Beck, O’Scanlon & Casagrande: Thrilled at the News that Sean Goldman Is Finally Coming Home
The 12th District Legislators are thrilled with the recent announcement that Brazil’s top justice announced his decision that Sean Goldman should be returned to his father, David Goldman. Below is a statement from Senator Jennifer Beck, Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, who have advocated on David Goldman’s behalf in his on-going struggle to bring his son home after he was abducted by his Brazilian mother in 2004 and taken to Brazil:
“This most recent decision by Brazilian Chief Justice Gilmar Mendes is the culmination of years or hard work and struggle by so many people especially David Goldman and Rep. Chris Smith, who took on David’s mission as his own. It’s so heartening to see that justice is being served and that David will soon have his son home after so many years without him.
Cardinale Says Pascack Valley Hospital Should Be Allowed to Create Jobs, Lower Health Costs
Senator Gerald Cardinale, R-Bergen, said the state Health Department should stop playing politics, help consumers and boost the economy by letting Hackensack University Medical Center re-open Pascack Valley Hospital.
“The most vocal opponents of Pascack Valley are well-paid executives of hospitals that don’t want a competitor cutting into their profits,” Cardinale said. “Consumers know competition is the best way to improve quality and lower the cost of health care in their communities.”
Kyrillos Pleased that Abducted Child Closer to Coming Home from Brazil
Father Waged 5-Year Custody Battle
Senator Joseph Kyrillos (R-Monmouth) issued the following statement today after a Brazilian court ruled that David Goldman’s son be returned to him after a 5-year custody battle. Goldman has been seeking custody of his son, Sean, who was taken to Brazil in 2004 by his now deceased mother and never returned. Lawyers on both sides agreed there is still a chance for the Brazilian family to appeal, though the chances of success are slight.
“I am pleased, that after 5 years, Brazil’s Chief Justice has decided to do what is morally and legally right, based on the tenets of the Hague convention. Now Sean Goldman is one step closer to being returned to the loving arms of his Dad, his only living parent. This has been a long time coming, and I am overjoyed for David, Sean and the entire Goldman family.
Pennacchio Thanks Franklin Templeton for Listening, Giving Parents a Break
Senator Joe Pennacchio congratulated Franklin Templeton Investments on its announcement of a more than 50 percent reduction in fees to parents who invest in the NJBest college savings plan. Franklin Templeton manages the state plan.
In April, Senator Pennacchio was the first state legislator to call attention, through news releases and with questioning during Senate hearings, to a Morningstar report that ranked NJBest as one of the five worst 529 college savings plans in the nation. Morningstar said the fund had high fees and overly risky investment choices. Senator Pennacchio’s crusade for working parents included meeting with Franklin Templeton representatives, who promised him they would come up with a better plan and institute it as soon as it could get it through the state bureaucracy.
Cardinale Urges Halt to Demolition of Prison Until Camden Jail Overcrowding Addressed
Senator Gerald Cardinale, R-Bergen, urged a halt to the demolition of the Riverfront State Prison, New Jersey’s most modern correctional facility, until Camden County has come up with a strategy for dealing with the severe overcrowding of its jail.
“I learned on Thursday that the Camden County has approximately 1,100 people confined in a jail designed for 400 inmates,” Senator Cardinale said. “Clearly, it is simply wrong for the advocates of demolition to argue that this prison’s cells are unneeded.”
Five Republican Senators Pledge Their Support for Civil Union Reform
Five Republican senators today said that it’s unlikely that a bill redefining marriage can pass the Senate and asked their Democratic colleagues to join them in a bipartisan effort to strengthen New Jersey’s civil union law. The five said that while they can’t support the Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act (S-1967), they will work to ensure that New Jersey civil union law is enforced and provides all rights and benefits that legislators intended.
“Moving testimony in Senate hearings suggests that New Jersey’s civil union law is not always understood or followed,” Senator Tom Kean said. “We need to educate the public about the law, and enhance it if necessary so that no civil union partner is turned away from the hospital bed of a loved one.”
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Congratulates Paula Dow on Nomination as Attorney General
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean congratulated Paula Dow on her nomination as attorney general, and praised Governor-elect Chris Christie for the selection of a well-respected, experienced prosecutor as his first pick for a Cabinet-level appointment.
“Paula Dow stands out even among the many talented New Jersey lawyers qualified to fill the post of attorney general,” Senator Kean said. “I applaud both the governor-elect for his choice in this key nomination, and Paula Dow for her willingness to serve the people of New Jersey.”
Connors & Rumpf Veteran Rental Assistance Initiative Passes Senate
Legislation (S-2182) introduced by Senator Christopher J. Connors and Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf (both R-Ocean/Burl./Atl.) that would require a portion of tenant-based assistance vouchers under the State Rental Assistance Program be reserved for grants to veterans was passed by the State Senate.
“The changes to the State Rental Assistance Program provided for under our legislation would expand the state’s efforts to veterans who are struggling financially by helping them obtain housing that is affordable,” said Senator Connors who currently serves on the Senate Law and Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Committee. “By establishing this requirement solely for veterans, we can ensure that a greater number of those who have served our country in the Armed Forces will receive the housing assistance offered under this existing program. With its bipartisan sponsorship and today’s overwhelming support shown in the Senate, our Delegation sincerely hopes this measure will remain a priority in the Lame Duck Session and ultimately be signed into law.”
Bateman Wins Senate Passage of Bill Requiring Notification of Contaminated Soil at Schools
The Senate today passed a bill that would require that districts notify parents within 10 days when soil contaminated with pesticides or other chemicals is discovered at a school. Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, R-District 16, was a primary sponsor of Senate Bill 480 (Assembly Bill 1072).
“Administrators should let parents know immediately if there is a health risk present on school grounds,” Senator Bateman said. “This bill will make sure that parents are alerted to the risk and are informed of the steps being taken to prevent children from coming in contact with contaminated soil.”
Bateman Bill Giving Public Access to School Audits Clears Senate
Senator Christopher (Kip) Bateman, R-District 16, said he is pleased that the Senate unanimously passed his legislation requiring that state agencies release any report resulting from a school district audit within 30 days of completion.
“When taxpayers pay for a study or an audit, they should have the right to see it as soon as it is completed,” Senator Bateman said. “Keeping such information secret only contributes to a growing distrust of government.”
Senator Kip Bateman speaking during the Senate session on December 10, 2009.
