Legislative Roundup: Bill Would Require Program for State Vets
The Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee has released bills to make it easier for veterans to obtain services. The committee held hearings in concert with the Assembly Women and Children Committee.
Co-sponsored by Pamela Lampitt, D-Camden, and Troy Singleton, D-Burlington, the bills establish a program in which the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs provides assistance for qualified veterans in inpatient and outpatient treatment programs to travel to various counseling programs within the state.
Many veterans are unable to take advantage of helpful treatment programs in New Jersey because of the difficulty in arranging transportation, Lampitt said.
This bill will promote transportation assistance to veterans in order to ensure our veterans have the access to quality care they deserve.
Under the bill, the department would develop in cooperation with NJ Transit a transportation program without bus or train fares.
The legislation also directs NJ Transit to cooperate with the department to bring about the program.
Another measure requires the Adjutant General to create a public website with information specifically for female veterans.
We know that dedicated programs and information to assist female veterans returning from service can prove extraordinarily helpful in helping female veterans transition to civilian life, the assemblywoman noted.
A website for female veterans would be a comprehensive source of information, Singleton said.
Bill targets vacant homes
An Assembly panel has approved a measure to speed up the foreclosure process for some vacant homes.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Angel Fuentes, D-Camden, targets abandoned properties that are the subject of uncontested foreclosure. In qualifying cases, it would allow a sheriffs sale of a property within 90 days of the initial notice to foreclose.
Too many neighborhoods have suffered due to needless red tape, said Fuentes. This bill does the right thing for all involved.
The measure was approved Thursday by the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee.
Madden honored
Sen. Fred H. Madden, D-Gloucester, was honored Oct. 17 as Outstanding Legislator of the Year by the New Jersey Society for Environmental, Economic Development.
Madden was cited for his work to keep New Jersey competitive and his leadership in solving the states Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund crisis.
Madden, chair of the Senate Labor Committee, received the award at the organizations 2014 Economic Summit in Atlantic City.
The success of our states economy is dependent upon working together to promote sound and balanced policies that will ensure that businesses thrive and that workers are protected, said Madden.
College debt
An Assembly panel Thursday approved seven more bills out of a larger 20-bill package aimed at addressing factors that prevent college from being cost-effective.
Assemblywoman Celeste Riley, D-Gloucester, co-sponsored the 20-bill package in March to address issues such as college readiness, completion rates, cost, data collection, accountability, and pathways to success, among other things.
Seven bills have received approval by the full Assembly.
