OLIVER APPOINTED TO ASSEMBLY LEADERSHIP POST

OLIVER APPOINTED TO ASSEMBLY LEADERSHIP POST
Assemblywoman also to Serve as Vice Chair of Human Services Committee,
Member of Higher Ed, Labor Panels(EAST ORANGE) -- Assemblywoman Sheila Y. Oliver will serve as an Assembly Assistant Majority Leader for the 2006-2007 legislative session.

The Assemblywoman also will serve as vice chairwoman of the new Assembly Human Services Committee and as a member of the Assembly's Higher Education and Labor panels.

Oliver (D-Essex) was chosen for her new positions by the top-ranking members of the Assembly Majority leadership team: Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. (D-Camden), Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) and Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Wilfredo Caraballo (D-Essex).

Roberts said Oliver was chosen for her new duties because of her proven leadership skills and record of advocacy for children and disenfranchised residents.

"Assemblywoman Oliver has a distinguished record of service as a freeholder, board of education president, and administrator of economic-empowerment programs," said Roberts. "She brings vitality, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective on a wide range of issues that the leadership team will be confronting in this new two-year session."

As an Assistant Majority Leader, Oliver said she would have an increased ability to have input on important issues that affect her constituents.

"Whether it is property taxes in Clifton or economic development opportunities in East Orange, these new positions will hopefully give my constituents an enhanced voice in legislative proceedings," said Oliver. "It is an honor to serve with such an exemplary leadership team that has a proven record of accomplishment in fighting for property taxpayers, senior citizens, consumers, and children."

The Human Services Committee assumes many of the oversight functions of the recently disbanded Family, Women and Children Services Committee, which addressed issues concerning the status of women, the welfare of children and ways to foster the growth of families. The new committee focuses on similar issues, but from a prevention and reform perspective.

As vice chairwoman, Oliver will help lead that committee and will be the next to oversee proceedings in the event the committee"s chairman is absent.

Oliver said the committee appointment is a perfect mesh with her professional background. She is an assistant Essex County administrator and previously served as the director of the county's Department of Citizen Services and Department of Economic Development, Training, and Employment.

The Assembly Higher Education Committee will be responsible for addressing issues that relate directly to the state's 31 public colleges and universities -- including 19 county and community colleges. The committee will assist in directing policy relating to tuition aid and scholarship programs, such as the popular NJ STARS and the newly-enacted NJ STARS II, and ensuring the success of inter-operational agreements entered into by institutions of higher learning.

The Assembly Labor Committee traditionally has overseen legislation regarding unemployment, workers' compensation and disability benefits, workplace safety, employee training programs, family leave, and the minimum wage.

Oliver, who earned a masters of science degree in community organization, planning and administration from Columbia University in 1976, serves as an assistant Essex County administrator, specializing in program development, grantmanship, and training.

Oliver represents the 34th District, which includes Clifton and West Paterson in Passaic County, and East Orange, Glen Ridge, and Montclair in Essex County.

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