TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Shirley K. Turner, which creates the Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards within the Department of Law and Public Safety was signed into law today.

            “Through the creation of this new office, this law will enable us to keep a closer eye on the progress that is being made to curb racial profiling here in New Jersey,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex, a former Newark detective.  “There is still some work left to be done, but we are moving closer to ensuring that all motorists are treated fairly and with dignity when using our roadways.”

            “We count on police officers to protect our safety and well-being, but we also expect them to do so in a fair and unbiased fashion,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer.  “This legislation is about ensuring that law enforcement officers follow the proper procedures when conducting routine traffic stops and dealing with the public in general.”

SENATOR TURNER ANNOUNCES DISTRICT OFFICE FURLOUGH SCHEDULE FOR JULY

TRENTON – Senator Shirley K. Turner today announced that her district office would be closed for business on Monday, July 13 in order to fulfill the furlough requirements imposed on State workers in order to balance the FY 2009 Budget.

“As far as we can tell, adherence to the furlough policy for Legislative branch employees is entirely voluntary,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. “However, my staff and I will be participating in the State worker furloughs, because we believe that as a matter of basic fairness, any salary pain caused by a missed day’s wages should be shared across the board, not limited to a select few. We will re-open for business on July 14, and, moving forward, will continue to review State furlough policies in order to comply with future requirements on State employees.”

TURNER MOTOR VEHICLE SURCHARGE AMNESTY BILL ADVANCES

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner which would establish a 60-day grace period for drivers with outstanding motor vehicle surcharges to pay those surcharges without facing interest or collection costs was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 39-0.

“At a time of global economic crisis, many drivers in the lowest income brackets simply cannot afford the death by a thousand cuts created by the fee and penalty scheme surrounding motor vehicle surcharges,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. “Unless we provide some sort of relief for these individuals, they will never dig themselves out of their debt to the State Motor Vehicle Commission. By creating an amnesty period from interest and collection fees associated with motor vehicle surcharges, we can give penalized drivers an option to wipe the slate clean, and raise needed funds for the State.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Shirley K. Turner, which would create an Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards within the Department of Law and Public Safety was unanimously approved today by the full Senate.

            “After hearing from the Advisory Council on Police Standards, as well as State Police Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes, it is evident that strides have been made to help curb racial profiling by law enforcement here in New Jersey,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex, a former Newark detective.  “The creation of this new office is necessary to help this progress continue.”

            “This bill would help to make sure that law enforcement follows all of the proper procedures when conducting routine traffic stops,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer.  “This is about ensuring that old racial profiling practices are a thing of the past.  All motorists who choose to use New Jersey’s roadways should be treated fairly and with respect.”

WEINBERG-TURNER MEASURE TO EXPAND PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER LOAN REDEMPTION PROGRAM RECEIVED FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Loretta Weinberg and Shirley K. Turner which would make changes to the “Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program” to expand the scope of the program to other primary care practitioners was approved by the Assembly today by a vote of 69-5, with two abstentions, receiving final legislative approval.

“Today’s Assembly vote was an important step forward in guaranteeing access to quality health care services for New Jerseyans living in underserved communities,” said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen, and Vice Chairwoman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “This bill will make sure that we have the health care resources in place in neighborhoods that have the greatest need for doctors, nurses and other health care professionals. It will bring quality care to the community, and encourage health care professionals to practice medicine where their skills are needed most.”

TURNER STATEMENT ON TRAGIC DEATH OF TRENTON TEEN OVER WEEKEND

TRENTON – Senator Shirley K. Turner, D-Mercer, issued the following statement in response to the tragic death of a 13-year-old Trenton girl in a drive-by shooting at a block party Sunday night:

“At this time of loss for the community, my thoughts and prayers go to the little girl’s family and friends, who are grieving for a life taken far too soon, and the promising future she had before her left unfulfilled. No words can express just how deeply such a senseless and horrific tragedy can impact on those who knew and loved her.

CAMDEN - The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today held its first Fiscal Year 2010 public hearing at Rutgers Camden Law School.  Present were Camden Mayor Gwendolyn Faison and Former New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Deborah Poritz.   The Committee heard testimony from students from Camden's LEAP Academy University Charter School, representatives of the State's mental health and disabled communities, as well the State's gaming industry.   "The testimony we heard today came from residents from all walks of life," said Senator Barbara Buono, D-Middlesex, who chairs the Senate Budget and Appropriations panel.  "I think that this budget will be different than in past years simply because of the current economic climate.  It is the responsibility of this Committee, and of our colleagues, in both the Senate and the Assembly to make sure that the needs of residents are met.  This year we'll have to do more with less, but I am confident that we will be able to maintain the key programs on which some of our neediest residents have come to rely."

GENETIC COUNSELING REGULATION APPROVED IN STATE SENATE

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale, Jim Whelan, Shirley K. Turner and Nia H. Gill which would create a system of licensure and accountability for genetic counselors in the State of New Jersey was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 38-0.

“The future of medicine – particularly in the area of designer drugs, personalized medicine and custom-made health plans – is going to depend on genetic counseling,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “With this bill, we would put into place a regulatory structure to provide needed oversight and accountability for these health care professionals who can do so much to expand the effectiveness and affordability of health care moving forward. This bill is about making sure New Jersey has the foresight needed to meet the health care challenges of tomorrow, and ensure accountability and standards in the burgeoning genetic counseling field.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Barbara Buono, Jeff Van Drew and Shirley K. Turner, which establishes the “Invest in New Jersey Business Grant Program Act,” as an incentive program to encourage businesses to make capital investments and hire and retain new workers was signed into law today by Governor Corzine.

            “Today, New Jersey is taking a strong, bold step to decide its own economic future,” said Senator Buono, D-Middlesex, who chairs the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. “Despite a national economic crisis which is hampering states around the country and slowing economic development when it is needed most, with this bill as law, we can take a strong stand for New Jersey’s own economic recovery.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner, which permits the Department of Human Services (DHS) to cover the cost of a $25 annual fee on child support payments, or require non-custodial parents to cover the cost, has been signed into law by Governor Jon Corzine. The DHS has indicated its intent to pay the fee with federal incentive dollars.  According to DHS, there will be no additional cost to the State.

            In October of 2005 the Federal Government began requiring families to pay an annual fee of $25 when the State collects at least $500 in child support payments. 

            “By nature, child support payments are designed to ensure that kids receive financial support from both parents,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer.  “While payment of the fee is mandatory, it would be unfair to call for single, custodial parents who are already working hard to raise their kids to cover the cost of child support.  By stepping up and covering the cost of the fee, DHS is reaffirming its commitment to New Jersey’s families.”