Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblyman Daniel M. Van Pelt that would establish a “Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs” program in the Department of Environmental Protection was approved today by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
“Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs” (HOFNOD) is a nationally recognized program developed by the Future Fisherman Foundation which has operated successfully in over a dozen states. The Legislators’ 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.
“This nationally recognized program is distinguished by a proven track record of steering children away from the deadly and self-destructive world of drugs and violence,” said Assemblyman Rumpf. “The establishment of this program within our state is deserving of greater consideration as New Jersey continues to combat an escalation of gang violence in its urban and suburban areas. The increasing severity of this alarming public safety issue is among the leading reasons why our legislation enjoys bi-partisan support from legislators representing areas throughout the state.”
The bill (A-283) 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.
“‘Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs’ is an innovative approach to combating drug use among children by introducing them to outdoor activities as a positive alternative to criminal involvement,” said Assemblyman Van Pelt, a member of the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee. “Civic values are taught in concert with instilling children with a better understanding of the environment. This type of instructional setting serves as an effective deterrent for children from a life of constant runs-in with the law in addition to teaching them about recreational activities, such as fishing, that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.”
Today’s actions follow approval by the Senate Environment Committee in late February of S-75, the companion measure of this initiative, sponsored by Senator Christopher J. Connors Presently, S-75 is awaiting consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Senator Connors, a lifelong sportsman and member of the Senate Law and Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, went on to say, “With its vast coastline and abundant streams and lakes, New Jersey offers the ideal location for this program to draw more participants and be an overwhelming success. For years, we have been staunch supporters of this program and firmly believe it is essential to be proactive in the effort to reduce drug use among children at an early age. Hopefully, the recent activity that has taken place in both Houses of the Legislature will lead to ‘Hooked-on-Fishing-Not-on-Drugs’ being among the State’s anti-drug initiatives.”
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June 13, 2008
