-- THURSDAY’S ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES -- CONSUMER PROTECTIONS, HIGHER EDUCATION REFORM, PRENATAL AND INFANT CARE TOP ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE AGENDAS (TRENTON) – Mid-year budget cuts, consumer protections, higher education reform and prenatal and infant care are among the topics scheduled for consideration Thursday by Assembly committees. The Assembly Budget Committee is expected to consider legislation (A-3650) sponsored by Assembly Budget Chairman Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden) to amend the state budget and implement Gov. Jon S. Corzine’s plan to offset state revenue shortfalls. “We’re living through historic events and we need everyone to rally together and share the pain.,” Greenwald said. “It’s about riding out this storm. No one is going to shoulder all of it, but we need everybody to pitch in.” The Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee will consider legislation (A-2230) sponsored by Assemblymen Nelson T. Albano, Matthew W. Milam (both D-Atlantic, Cape May/Cumberland) and Ruben J. Ramos Jr. (D-Hudson) to protect small children from tip-over accidents involving furniture and televisions. The bill is named Chloe and Samantha’s Law after two young girls who were killed when large televisions tipped onto them. “Each year thousands of people, primarily young children, are injured or even killed because of large furniture or television tipping over onto them,” said Albano. “This is smart and sensible legislation that would protect our young children from tragic accidents.” The panel will also consider a measure (A-2877) to protect against jewelry containing lead and mercury. The bill is sponsored by Assemblywomen Sandi Love (D-Gloucester), Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-Camden) and Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer) and Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester). It would prohibit in New Jersey the sale, distribution, import or manufacture of any jewelry that contains, is composed of or is made with lead or mercury. Love said she crafted the legislation (A-2877) after a 4-year-old Minneapolis boy died of lead poisoning from swallowing a tainted charm bracelet. “Buying a necklace or a charm bracelet shouldn’t bring about fears of lead and mercury poisoning, yet the health and safety of New Jerseyans are at risk,” said Love. “It’s time these harmful products are taken down from store shelves for good.” The Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee will consider legislation (A-2276) sponsored by Assembly members Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson) and L. Grace Spencer (D-Essex) that would require ATM operators to inform consumers when charging fees for balance inquiries. It will also consider legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Jack Conners and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) that would protect consumers from unknowing holds on their debit cards.The legislation (A-1874) stems from news reports that restaurants, gas stations, hotels, supermarkets and car-rental agencies are adding an extra $30 to $50 to a bill when customers pay by debit card and are freezing that amount for up to seven days to ensure payment. “Many consumers have found out the hard way about these so-called ‘hidden holds’ on their accounts when checks bounce despite having sufficient funds in their accounts,” said Conners (D- Camden/Burlington) “It is an unfair and deceptive practice that must be reined in.” The Assembly Health and Senior Services committee will hear from state Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard regarding her department’s prenatal care public awareness campaign. It will also weigh legislation sponsored by Greenwald and Assemblyman Douglas H. Fisher (D-Cumberland) sponsored to require the state include information about Shaken Baby Syndrome to new parents. According to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, 1,200 to1,400 children nationwide annually receive medical treatment for injuries attributed to being violently shaken by a caregiver. The Assembly Higher Education Committee will meet to consider legislation Assemblymen Patrick J. Diegnan (D-Middlesex) and Joseph Cryan (D-Union) sponsored that improve the structure, financing and fiscal management of New Jersey’s system of higher education. The bill (A-3245) aims to implement many of the recommendations contained in the October 2007 State Commission of Investigation (SCI) report “Vulnerable to Abuse: The Importance of Restoring Accountability, Transparency and Oversight to Public Higher Education Governance.” The report noted multiple instances where public funds were "vulnerable to waste, abuse and violations of the public trust." The Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee will consider legislation Assemblymen John McKeon (D-Essex), Al Coutinho (D-Essex) and Gordon Johnson (D-Bergen) sponsored to ensure members of local authorities live up to their public responsibilities while also making it easier for residents to put their names forward for appointment to a local board. To view agendas visit http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislativepub/calendar/011209.htm On the Net: www.assemblydems.com www.youtube.com/user/njassemblydems New Jersey Assembly Democrats on Facebook