GORDON BILL TO AUTHORIZE AQUARIUM AT XANADU APPROVED IN SENATE

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which would remove regulatory stumbling blocks to allow for the construction of an aquarium in the Xanadu complex at the Meadowlands was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 28-7, receiving final legislative approval.

“The Xanadu project stands to be a major economic and entertainment engine in northern New Jersey,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen. “In addition to being a major entertainment destination at the Meadowlands, I believe that the proposal to include an aquarium at the site brings a valuable educational element. We need to remove all regulatory obstacles for this project, to create a top-tier facility to draw in visitors from around the New York metropolitan region.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Fred H. Madden and Bob Gordon, which would require wheelchair-bound riders in passenger vehicles be secured using a wheelchair securement device received unanimous final legislative approval today from the full Senate.

            “In the event of an accident, an unsecured wheelchair could be thrown forward through a windshield, seriously injuring its occupant, other passengers in that car, and others nearby,” said Senator Madden, D-Camden and Gloucester.  “Requiring that wheelchair-bound passengers be secured would help to prevent these types of accidents and increase safety for everyone who uses New Jersey’s roadways.”

GORDON BILL TO FUND PARK OPERATIONS APPROVED BY SENATE BUDGET PANEL

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which would provide for a one-time diversion of funds from the State’s “Shore Protection Fund” to pay for park operations in New Jersey was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today by a vote of 9-5.

“For so many New Jersey residents, our State parks represent a glimpse of New Jersey’s history or a valuable chance to get away from the stresses of everyday life,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen, and a member of the Senate Environment Committee. “We saw just how precious New Jerseyans consider their parks earlier in the year, when hundreds of State residents protested the Governor’s tough decision to eliminate funding for park services in his proposed FY 09 Budget. Through this bill, we would be able to tap an existing surplus to make sure that State parks are fully operational in the upcoming fiscal year.”

GORDON BILL TO AUTHORIZE AQUARIUM AT XANADU APPROVED IN COMMITTEE

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which would remove regulatory stumbling blocks to allow for the construction of an aquarium in the Xanadu complex at the Meadowlands was unanimously approved by the Senate Economic Growth Committee today.

“Allowing the developers of Xanadu to include an aquarium in their planning introduces an educational element to the facility,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen. “Aquariums are a fantastic opportunity for both children and adults to come face to face with some of the treasures of our planet’s oceans. A world-class aquarium at the heart of Xanadu would enhance the development’s regional profile and draw in visitors from around the New York City metropolitan area.”

HOSPITAL GOVERNANCE MEASURES APPROVED BY HEALTH COMMITTEE

Bills Part of Rationalization in Health Care Resources Recommendations

TRENTON – A package of bills sponsored by members of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee which would address hospital governance in an attempt to keep hospitals competitive in New Jersey was unanimously approved by the Health Committee today.

“These bills are part of the recommendations set forth by the Reinhardt Commission to Rationalize Health Care Resources in New Jersey,” said Senate Health Committee Chair, Senator Joseph F. Vitale, D-Middlesex. “We spend billions every year to support health care around the State, and we must ensure that we’re spending our health care dollars wisely and efficiently. We need to make sure we’re getting the biggest bang for our buck, and I applaud my Committee members for stepping up to work to fix the problems many hospitals are facing around the Garden State.”

GORDON - NEW JERSEY MUST MAKE SITE REMEDIATION A PRIORITY

Senator Cites Environmental Cleanup as Tool to Revitalize Communities

TRENTON – Senator Bob Gordon, D-Bergen, a member of the Senate Environment Committee, issued the following statement today after a joint meeting of the Legislative environment panels to review the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)’s plan to reform how the State handles site remediation oversight:

A pair of Bergen County Democratic legislators have endorsed Frank Lautenberg for U.S. Senate – putting them on the same side as a political foe, Bergen County Democratic Chairman Joseph Ferriero.

VITALE-GORDON BILL TO IMPOSE HORSESHOE CRAB MORATORIUM TO PRESERVE ENDANGERED RED KNOTS SIGNED INTO LAW

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Bob Gordon to impose a moratorium on the taking of horseshoe crabs to protect the food supply for the endangered red knot shorebird was signed into law by Governor Corzine today.

VITALE-GORDON BILL TO IMPOSE HORSESHOE CRAB MORATORIUM TO PRESERVE ENDANGERED RED KNOTS RECEIVES FINAL LEG. APPROVAL

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Bob Gordon to impose a moratorium on the taking of horseshoe crabs to protect the food supply for the endangered red knot shorebird was approved today by the Senate by a vote of 39-0, receiving final legislative approval.