Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Jay Webber allowing New Jersey residents to donate a segment of their state tax refund to the 2014 New Jersey Special Olympics “Home Team” Fund was signed into law today by Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno.

“Citizens will now have an opportunity to support the Garden State’s Special Olympians who are training to compete and represent our state at the National 2014 Special Olympics,” Webber, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic, said. “This is another proud moment for New Jersey, which was selected to host this inspiring competition.”

Special Olympics of New Jersey is a not-for-profit organization providing athletic training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The “Home Team” will include athletes from across the State who qualify for selection to the team by competing in statewide competitions.

“I’m honored to join Governor Christie, Lt. Governor Guadagno and members of the Legislature in support of New Jersey’s ‘Home Team,’” Webber said. “These extraordinary athletes will bring pride and honor to our state and this fund will help them achieve exceptional athletic feats.”

The legislation provides for voluntary contributions on gross income tax returns to support New Jersey athletes in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, which will be held in New Jersey. Under the law, a special fund would be designated in the N.J. Department of Treasury.

The bill had bipartisan support in the Assembly and Senate. Other sponsors include: Assemblymen John Burzichelli, Lou Greenwald and Daniel Benson, and Senators Steve Sweeney and Tom Kean.

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