Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblyman Daniel M. Van Pelt that would establish a program within the Division of Fish and Wildlife to encourage children to avoid drug use was approved today by the full Assembly.
The 9th District legislators’ legislative initiative is modeled on “Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs” (HOFNOD), a nationally recognized program developed by the Future Fisherman Foundation which has operated successfully in over a dozen states. The Connors-Rumpf-Van Pelt bill would establish a program in each county within the state to be overseen and coordinated by the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife.
“To prevent drug use among minors, our Delegation is advocating for our state to utilize a nationally recognized program that promotes outdoor activities to develop positive life skills, ” said Assemblyman Rumpf. “‘Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs’ is the flagship educational program of the Future Fisherman’s Foundation. As a nationally recognized program, it is widely used in more than 30 states and has developed a reputation for serving as an effective deterrent against drug use among children and teenagers.”
“‘Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs’ offers an innovative approach to teach children a broad array of civic values, including respect for their community and the environment, as alternatives to a life of drug or alcohol addiction,” said Assemblyman Van Pelt, a member of the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee. “One of the most impressive aspects of the Program is that it can be offered through various forms, such as after school programs or church activities. Based on its success in states throughout the country, the ‘Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs’ program will serve as an effective tool in New Jersey’s overall anti-drug effort.”
The legislation (A-3379) establishes the program’s funding source as the Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund. This is a statutory account established to receive fines and penalties from convicted drug offenders that are used to support State authorized drug and alcohol abuse abatement programs.
Senator Connors, a lifelong sportsman and member of the Senate Law and Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, went on to say, “As demonstrated by the pilot program launched in Ocean County several years ago, New Jersey is an ideal setting for this Program given its considerable natural resources consisting of a vast coastline and extensive array of state parks. In addition to bipartisan sponsorship in the Legislature, the program has the support of various recreational organizations in the state. This is critical because the success of the program relies, in a large part, on the efforts of volunteers who offer their valuable time and knowledge in acting as instructors and mentors.”
The New Jersey Department of Environment Protection also supports the Delegation’s initiative, which now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Link to Post:
Similar Posts:
- Connors-Rumpf-Van Pelt “Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs” Clears Agriculture Committee
June 12, 2008 - Connors, Rumpf & Van Pelt Enlisting Local Support for State Hearings on Barnegat Bay Estuary Program
October 23, 2008 - Governor Signs Connors, Rumpf & Van Pelt Senior Community Age Restriction Legislation Into Law
September 8, 2008 - Kyrillos Calls for Special Session for Economic Development Bills
July 21, 2008 - Kyrillos: PNC Bank Arts Center’s Security & Programming Must Be Strengthened
April 22, 2008
