PREVIEW - SENATE COMMITTEES TO FOCUS ON PRO-BUSINESS, PRO-WORKER BILLS MONDAY

TRENTON – On Monday, Senate Committees will meet to consider measures which will improve the economic climate of New Jersey for businesses and guarantee that State workers’ benefits contributions cannot be diverted to other purposes.

HOSPITAL GOVERNANCE MEASURES ARE NOW LAW

New Laws 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 address hospital governance in an attempt to keep hospitals competitive in New Jersey was signed into law today by Governor Jon Corzine.

The first bill in the package, S-1794, requires each general hospital in New Jersey to annually conduct a public meeting for the community it serves. The meetings will focus on the delivery of care to the community, and give local residents a chance to form a dialogue with hospitals’ executives to discuss how better to serve the community.

“Our local hospitals serve as safe havens for the residents who live nearby, and they play a vital role in the communities they serve,” said Senator Redd, D-Camden and Gloucester, who is a prime sponsor of S-1794. “Hospitals can only continue to provide this necessary care if they are in tune with the needs of residents, so it is imperative that the lines of communication are open between hospital administration and the public.”

GOVERNOR SIGNS WHELAN MEASURE TO KEEP CASINOS AND RACETRACKS OPEN

ATLANTIC CITY – Governor Corzine signed legislation today, sponsored by Senator Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, which will allow casinos, racetracks and simulcasting operations to stay open for up to seven days in the event of a State government shutdown similar to the crisis caused by the July 2006 budget impasse.

“The 4th of July weekend is primetime for Atlantic City’s economy, with visitors pumping in millions of dollars into hotels, restaurants and casinos in the resort,” said Senator Whelan. “Not only do casino operators rely on the economic activity over the holiday weekend, but dealers, hotel and restaurant employees, support staff, and a whole host of workers in related industries depend upon every penny earned in the busy July month. Under this new law, Atlantic City’s economy will no longer be subject to hijacking based on budget stalemates in Trenton.”

Not thrilled with some of the budget provisions, Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex) presided over its passage. 

TRENTON - With a majority arguing that the state pension system needs to get on better financial footing, the Senate tonight passed a package of state worker pension reforms by a vote of 30-8.

Sen. Stephen Sweeney of South Jersey introduced the controversial proposal in what he described as a bipartisan vein.

"I make my living as a union leader," Sweeney told the Senate chamber. "You can go out of business if you don't manage your funds properly. These are modest not major reforms."

WHELAN LAUDS BRANCA FAMILY FOR ADVANCING SAFE DRIVING

TRENTON – At a news conference today with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Senator Jim Whelan credited the family of Richard “Ricci” Branca, who was just 17 when killed by a drunk driver, for advocating mandatory use of ignition interlocks to block vehicles from starting unless the driver is sober.

Senator Whelan, D-Atlantic, is the co-prime sponsor along with Senator John H. Adler, D-Camden, of S-1926, known as “Ricci’s Law,” to make ignition interlock devices mandatory for all drunk driving offenses and to require their installation while driving privileges are suspended.

MEDIA ADVISORY - WHELAN TO HOLD NEWS CONFERENCE WITH MADD ON IGNITION INTERLOCK BILL

‘Ricci’s Law’ Would Mandate Ignition Interlock Devices for All Drunk Driving Offenses

TRENTON – On Thursday, June 12, Senator Jim Whelan will hold a news conference with representatives from the New Jersey and national chapters of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), as well as the family of Richard “Ricci” Branca, an Egg Harbor Township youth who was killed by a drunk driver, to promote legislation requiring ignition interlock devices for all drunk driving offenses.

Attorney Patrick Darcy won the election tonight to become Atlantic County's next Democratic chairman.

Darcy, who lives in Galloway Township, beat Egg Harbor Township municipal chairman Marc Ginsberg. He succeeds Ron Ruff, who is retiring from the post.

Darcy was tapped by state Sen. Jim Whelan and backed by Ruff.

Atlantic County’s minority party will elect a new chairman tonight.    

Democratic Chairman Ron Ruff will step down from the post tonight.  Running to replace him at tonight’s convention is Patrick Darcy, a lawyer from Galloway, and Marc Ginsberg, the Egg Harbor Township Municipal Chairman

Darcy appears to be the favorite, at least based on endorsements.  He’s was originally tapped for the position by state Sen. Jim Whelan, and has the support of Ruff. 

RICE-WHELAN BILL TO ENSURE TRAINING FOR HOSPITAL TRUSTEES APPROVED

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Jim Whelan which would guarantee that hospital trustees in New Jersey receive the appropriate training to prepare them for the job was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 35-2.

“New Jersey’s hospitals, particularly in many urban areas, are in crisis,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “Recently, it seems that every time I open the newspaper, I read about another hospital – serving mostly uninsured or the working poor – which is shutting its doors, because it cannot afford to continue to provide health care in the Garden State. Whether this is a sign of the times or an effect of sky-rocketing health care costs, we need well-trained hospital trustees who are prepared to roll with the punches and can navigate hospitals down the rough road ahead.”

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.”