ALBANO, MILAM & WAGNER TOUT ‘MADE IN THE USA’ FLAG BILL

With Independence Day weekend’s arrival, Assembly members Nelson Albano, Connie Wagner and Matt Milam today noted legislation they’ve sponsored would require the state to buy only United States and New Jersey flags manufactured in the United States.

“It makes absolutely no sense to allow even one dime of the public’s money to be spent on an American flag made anywhere but in America,” said Albano (D-Cumberland /Atlantic/Cape May). “It is bad enough that our state and nation’s manufacturing bases have largely evaporated as jobs were shipped elsewhere. Buying the most-recognized symbol of our nation from overseas just adds insult to injury.”

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DIEGNAN / LAMPITT / BURZICHELLI / CONNERS/ MORIARTY BILL TO CREATE ‘PATRIOTS’ TRIBUTE ADVANCING

As the Independence Day holiday nears, legislation Assembly members Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr., Pamela R. Lampitt, John J. Burzichell, Jack Conners and Paul Moriartyi sponsored to create a permanent State House tribute to New Jersey’s patriotic men and women in uniform is advancing.

“All New Jerseyans take pride in the sacrifices and dedication of the men and woman who serve in the military to keep us secure and free,” said Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “We have numerous memorials for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for this state and county. This memorial gives proper due to those who are actively serving our nation.”

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CRYAN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE CONSUMER HEALTH CARE TRANSPARENCY

Assemblyman Joseph Cryan today announced he’s introduced legislation to improve consumer health care transparency and knowledge by, among other things, regulating doctor profiling programs and establishing a health care patient ombudsperson.

“Health care has long been a leading concern for many, and these bills will help consumers make better choices as New Jersey Democrats work in partnership with President Obama and our Congressional delegation to ensure quality health care is available to everyone,” said Cryan (D-Union). "Increased transparency and public knowledge will create competition and lead to cheaper health insurance rates in the long run. That's our goal with these bills."

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BURZICHELLI & RILEY ON SIGNING OF BILL CLARIFYING PROCEDURE FOR ELIMINATING NON-OPERATING SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Assemblyman John Burzichelli and Assemblywoman Celeste Riley (both D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem) today released the following statements after Gov. Jon S. Corzine signed legislation they sponsored (A-4141) to clarify the procedure for eliminating non-operating school districts:

Burzichelli: “A great deal of study has shown we can save money by consolidating certain things, and this seems to be a very obvious one. This doesn't seem like public money that’s being well spent."

Riley: "School districts without schools are a New Jersey anachronism whose time has simply passed by.”

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QUIGLEY / CONNERS / MORIARTY ’VOTE BY MAIL’ BILL SIGNED INTO LAW

Legislation sponsored by Assembly members Joan Quigley, Jack Conners and Paul Moriarty to create the state’s first vote-by-mail law is now law. The measure was signed by Gov. Jon S. Corzine.

“Choosing who to vote for can be a confusing and stressful process,” said Quigley (D-Hudson). “Casting a ballot shouldn’t. be. Moving to a true vote by mail system will make it easier for people to exercise their right to vote and increase public participation in the democratic process.”

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MILAM & ALBANO BILL HONORING CAPE MAY VETERANS RECEIVES FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL

Legislation honoring Cape May veterans sponsored by Assemblymen Nelson T. Albano and Matthew W. Milam has received final legislative approval. The bill (A-3788) would designate the Route 109 bridge over the Cape May Canal between Cape May City and Lower Township as the Cape May County Veterans Memorial Bridge.

"New Jersey's citizens are indebted to the sacrifice and heroism of the brave men and woman who have served their country in the armed forces, many of whom call Cape May County home," Milam said. "Dedicating this bridge in memory and honor of the men and women of Cape May County who have served will be a constant reminder for all of the sacrifices made by veterans on behalf of their country and state."

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QUIGLEY BILL LIMITING HANDGUN PURCHASES TO ONE A MONTH RECEIVES FINAL LEGISLATIVE OK

Legislation Assemblywoman Joan M. Quigley sponsored to make it illegal to buy more than one handgun a month in New Jersey - a restriction aimed at helping curtail gun access by criminal street gangs – received final legislative approval early this morning. The Senate voted 21-15 to approve the bill. It was approved by the Assembly in June 2008 and now goes to the governor.

“There’s no good reason why anyone would need to purchase large quantities of handguns all at once,” said Quigley (D-Hudson). “Providing criminals and gang leaders one-stop shopping to outfit themselves with weapons is the obvious implication of bulk handgun purchasing.”

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LEGISLATIVE LATINO CAUCUS ON SENATE CONFIRMATION OF CAMELIA M. VALDES AS PASSAIC COUNTY PROSECUTOR

New Jersey Legislative Latino Caucus Chairwoman Assemblywoman Nellie Pou (D-Passaic/Bergen) today issued the following statement on Senate confirmation of Camelia M. Valdes to be the new Passaic County prosecutor. Valdes, an assistant federal prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark, will become the first Latina to hold the office of county prosecutor:

“This confirmation is great news for the state’s Latino community and for all of Passaic County as we welcome Camelia Valdes to her new position. I congratulate Gov. Jon S. Corzine for this groundbreaking nomination and the State Senate for wisely confirming it…"

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QUIGLEY / CRYAN BILL TO IMPOSE ELECTORAL & CAMPAIGN FINANCE RULES ON LT. GOVERNOR CANDIDATES NOW LAW

Legislation Assemblywoman Joan M. Quigley and Assemblyman Joseph Cryan sponsored to impose electoral and campaign finance requirements upon Lieutenant Governor candidates was signed into law today by Gov. Jon S. Corzine.

“While creating this post was backed by voters and will help keep in line the historic checks and balances so valued in American democracy, we also must make sure candidates for this new position are held to high standards and expectations,” said Quigley (D-Hudson). “This law will impose the same tough reporting, debating and disclosure requirements the public has come to expect from their gubernatorial candidates.”

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