NJ Senate bill would neuter non-profit veterinary clinics

A bill introduced in the New Jersey Senate by Senator Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex) last week would require that non-profit veterinary services provide services only to animals that are owned by people who are receiving public assistance like food stamps, section 8 housing and welfare.

The bill also requires that all for profit veterinary corporations, partnerships or associations be owned only by licensed veterinarians.

S-297  was referred to the Senate Commerce Committee.  The Committee is scheduled to meet on January 27.

The Animal Welfare Association (AWA) said that if the bill becomes law their pet clinic and other non-profit pet clinics in New Jersey could not:

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What does Moody’s think about north Jersey casinos and Atlantic City?

TRENTON — A Wall Street rating agency said Tuesday a plan to expand casino gambling to north Jersey would be “bad news” for Atlantic City and could cause more casinos to close in the Jersey Shore resort. The report by Moody’s Investor Services came on the same day a bill was formally introduced in the state… Read the rest of this entry »

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Angelini blasts Democratic colleagues on her way out of Trenton

In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, the state Assembly still had business to do before the two-year legislative session expired — including saying goodbye to all the departing lawmakers. Most of the time, it’s nice words followed by contrite thank-yous from the about-to-be-former legislators. Not so this time, when the object of praise was Assemblywoman… Read the rest of this entry »

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Compromise Reached on North Jersey Casino Gambling Measure

Governor Chris Christie, Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto announced this afternoon that a compromised had been reached over two competing proposals to amend the New Jersey Constitution to allow casino gambling in northern New Jersey.

The compromise requires that, should New Jersey voters approve the proposed Constitutional amendment in November, that the new licensees be required to invest at least $1 billion in constructing new casinos and to impose a timeline on the licensees to build the new casinos.

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N.J. Dems’ controversial redistricting plan ‘dead for today’

TRENTON — A controversial proposal aiming to change the way New Jersey redraws its legislative districts will not be voted on Monday as state lawmakers gather for the final votes of the two-year legislative session, according to the measure’s top sponsor in the state Senate. Instead, state Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-N.J.) said, Democratic lawmakers pushing the… Read the rest of this entry »

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Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini Looks Back At Her Tenure in the Legislature

Mary Pat Angelini

By Mary Pat Angelini

On Monday my term serving in the NJ General Assembly will officially end. As I look back on my eight years in the Legislature, I’m proud of my legislative accomplishments and to have represented my constituents with honesty, integrity and personal accountability. I’m especially thankful that I was able to shine a light on issues that affect the more vulnerable segments of our society, including young people and individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental illness. I always felt that one of my duties as a public servant was to give a voice to those who are not always heard. Of course this was sometimes easier said than done, but I’m proud to say that I was able to make some tremendous headway.

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Bill to give DEP authority over waterfront access clears committee

TRENTON — With unusual lightning speed, a state Senate committee advanced a bill on Thursday that would give the state Department of Environmental Protection the authority to regulate waterfront access. The quick action by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee comes two weeks after a state appellate court panel concluded the DEP does not have the… Read the rest of this entry »

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N.J. Senate budget panel approves mandatory retirement savings plan

TRENTON — The state Senate budget committee has approved a bill creating a retirement program for private-sector workers without employer-sponsored plans. The bill ( S2831) would require employees with at least 25 employees that don’t already offer retirement accounts to offer the “Secure Choice” retirement plan. Smaller companies with fewer than 25 employees can opt in.… Read the rest of this entry »

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N.J. Assembly again fails to override Christie gun bill veto

TRENTON — For the second time this month, the state Assembly failed to corral enough votes to override Gov. Chris Christie’s veto of a bill that would involve police in deciding whether a person with a documented mental illness can get a gun permit. The Assembly voted 51-17 with nine abstentions, which count as no votes.… Read the rest of this entry »

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N.J. lawmakers takes action on surprise out-of-network medical costs

TRENTON — A state Assembly committee Monday approved legislation that would prevent consumers from getting surprise out-of-network medical bills that can saddle them with huge bills. The measure would require hospitals and doctors to disclose whether they are part of a person’s insurance network before treatment occurs. The bill was praised by consumer advocates and picked… Read the rest of this entry »

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