SWEENEY BILL PROVIDING VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS CLEARS ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland) that would provide for voluntary contributions to help New Jersey athletes that participate in the Special Olympics cleared the Assembly Appropriations Committee today.

“The Special Olympics is a wonderful event that has brought untold joy to thousands of children and adults both in New Jersey and across the country,” said Sweeney. “I have seen their joy and accomplishments first hand. New Jerseyans always have, and always will be, a giving people and I believe that generosity will spill over into helping support our Special Olympics athletes.”

The bill, S-1855, would provide for voluntary contributions by taxpayers on gross income tax returns to support New Jersey athletes participating in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. A special fund would be established in the Department of the Treasury, the “2014 NJ Special Olympics Home Team Fund,” where all donations collected from voluntary contributions would go. All funds collected would have to be appropriated to Special Olympics New Jersey to help fund the training and participation of New Jersey athletes in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games.

The NJ Special Olympics “Home Team” will be comprised of athletes from throughout New Jersey who will have qualified for selection to the team through advancement in statewide competitions. This team of athletes will represent New Jersey in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. New Jersey has been selected to host the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games.

The bill now heads to the full Assembly.