DIEGNAN: CHRISTIE PLAN MEANS ‘PAIN WILL BE FELT IN VIRTUALLY EVERY CLASSROOM’

(TRENTON) – Assembly Education Chairman Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. (D-Middlesex) released the following statement on Tuesday after Gov. Chris Christie’s budget address:

“Democrats, amid the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, were able to continue investing in education even as we cut spending by historic levels.

“Gov. Christie’s education cuts will spike property taxes and hurt schools in every area of our state.

"Gov. Christie’s actions jeopardize the quality of education to 1.5 million children in our state while raising property taxes during these difficult economic times

“Make no mistake – the pain will be felt in virtually every classroom..."

*** MONDAY’S ASSEMBLY SESSION ***

CONVERTING PROPERTY TAX REBATE CHECKS INTO DIRECT PROPERTY TAX RELIEF CREDITS, STREAMLINING N.J. CORPORATE LAWS & DIRECTING AN INQUIRY INTO NJSIAA SPENDING TOP MONDAY ASSEMBLY AGENDA

Bill to Honor N.J. National Guard Members Also on Tap

(TRENTON) – Legislation to convert property tax rebate checks into direct tax relief credits, streamline New Jersey corporate laws, direct an investigation into the agency that tried to overcharge New Jerseyans for high school wrestling tournament tickets and to honor New Jersey National Guard members top Monday’s Assembly voting session.

DIEGNAN, BARNES, COUGHLIN, WATSON COLEMAN & LAMPITT BILL TO STREAMLINE N.J. BUSINESS LAWS ADVANCED BY ASSEMBLY PANEL

Bill is Final Piece of 7-bill Assembly Democratic Reform Package

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by five Assembly Democratic lawmakers to streamline New Jersey’s corporate laws to make the state more attractive to businesses was released Thursday by an Assembly panel.

The bill is sponsored by Assembly members Patrick J. Diegnan Jr, Peter J. Barnes III, Craig J. Coughlin, Bonnie Watson Coleman and Pamela Lampitt and is the final piece of an Assembly Democratic reform package signed into law during the last legislative session.

TRENTON - Less than two weeks away from a Middlesex County Democratic Convention in which two freeholders - James Polos and Mildred Scott - are vying for the party's backing to run for sheriff, Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan (D-South Plainfield) and Assemblyman Craig Coughlin (D-Woodbridge) both said they support Scott.

"It's nice to have a sheriff and not obviously think male," said Diegnan of Scott's candidacy. "No reflection on Jimmy. Done a good job as freeholder."

"Very good job as freeholder," said Coughlin.

But Scott has their support.

A veteran of the sheriff's office, Scott became the county's first African-American freeholder in 2008. A former mayor of Highland Park, Polos has served on the freeholder board for 12 years.

DIEGNAN & MORIARTY BILL TARGETING UNSAFE JEWELRY ADVANCING TOWARD LAW

Measure Comes Amid Continued Concern About Tainted Jewelry for Children

(TRENTON) – Amid continued concern about children’s jewelry tainted with toxic materials, legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. and Paul Moriarty targeting unsafe jewelry is advancing toward law.

The bill comes after 55,000 “Princess and the Frog” necklaces were recalled because they may contain high levels of the toxic heavy metal cadmium. When ingested by children, cadmium can have severe health effects. It’s a known carcinogen and has been shown to have a negative effect on brain development.

DIEGNAN BILL TO BAN TELEPHONE USE, TEXTING & E-MAILS BY PUBLIC TRANSIT DRIVERS APPROVED BY ASSEMBLY

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. to prohibit public transportation operators from using a wireless telephone or electronic communication device while their vehicles are moving was approved 75-0 Thursday by the Assembly.

The bill stems from a commuter train crash in California that killed 25 people. Investigators found the operator of the passenger train sent a text message 22 seconds before the collision with an oncoming freight train.

“Some people have become so addicted to their electronic devises that they put others in danger without even thinking about the consequences,” said Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “It’s unfortunate that we even have to consider a bill like this, but history tells us it’s a real risk.”

DIEGNAN BILL TO BAN TELEPHONE USE, TEXTING & E-MAILS BY PUBLIC TRANSIT DRIVERS ADVANCED BY ASSEMBLY PANEL

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. to prohibit public transportation operators from using a wireless telephone or electronic communication device while their vehicles are moving was advanced Thursday by an Assembly committee.

The bill stems from a commuter train crash in California that killed 25 people. Investigators found the operator of the passenger train sent a text message 22 seconds before the collision with an oncoming freight train.

“Some people have become so addicted to their electronic devises that they put others in danger without even thinking about the consequences,” said Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “It’s unfortunate that we even have to consider a bill like this, but history tells us it’s a real risk.

DIEGNAN: CHRISTIE PLAN RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT HOW WE EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN

(TRENTON) – Assembly Education Chairman Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. (D-Middlesex) released the following statement Thursday on Gov. Christie’s speech:

"Democrats were able last year to increase school aid even as we slashed the state budget, so Gov. Christie's plan to cut resources for our schools and children is the wrong approach for our state..."

DIEGNAN & MORIARTY BILL TARGETING UNSAFE JEWELRY ADVANCED BY ASSEMBLY PANEL

Measure Comes Amid Continued Concern About Tainted Jewelry for Children

(TRENTON) – Amid continued concern about children’s jewelry tainted with toxic materials, an Assembly panel on Monday advanced legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. and Paul Moriarty targeting unsafe jewelry.

The bill comes after 55,000 “Princess and the Frog” necklaces were recalled because they may contain high levels of the toxic heavy metal cadmium. When ingested by children, cadmium can have severe health effects. It’s a known carcinogen and has been shown to have a negative effect on brain development.

SPEAKER OLIVER ANNOUNCES ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP POSTS

(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver on Monday announced the Assembly Democratic leadership team for the 2010-11 legislative session.

“I’m confident this leadership team will be a tremendous asset as the Assembly Democratic caucus works to make New Jersey more affordable,” said Oliver (D-Essex). “This leadership group has the expertise and skills to help push our agenda of creating jobs, boosting our economy and tackling property taxes and I look forward to working with them.”