Steve Sweeney

The New Jersey AFL-CIO today voted to endorse Republican State Sen. Nicholas Asselta for re-election in the first district, and after some debate, also endorsed Democratic State Sen. Steve Sweeney, a longtime labor leader, for re-election in District 3. 

Sweeney and other Democratic leaders sought to deliver the major union endorsement to Asselta's opponent, Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew.

A critical vote is set for tomorrow as the New Jersey AFL-CIO must decide on an endorsement in the hotly contested 1st district State Senate race.

State Sen. Nicholas Asselta has run with labor support in the past, and his close friend, AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech, wants his union to endorse the Cumberland County Republican again.  But a group of South Jersey labor leaders, led by State Sen. Stephen Sweeney, are pushing hard for Democrat Jeff Van Drew to receive the AFL-CIO endorsement. 

SWEENEY/BUONO‘PAID FAMILY LEAVE’ LEGISLATION CLEARS SENATE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE 

        TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Steve Sweeney and Barbara Buono, D-Middlesex, that would extend Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) leave regulations to allow workers to take time off to care for sick family members, newborn babies and newly adopted children was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations panel.

**PREVIEW**

PAID FAMILY LEAVE, GLOBAL WARMING HIGHLIGHT ACTION BY SENATE PANELS

TRENTON - Several key Senate committees will convene here Thursday to consider issues of importance to the people of New Jersey such as paid family leave, global warming and regulation of self-styled foreclosure consultants.

SWEENEY-DORIA BILL BANNING SCHOOL DISTRICTS FROM HIRING LOBBYISTS

TRENTON - A bill sponsored by Senators Stephen M. Sweeney and Joseph V. Doria which would prohibit school districts from hiring registered lobbyists was approved by the Senate Education Committee today by a vote of 3-0.

There's a new candidate for State Senate Majority Leader: Stephen Sweeney.  The two-term Gloucester County Democrat has begun seeking support for the post, according to South Jersey political leaders familiar with Sweeney's plans.

Sweeney could be formidable, especially if South Jersey expands the size of the Senate Democratic Caucus.  Polls conducted by both parties show Democratic challengers leading incumbent GOP Senators in the first and second districts.  There are currently four Southern Democratic Senators in Trenton.

BURZICHELLI/SWEENEY BILL REINING-IN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PANEL BECOMES LAW
Measure Holds the Line on NJSIAA's High School Playoff Ticket Prices

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assemblyman John Burzichelli and Senator Steve Sweeney sponsored to enhance the ability of public schools - and, indirectly, parochial and privates schools - to tame some of the well-documented financial excesses of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) was signed into law today by Gov. Jon S. Corzine.

SENATE APPROVES SWEENEY MEASURE TO INCREASE PERMIT COSTS AND PENALTIES UNDER 'EXPLOSIVES ACT'

TRENTON - The Senate today approved by a vote of 36 to 1, a measure sponsored by Senator Steve Sweeney, which would increase the cost of permits for manufacturing, selling, transporting or using explosives under the "Explosives Act."

"The 'Explosives Act' wasn't aimed at targeting people who use fireworks during Independence Day parties or other celebrations, but instead it was meant to help stop would-be terrorists from using explosives to carry out their destructive plans," said Senator Sweeney, D-Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem. "This measure upgrades permit costs and penalties under the 'Act' to send a clear message that we are serious about stopping terrorism, and what we will do everything possible to keep explosives out of the hands of criminals and other people who plan to use them to do harm."

BURZICHELLI/SWEENEY BILL REINING-IN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PANEL HEADS TO GOVERNOR'S DESK
Measure Would Hold The Line On NJSIAA's High School Playoff Ticket Prices

(TRENTON) -- Legislation Assemblyman John Burzichelli and Senator Steve Sweeney sponsored to enhance the ability of public schools -- and, indirectly, parochial and privates schools -- to tame some of the well-documented financial excesses of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) was given final legislative approval by the Assembly today.

SENATE APPROVES SWEENEY MEASURE REQUIRING BACKGROUND CHECKS AT CHEMICAL AND INDUSTRIAL PLANTS

TRENTON - The Senate today unanimously approved a measure sponsored by Senator Steve Sweeney which would require independent contractors who currently work at or are being considered for employment at a chemical plant or industrial site in New Jersey to submit to a background check.

"The world events since September 11 have shown that we can never be too careful or take too many precautions when working to secure buildings and facilities from terroristic activities," said Senator Sweeney, D-Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem. "We cannot afford to compromise the health and safety of our residents by giving unauthorized people access to possibly dangerous facilities. If qualified contractors want to work at these sites, they must show that they can be trusted."