Upendra Chivukula

ECONOMIC STIMULUS BILL PASSES ASSEMBLY
Would Place Moratorium on Nonresidential Development Fee,
Expand Transit Hub Tax Credit, Fuel Redevelopment,
Allow Colleges to Partner with Private Firms To Build Infrastructure

(TRENTON) - The General Assembly today passed landmark legislation that would take a broad approach to jumpstarting local economic development projects and creating new jobs by maximizing New Jersey's federal stimulus investments and promoting growth and development efforts vital to repositioning the state for long-term prosperity.

CHIVUKULA / WATSON COLEMAN BILL TO SPUR PRIMARY CARE SERVICES IN UNDERSERVED AREAS HEADS TO GOVERNOR

TRENTON) – Legislation Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula and Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman sponsored to expand a state program that helps repay the loans of new doctors who open primary-care medical practices in underserved areas was approved by the Assembly recently and sent to Governor Jon S. Corzine’s desk for his signature to enact it into law.

“Expanding the availability of crucial primary care in chronically underserved areas would be a significant improvement for both doctors and patients across New Jersey,” said Chivukula (D-Somerset). “Expanding the loan reimbursement we already provide doctors to dentists and nurses can create the incentives needed to grow the medical community and focus efforts on communities that will most benefit.”

CHIVUKULA / GREENSTEIN / LAMPITT BILL EXPANDING INNOVATION ZONES APPROVED BY ASSEMBLY

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly members Upendra Chivukula, Linda Greenstein, and Pamela R. Lampitt to codify the state’s innovation zone program and expand the boundaries of a zone intended to promote technological growth near universities and hospitals was approved today by the Assembly.

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ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATS WELCOME HOME THE 50TH INFANTRY BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM

(TRENTON) - Assembly members Jack Conners, Annette Quijano, Upendra J. Chivukula, Linda Stender, Wayne P. DeAngelo and Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman today issued a multimedia package expressing their warm welcome home to the New Jersey National Guard members of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (50th IBCT).

The nearly 3,000 soldiers who volunteered to serve in Iraq were honored today during ceremonies in Trenton.

The return of the 50th IBCT marks the end of a one-year deployment to Iraq - the largest New Jersey National Guard deployment since World War II.  While deployed, the unit played a pivotal role in transferring authority of Baghdad's "Green Zone" back to Iraqi forces and were responsible for the humane treatment of more than 20,000 detainees throughout Iraq.

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DIEGNAN/CHIVUKULA/RAMOS ON NEW LAW HELPING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

Measure Gives Gas Station Franchise Owners Right of First Refusal if Franchise is Sold

(TRENTON) - Assemblymen Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr., Upendra J. Chivukula and Ruben J. Ramos, Jr. today issued a multimedia package on legislation signed into law by Governor Jon S. Corzine designed to help small business owners who operate a gas station franchise.

Under the new law (A-3726), the owner of a gas station franchise - typically a big oil company - is prohibited from selling or transferring any franchise operated by a small business owner for at least three years without first giving the current owner the option to purchase the franchise or the right of first refusal to match any offer made to purchase the franchise.

CHIVUKULA / OLIVER / GIBLIN BILL TO ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT, EXPANSION IN NJ TECH FIRMS ADVANCES

Measure Would Expand Existing Technology Incentive Program To Put NJ Back on the Vanguard of Technology Development

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly members Upendra J. Chivukula, Sheila Y. Oliver and Thomas P. Giblin sponsored to enhance the incentives offered to individuals and businesses that invest in the state’s technology sector was released by an Assembly committee today.

“New Jersey has a long history of being a hub for technological innovation and advancement,” said Chivukula (D-Somerset), a member of the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee. “This enhanced investment incentive will ensure we continue writing new chapters of that history.”

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TELECOM & UTILITIES PANEL TO TAKE TESTIMONY ON 2-1-1 TELEPHONE INFORMATION NETWORK

(TRENTON) – The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee will take testimony Thursday from invited guests on the development of a statewide 2-1-1 telephone information network.

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ASSEMBLY CELEBRATES ASIAN HISTORY MONTH

Celebration Commemorates Significant Contributions of Groups, Individuals

(TRENTON) - Assembly Democrats today issued a multimedia package commemorating the chamber's celebration of Asian History Month - a time to reflect and remember the individuals and groups that have contributed to the betterment or advancement of Asian Americans in New Jersey.

State Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Red Bank) spent Saturday night in Jersey City, where she attended a fundraiser for Mayor Jerramiah Healy's slate, Team Jersey City. Beck was a guest of Paul Parmar, a friend who was honored at the fundraiser, which raised money from the South Asian community.  U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone co-hosted the fundraiser, which was chaired by lobbyist/Jersey City Housing Authority Commissioner Raj Mukherji.  Parmar, who was being recognized for his philanthropy, called Beck up to say a few words.  The Republican Senator spoke briefly and did not mention Healy, who is also the Hudson County Democratic Chairman.

THREE ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATIC RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES BECOME LAW
 
(TRENTON) - Gov. Jon S. Corzine today signed into law three Assembly Democratic measures designed to improve energy efficiency, expand solar and wind energy production and promote solar energy usage in new homes.