9th Legislative District Delegation Statement on the Passing of Assemblyman Alex DeCroce
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove released the following statement on the passing of Assemblyman Alex DeCroce:
“Our Delegation is deeply saddened by the passing of Assemblyman Alex DeCroce and we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.
“First and foremost, we knew Alex as a dedicated public servant. In these fiercely partisan times, Alex always conducted himself as a statesman and gentlemen for the betterment of the state.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Initiative to Assist Veteran-Owned Businesses Signed Into Law
Legislation (A-3308/S-2314) sponsored by Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove developed to provide assistance to veteran-owned businesses in the process of securing state contracts has been signed into law.
The 9th District Delegation’s initiative, entitled the “Veteran-Owned Business Assistance Act,” now enacted, states that the Department of Treasury shall encourage veteran-owned businesses to participate in State procurement and contracting.
9th District Delegation Urges Governor to Veto Controversial EMS Legislation
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove today wrote to Governor Christie asking that the Governor veto A-2095/S-818 which would revise requirements for emergency medical services delivery in New Jersey.
In their letter, the 9th District Legislative Delegation outlined their deep concerns regarding A-2095/S-818, specifically the costs involved in implementing the bill’s provisions and its negative impact on volunteer emergency service personnel.
9th District Delegation’s Coastal Evacuation Preparation Measure Passes Assembly
Legislation initiated by efforts undertaken by the 9th Legislative District Delegation more than five years ago to enhance New Jersey’s evacuation preparedness procedures was passed with strong support by the Assembly.
The measure (S-264/A-3224), sponsored by Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove, would implement recommendations made by the Coastal New Jersey Evacuation Task Force in its final report.
Assembly Passes Connors, Rumpf & Gove Measure to Assist Veteran-Owned Businesses in Securing State Contracts
The State Assembly today approved legislation (A-3308/S-2314) sponsored by Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove developed to provide assistance to veteran-owned businesses in the process of securing state contracts. The action taken by the Assembly today was to concur with the Governor’s amendments to the legislation which were proposed in February.
The 9th District Delegation’s legislation, entitled the “Veteran-Owned Business Assistance Act,” states that the Department of Treasury shall encourage veteran-owned businesses to participate in State procurement and contracting.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Highest Vote-Getters in State Legislative Elections
With final elections tallies in, 9th District Legislators Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove received the highest vote totals of any State Legislative candidate in either House for this year’s General Election.
According to election results provided by the New Jersey Division of Elections, Senator Connors received 31,601 votes while Assemblyman Rumpf and Assemblywoman Gove received 30,494 and 29,493 votes, respectively.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Announce Veterans’ Hospital Task Force Meeting Scheduled in Berkeley for 10/6
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove announced today that the recently established New Jersey Veterans’ Hospital Task Force will host its first meeting in Berkeley Township, Ocean County, at the Township Hall on Thursday, October 6 at 10:00 am.
Senator Connors and Assemblywoman Gove, both of whom serve on the Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committees of their respective House, will serve as legislative members on the Task Force.
9th District Supported Legislation on Coastal Evacuation Signed into Law
Legislation supported by Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf, both of whom were prime sponsors, and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove to prohibit the towing of trailers, and transportation of boats on public highways, while an evacuation plan is in effect during an emergency has been signed into law by Governor Christie.
The legislative initiative (S-255/A-854) was based on one of the 14 recommendations made by the Coastal Assembly Evacuation Task Force which was established under legislation sponsored by the 9th District Delegation. Assemblyman Rumpf served as Vice Chairman of the Task Force and was instrumental in the development of the recommendations published in the Task Force’s final report issued to the Legislature in May 2008. The Task Force hearing for Ocean County was held in Long Beach Township at which time Assemblywoman Gove who, while serving as Mayor at the time, provided testimony on evacuation procedures related to Long Beach Island.
Update on Cable/Telephone Deregulation Bill (A-3766/S-2664)
During caucus deliberations on the finalized State Budget, there was an interesting development not widely reported on regarding A-3766/S-2664, entitled the “Market Competition and Consumer Choice Act,” which would deregulate cable and phone services in our state and potentially lead to cost increases as well as the loss of consumer protections for ratepayers. More than 800 constituents have contacted our 9th District Legislative Office in opposition to this legislation in light of potentially sharp rate increases they can ill-afford during these extremely difficult economic times.
Behind closed doors at the State House, another attempt was made by supporters of the bill, both in the Legislature and in the business community, to have A-3766/S-2664 posted for a vote in the Senate at the 11th hour of the voting session prior to the Summer recess. Undoubtedly, this was done in the hope that the bill and the groundswell of public opposition to it would be overlooked, given all the attention that would be directed to the State Budget.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Sponsoring Legislation to Protect Privacy Rights of Accident Victims and Their Families
9th District Legislators Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove are supporting legislation to make it unlawful for first responders to disseminate photographs or video recordings of accident victims to the public without the consent of a victim, patient or their next-of-kin if the victim or person cannot provide consent.
Senator Connors is the prime sponsor of legislation (S-2891) in the Senate, while Assemblyman Rumpf and Assemblywoman Gove have joined as cosponsors on the companion bill (A-2274). The 9th District Legislators’ actions are in response to outreach from several constituents who have been affected by this issue, as well as first aid and emergency response personnel supportive of a State law to prohibit footage from accident scenes from being made available to the public without permission.
