedesco will never be able to comprehend the irreparable harm he has caused, and in this case, the callous disregard for human life he exhibited. The rights of victims must be upheld.”
Bucco and DeCroce’s bill was introduced on May 13 and referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
Monday, June 24, 2013
DeCroce-Webber-Schepisi Bill Exempting Local Government from Highlands Act Approved by Assembly
A bill sponsored by Assembly Republicans BettyLou DeCroce, Jay Webber
and Holly Schepisi that would provide an exemption to local governments
from certain provisions of the Highlands Act when deciding to install
synthetic turf fields was approved by the General Assembly today. At
present, the 2004 law only provides public or private schools the
exemption.
“This legislation represents an opportunity to level the playing field for municipalities that are restricted by the Highlands Act from installing synthetic turf for their residents,” said DeCroce, who noted there are 88 municipalities and portions of seven counties in the Highlands Region. “The conditions of the municipal fields in some towns in the preservation area are deteriorating and often unusable and unsafe. “It is ironic that the schools can install the turf or make field improvements, but the towns can’t,” explained DeCroce. “If the residents want to upgrade their municipal fields to a more durable surface they should be allowed to do so. Affording municipalities the same exemption that schools already enjoy is common sense and something property taxpayers deserve.”
The bill, A-3541, would exempt towns from the lengthy, costly and arduous process of obtaining a permit under the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act.
“The Highlands Act remains a model of unfairness and arbitrariness, and represents the worst government land grab against our communities in New Jersey history,” said Webber. “This legislation injects a bit of reasonableness into otherwise bad policy. It offers our local communities a fair opportunity to provide safe and durable ball fields on open space, and puts local property taxpayers back in charge of a decision that affects their own welfare.”
“This bill affords local governments the same chance to upgrade their facilities and provide the same safe environment for recreational use as given to schools in the Highlands Region that were grandfathered in when the Highlands Act was passed,” said Schepisi. “Providing this exemption to another entity at the local level is fair and will save the burdensome application-related costs borne by taxpayers. All parents want their children to play on safe fields, not ones that could potentially put them in harms’ way and cause serious injury.”
The bill is also sponsored by Assemblyman Gordon Johnson, D-Bergen, and was released with unanimous approval from the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee on June 10.
“This legislation represents an opportunity to level the playing field for municipalities that are restricted by the Highlands Act from installing synthetic turf for their residents,” said DeCroce, who noted there are 88 municipalities and portions of seven counties in the Highlands Region. “The conditions of the municipal fields in some towns in the preservation area are deteriorating and often unusable and unsafe. “It is ironic that the schools can install the turf or make field improvements, but the towns can’t,” explained DeCroce. “If the residents want to upgrade their municipal fields to a more durable surface they should be allowed to do so. Affording municipalities the same exemption that schools already enjoy is common sense and something property taxpayers deserve.”
The bill, A-3541, would exempt towns from the lengthy, costly and arduous process of obtaining a permit under the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act.
“The Highlands Act remains a model of unfairness and arbitrariness, and represents the worst government land grab against our communities in New Jersey history,” said Webber. “This legislation injects a bit of reasonableness into otherwise bad policy. It offers our local communities a fair opportunity to provide safe and durable ball fields on open space, and puts local property taxpayers back in charge of a decision that affects their own welfare.”
“This bill affords local governments the same chance to upgrade their facilities and provide the same safe environment for recreational use as given to schools in the Highlands Region that were grandfathered in when the Highlands Act was passed,” said Schepisi. “Providing this exemption to another entity at the local level is fair and will save the burdensome application-related costs borne by taxpayers. All parents want their children to play on safe fields, not ones that could potentially put them in harms’ way and cause serious injury.”
The bill is also sponsored by Assemblyman Gordon Johnson, D-Bergen, and was released with unanimous approval from the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee on June 10.
Friday, May 31, 2013
ASSEMBLYWOMAN DECROCE JOINS LEGISLATIVE LEADERS FOUNDATION
Source: Parsippany Patch-
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-Morris, Essex and Passaic) of Parsippany was chosen to participate in the State Legislative Leaders Foundation’s (SLLF) “Emerging Leaders Program” at The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
She is one of 50 legislators selected from across the country to participate.
“I am honored to have been selected to participate in this prestigious program which will afford me the chance to learn from and network with fellow legislators from around the nation,” said DeCroce.
“I fully intend to make the most of this challenging opportunity to further enhance my leadership skills and gain new perspectives so that I may better serve my constituents and the residents of New Jersey,” she added.
According to a written statement from DeCroce’s office, the program will be held over the course of four days in July to develop leadership skills focusing on:
•Analysis and feedback on elements of personal leadership style.
•Awareness of the importance of values and ethics in governance and public service.
•Gaining perspective on the importance of the role of the state legislature in contemporary American politics.
•Recognition of the importance of legislators as consensus builders and facilitators of compromise.
DeCroce was nominated by Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and selected by a committee of senior staff from the SLLF and Darden faculty selected the participants.
“One of the primary criteria for selection is the candidate’s long-term commitment to public service and keen interest in self development,” the statement said.
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-Morris, Essex and Passaic) of Parsippany was chosen to participate in the State Legislative Leaders Foundation’s (SLLF) “Emerging Leaders Program” at The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
She is one of 50 legislators selected from across the country to participate.
“I fully intend to make the most of this challenging opportunity to further enhance my leadership skills and gain new perspectives so that I may better serve my constituents and the residents of New Jersey,” she added.
According to a written statement from DeCroce’s office, the program will be held over the course of four days in July to develop leadership skills focusing on:
•Analysis and feedback on elements of personal leadership style.
•Awareness of the importance of values and ethics in governance and public service.
•Gaining perspective on the importance of the role of the state legislature in contemporary American politics.
•Recognition of the importance of legislators as consensus builders and facilitators of compromise.
DeCroce was nominated by Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and selected by a committee of senior staff from the SLLF and Darden faculty selected the participants.
“One of the primary criteria for selection is the candidate’s long-term commitment to public service and keen interest in self development,” the statement said.
Monday, May 6, 2013
DeCroce: Nearly $1M in Road Improvements Coming to Morris County
Municipalities in Morris County will share just under $1 million in state grants for road improvement projects, according to District 26 Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce.
The projects receiving state funding range from a $250,000 Interpace Parkway improvment project in Parsippany to $140,000 road resurfacing project for Carey Avenue in Butler.
“I am extremely pleased that we were able to secure this funding through the state Department of Transportation to upgrade the infrastructure in [these] district communities,” said DeCroce. “The state funding is critical to help offset the costs of road and bridge improvements for local taxpayers.”
MORRIS COUNTY DISBURSEMENTS
| Municipality | Project | Type | Amount | Total |
| Butler Borough | Carey Ave Resurfacing | Roadway Preservation | $140,000 | $140,000 |
| Jefferson Township | Weldon Road Improvements | Roadway Preservation | $200,000 | $200,000 |
| Lincoln Park Borough | Two Bridges Road & Pine Brook Road Improvements – Phase II | Roadway Preservation | $180,000 | $180,000 |
| Montville Township | Roads Resurfacing – Church Lane, Stiles Lane/Vail Road | Roadway Preservation | $200,000 | $200,000 |
| Parsippany-Troy Hills Township | Interpace Parkway Improvement Project | Roadway Preservation | $250,000 | $250,000 |
A total of $2.1 million dollars in state grants covered projects in Morris, Essex and Passaic counties.
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