Jon Stewart Calls Out Christie’s Special Election Hypocrisy

It make me yearn for the old fashion, good ol' days of New Jersey political corruption from days gone bye. You know, like when Chris Christie was busting all those corrupt "Soprano State" politicians prior to becoming governor!

From Talking Points Memo:

On Wednesday's episode of "The Daily Show," Jon Stewart shifted his focus to his native New Jersey, which lost longtime Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) earlier this week.

In the wake of Lautenberg's death, Stewart considered New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's (R) options to replace the deceased senator. The host doubted that Christie would opt for a special election, given that the outspoken governor disaparged the idea in 2009 because it would cost the state millions of dollars.

But it turns out that Christie had a change of heart, calling for a $24 million special election that left Stewart feeling nostalgic for his corruption-filled stomping ground.

"That is such a self-serving, corrupt abuse of power...I miss New Jersey so much," Stewart said, feigning tears.

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Statements on the Passing of Senator Frank Lautenberg

It came as a shock to me yesterday when I heard the news of U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg's passing at age 89. I knew he wasn't well but I didn't know he was as sick as he evidently was. He will be greatly missed.

(U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg)

Democratic gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Barbara Buono -

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Frank Lautenberg. Senator Lautenberg exemplified the American spirit and his commitment and devotion to the country he loved was unmatched. He always answered the call to serve – first as a soldier in the United States Army during World War II and later as Senator in the United States Senate representing the people of New Jersey. Senator Lautenberg always stood up for the principles he believed in and fought everyday to improve the lives of everyday New Jerseyans. Frank Lautenberg was an American hero and an icon in New Jersey, and he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Lautenberg family during this difficult time.”

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) -

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Senator Lautenberg’s passing. I have known Senator Lautenberg for decades and I have been honored to call him a colleague and friend. My heart and thoughts go out to his wife Bonnie, his children and grandchildren.

“Frank Lautenberg was a moral guidepost on so many critical issues. As a leader in the U.S. Senate, his impact was felt on some of the most important issues facing New Jersey and our nation. His work on issues like gun violence prevention, improving our nation’s transit systems and transportation infrastructure, making Americans healthier through anti-smoking initiatives, and rebuilding our state after the devastation of Superstorm Sandy will be recognized for generations. Senator Lautenberg’s dedication to public service was evident in everything he did from his military service, to his philanthropic work, to his time in the U.S. Senate. Frank Lautenberg’s life defined public service and what it means to live the American dream.

“Senator Lautenberg has been at the forefront of some of the most important movements to protect our environment, an issue critical to New Jersey and the nation. I witnessed his commitment to environmental stewardship firsthand when we worked together on legislation to address inequities in the Superfund system so we can better clean up toxic sites throughout the state. Senator Lautenberg and I also worked together to champion the issue of keeping our waterways clean and safe when we introduced the BEACH Act.

“Like all New Jerseyans, I am grateful for Senator Lautenberg’s service to our state and our nation. I will miss him deeply and I will do my best to continue working on the issues that were so important to both of us.”

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez -

 "I am saddened by the passing of my good friend, Senator Frank Lautenberg. I am proud to have called him a colleague, friend and ally.

Frank’s story was the American story. He loved his job and the people of New Jersey. People here counted on him to be on their side, and he always was.

For Frank, having founded a very successful company early in his career, giving back was at the very center of who he was. He was a man for New Jersey, one of the greatest of his generation and the last in the Senate to have served in World War II. The Senate was better for having had him a part of it.

From his landmark drunk driving law to the 21st Century GI Bill to the “Toxic Right to Know Law,” Frank fought for legislation that he believed in and would have a positive impact on New Jersey’s working families. He wanted everyone to have a chance at a better life. There’s no doubt that he loved New Jersey and he loved his country.

I know that all of us in New Jersey will miss him. However, I have no doubt that his work in the United States Senate will positively affect millions of New Jerseyans far into the future."

Congressman Rush Holt (NJ-12) -

“This is a personal loss as well as a loss for New Jersey and the country. I don't think there will ever again be anybody quite like Frank Lautenberg.

“Frank came from humble beginnings, and he never forgot that. The GI Bill sent him to Columbia University, and he always felt grateful for that and felt a need to pay back.

“Much will be said about his accomplishments: keeping trains and buses safe, promoting public health, safeguarding chemical plants, keeping cigarettes out of planes, and more. But what stands out in my mind is what Frank did to prevent drunk driving. As part of his transportation work, he established limits on blood alcohol levels. Today you could fill several football stadiums with people who are alive only because of Frank Lautenberg – and not one of them knows who they are.

“Frank was dogged; he was persistent. His colleagues in the Senate would sometimes laugh or smile about that: ‘Here comes Frank again to try to twist our arms.’ They liked him. Frank did his homework; he knew what he was talking about, and he just kept fighting.

“Frank and I worked together on a number of things, so I feel this loss very personally. Frank, we miss you, but your ideas and your legacy live on.”

Democratic State Party Chairman John S. Wisniewski -

“With the death of Frank Lautenberg, New Jersey has lost a powerful advocate of great integrity and the country has lost a person whose life embodied the American Dream. New Jersey’s loss is also a personal loss for his family and I wish to extend my condolences to his wife, his children and his grandchildren.”

“Raised in poverty in Paterson, Frank Lautenberg served his country in World War II, returned to become a titan of American business with the founding of ADP and then began a second career of public service in the United States Senate. Throughout his life, he used his position to defend the powerless and to create opportunities for those that society too often left behind.”

“It was in his work in the U.S. Senate on transportation issues that I truly came to know Senator Lautenberg. The Senator understood the value of our transportation network to New Jersey’s economy and quality of life and was dogged in his pursuit of transportation funds to improve and maintain our roadways and commuter rails. He understood that such infrastructure spending helped create jobs and bring people into the middle class. Senator Lautenberg was also a passionate voice in defense of our environment and against the scourge of gun violence in our country.”

“New Jersey has lost a giant.”

Monmouth County Democrats-

America has lost a public servant of historic proportions today. Frank Lautenberg spent his life dedicated to serving the people of New Jersey. He was a tireless champion who gave a voice to those without. A true Lion of the U.S. Senate, Frank Lautenberg commanded respect from both sides of the aisle. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and his dedicated staff.

Lautenberg, Menendez, Pallone Announce almost $2 Million to Sandy Hook for Storm Repair

Washington, DC —Today, Senators Frank R. Lautenberg and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area will receive $1,994,889 in federal aid to repair roads damaged by Superstorm Sandy.

"Superstorm Sandy devastated Sandy Hook—a treasured parkland that draws people from across New Jersey to enjoy its beaches and bike paths," said Senator Lautenberg, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and co-author of the Sandy relief legislation. "These federal funds will ensure that the roads going through Sandy Hook are rebuilt so people can once again access and take advantage of all that it has to offer. We'll continue fighting for New Jersey to make sure every square mile is rebuilt and restored to its prior beauty."

“Repairing and restoring Sandy Hook’s roadways is a critical part of New Jersey’s long-term recovery from Superstorm Sandy, as well as revitalizing the state’s $38 billion tourism industry,” said Senator Menendez, who helped lead the New Jersey delegation’s fight for federal Sandy relief. “Every day we are making progress in our recovery, but there is still much work to be done. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to make sure New Jersey gets the resources needed to come back better and stronger than before the storm.”

“Sandy Hook is a major driver of the tourism economy for the region and a lot of work needs to be done to get things back to pre-storm conditions,” said Pallone. “Sandy Hook is one of our area’s natural treasures, and this funding will help the rebuilding process.”

This federal grant is in addition to $3.5 million in aid sent to Gateway National Recreation Area in February as part of the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) program.

Each year, over 2 million visitors come to Sandy Hook, helping to fuel the local economy. Sandy Hook has been closed since the storm, but parts of the site are expected to open next month, and as repairs and relief work continues, additional parts of the park may open as well.

In a related story to the last post, the Buono for Governor campaign issued a press release earlier today highlighting an editorial that ran in yesterday's Daily Record titled "True costs of AshBritt deal could grow". The editorial goes into a little more detail about the circumstances behind Governor Christie's decision to issue a "piggybacked" no-bid contract to AsBritt Inc. for Hurricane Sandy related debris removal and Senator Lautenberg's recent letter advising the govern of FEMA's reimbursement concerns:

Here's what the editorial had to say:

Gov. Chris Christie says a lot of the right things about how government should be run efficiently and responsibly.

But, like most any other politician, he doesn’t always lead by example.

The governor has, for instance, railed against New Jersey’s plentiful authorities and agencies that past administrations have turned into patronage pits. Yet he’s been more than willing to push people with minimal credentials into jobs at the Port Authority, arguing among other things that because he had already gotten rid of so many more unqualified people there that it’s all good. Well, no, it isn’t.

The stench of the AshBritt debris removal deal also isn’t going away. After superstorm Sandy ripped through the state, Christie quickly signed on with AshBritt, “piggybacking” onto a Connecticut contract with the same company, which is another way of saying that New Jersey simply adopted the Connecticut deal without bothering to negotiate one of its own.

It was a no-bid operation, in other words, the kind Christie in the past has often found so offensive. The administration spin is that since the deal was the product of competitive bidding in Connecticut, that was good enough. The state was also operating with a sense of great urgency given the overwhelming storm damage, suggesting speed was of the essence.

But was it that important to get a deal in place that quickly? Several Shore towns chose to bypass AshBritt and strike separate deals on their own, reportedly at lower costs and without any great concerns about inferior work or delays. It also doesn’t help that Christie is friendly with former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, who advised Christie to sign up AshBritt because of that company’s work along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina. Barbour, however, just happens to be the founding partner of a lobbying firm that represents AshBritt. The chairman of that firm held a fund-raiser for Christie’s re-election in Virginia in February. Christie would frown on such cozy relationships if they involved other lawmakers and businesses.

Now comes word of a supposed warning from FEMA issued shortly after the AshBritt contract was sealed that federal reimbursements could be at risk because of the piggyback nature of the contract. That bit of news was delivered to Christie by U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg in a February letter.

Both the Christie and Lautenberg camps said the correspondence is merely routine, and considering the Democrat Lautenberg and Republican Christie have often been at political odds, it’s no surprise that Lautenberg may have simply wanted to give the threat a bit more juice than it really deserves.

It does, however, highlight one thing: the feds don’t view the state’s no-bid piggybacking onto the Connecticut deal as simply a convenient time-saver. Fact is, there were likely better deals out there that would have cost less, and help extend the overall reach of the Sandy aid. Some towns seem to have found those deals. And the more money unnecessarily poured into AshBritt, the less there is for other relief needs.

For Middletown, Costs Of Using No-Bid AshBritt Contact Could Be Costly

On Friday of last week the Newark Star-Ledger ran the story "FEMA warned Christie administration that AshBritt contract could jeopardize federal funding". The article stated that a letter was send to Governor Christie in February, by U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, advising him that FEMA officials had contacted his office to advise, that due to the Governor's use of a "piggybacked" no-bid contract to hire AshBritt Inc. for debris removal after Hurricane Sandy, the State and therefore local municipalities, were in jeopardy of losing federal reimbursement funds due to the fact that AshBritt may have overcharged for there services. FEMA found that towns that did not use Ashbritt for their clean-up needs, struck better deals with local debris removal firms than if the would have used Ashbritt, thus saving US taxpayer money.

For people living in the communities affected by Hurricane Sandy, like Middletown, this could be huge problem if they "piggybacked" onto the State's deal to used Ashbritt for their clean-up needs after the storm.

Many of these towns are expecting to be reimbursed up to 75% of the cost for debris removal  and are planning this year's budgets around this figure. Middletown for example just introduced its budget and is expecting to be reimbursed upwards of $3 million over the next couple of years from FEMA for storm related clean-up costs.

We are learning now however, that Middletown and other towns may not see reimbursements upwards of 75%, it could be far less, which in turn would wreak havoc with tax levys sometime this year and later down the road.

Buono Statement On Senator Lautenberg's Announced Retirement

"Senator Frank Lautenberg has committed his life to serving the state of New Jersey. As a veteran of World War II, a successful businessman and a five-term Senator, Senator Lautenberg has always exemplified what it means to be a public servant. New Jerseyans have been lucky to have such a distinguished elected official represent our state's interests in Washington and he will be sorely missed.


"During the next two years, I look forward to working with him to pass laws that will reduce gun violence and create jobs for New Jersey's middle and working class," said Senator Barbara Buono.

Cory Booker's Statement On Lautenberg's Retirement

From NJ.com

"Senator Frank Lautenberg has been a champion for the people of New Jersey for decades and his legacy of service will improve the lives of all American's for years to come,On a personal note, Senator Lautenberg has been a strong model of leadership and service to me since before I even considered entering elected office.More recently, as mayor he has been an invaluable partner in so many of Newark's recent accomplishments and successes. I look forward to continuing to work with him for the remainder of his term in senate and for many years to come."

Pallone Statement on Senator Frank R. Lautenberg’s Announcement

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement today commending U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg’s years of service to New Jersey and the nation upon his announcement of his retirement from the Senate:

Frank Lautenberg has been an extraordinary leader in the U.S. Senate and he has served as a moral guidepost on so many critical issues. He has had an indelible impact on some of the most important issues facing New Jersey and our nation throughout his tenure including gun violence prevention, improving our nation’s transit systems and transportation infrastructure, making Americans healthier through anti-smoking initiatives, and rebuilding our state after the devastation of Superstorm Sandy. From his military service, to his philanthropic work, to his time in the U.S. Senate, Frank Lautenberg has defined public service and what it means to live the American dream.

Senator Lautenberg has been at the forefront of some of the most important movements to protect our environment, an issue critical to New Jersey and the nation. I witnessed his commitment to environmental stewardship firsthand when we worked together on legislation to address inequities in the Superfund system so we can better clean up toxic sites throughout the state. Senator Lautenberg and I also worked together to champion the issue of keeping our waterways clean and safe when we introduced the BEACH Act.

I have peen proud to serve with Senator Lautenberg and even prouder to call him a friend. I look forward to continuing to work together in the coming months to continue to address the issues that are important to him and New Jersey. Like all New Jerseyans, I am grateful for his service to our state and our nation.

Lautenberg Announces That He Will Not Seek Reelection

The Star Ledger is reporting that U.S Senator Frank Lautenberg will not be seeking reelection in 2014. I suppose that the latest poll from Monmouth University that shows Cory Booker with a 15 point  lead over Frank Lautenberger may have had something to do with his decision not to seek reelection :

U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, a pugnacious and plain-spoken Democrat who has represented New Jersey for three decades, will not seek re-election to a sixth term next year.

“I am not announcing the end of anything. I am announcing the beginning of a two-year mission to pass new gun safety laws, protect children from toxic chemicals and create more opportunities for working families in New Jersey,” Lautenberg told The Star-Ledger. “While I may not be seeking re-election, there is plenty of work to do before the end of this term and I'm going to keep fighting as hard as ever for the people of New Jersey in the U.S. Senate.”

U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg waits for an elevator in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. today following a Democratic leadership luncheon. Lautenberg has decided he will not seek re-election in 2014.

The decision by Lautenberg, 89, who has been giving mixed signals for months, marks the end of a political era in New Jersey and one that is likely to set off a fierce primary battle as Democrats, including Newark Mayor Cory Booker, jockey for the rare open seat.

Lautenberg, who was a successful businessman, has been one of the Senate's most strident liberal voices over an approximately 30-year career, parrying with Democrats and Republicans alike on a broad array of domestic issues.

Read more.... Here 

Booker Announces His Intention To Run For Senate, Not Governor

In this video posted earlier today, Newark Mayor Cory Booker has announced that he will be finishing the work that he has started in Newark, which means that he will not be making a run for Governor next year against Chris Christie.

Instead, Booker has announced that he will run for the U.S Senate in 2014. Booker intends to run for the Senate seat currently held by Senator Frank Lautenberg.



This comes as no surprise to me, Cory Booker running for U.S. Senate has been one of the worst kept secret for the past couple of years. It has long been rumored that Booker has had his eye on Lautenberg's Senate seat, now it's official.

Gun Control Legislation: Frank Lautenberg Readies Bill In Wake Of Aurora Shooting

by Sam Stein - Huffington Post

WASHINGTON -- In the immediate aftermath of the shooting in Aurora, the debate over gun control policy has more or less centered on whether it's an appropriate time to even have a debate.

Senator Frank Lautenberg

But several lawmakers have demanded that the government not shy about tackling the legislative issue. Mayor Michael Bloomberg set the tone when he urged the two presidential candidates to outline their policies with respect to federal gun laws. And now, Sen. Frank Lautenberg's (D-N.J.) office is saying that he plans to reintroduce legislation that would curtail the ability of a shooter to fire at length without reloading.

"If reports are correct and a high-capacity gun magazine was used to commit these awful murders, Senator Lautenberg will absolutely renew his effort to limit the availability of this dangerous firearm attachment," Lautenberg's communications director Caley Gray told The Huffington Post.

Lautenberg, one of the most vocal gun control advocates in the Senate, introduced a bill to limit high-capacity magazines following the shooting of former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. The shooter in that instance fired his gun more than 30 times without having to reload. The bill went nowhere.

Early reports have suggested that the accused shooter in Aurora, James Holmes, also used a high-capacity magazine on his assault rifle. And that alone could breathe new political life into the New Jersey Democrat's legislative hopes.

Pallone, Menendez, Lautenberg Applaud CMS Decision to Qualify CHIP Parent Populations as “Newly Eligible” for Expanded Health Coverage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

New Jersey will receive enhanced federal funds for the health coverage expansion made possible by the Affordable Care Act 

WASHINGTON DC –Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today praised the decision of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to qualify New Jersey parents previously covered under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as “newly eligible” for the NJ Medicaid State Plan, thanks to the expansion of coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The new policy will enable New Jersey to receive increased federal funds to help cover parents beginning in 2014.

The Affordable Care Act will expand coverage to 32 million more people, and nearly half of that expansion will occur through the Medicaid Program. Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) determines the amount of federal matching funds for state expenditures for medical services under Medicaid. To prevent states from shouldering the costs of the expanding health coverage, in 2014, the Affordable Care Act ensures that the federal government covers 100 percent of the costs of individuals “newly eligible” for health coverage under Medicaid.  New Jersey had previously been paying 35 percent of the cost of providing health insurance for these parents.

“In order for New Jersey to ensure the health of our children, we must take steps to ensure that their parents are healthy too,” said Pallone.  That’s why I have advocated tirelessly to have these parents included as ‘newly eligible’ for Medicaid, which will help provide New Jersey with crucial additional funding to expand quality health care.”

“FamilyCare is critically important for the health of New Jersey children, as well as their parents, so I’m very glad that the federal government has recognized New Jersey’s past leadership in covering parents and ensuring healthy families,” said Senator Menendez, “As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, it was my priority as part of the Affordable Care Act to ensure that New Jersey received its fair share of federal reimbursement for having already covered this population, and this announcement of enhanced funding, including 100% federal funding for the first two years, accomplishes that goal.  Now these families can rest assured that they will be able to continue to receive the care they need.”

"This ruling is big win for New Jersey and another example of how the Affordable Care Act is working to benefit families in our state," stated Lautenberg.  "As New Jersey is struggling to pass a budget that upholds basic services for working families, this federal relief will ensure that thousands of New Jersey parents have access to affordable, quality health care."     

Lautenberg, Menendez, Pallone Call on President to Reconsider Plan to Close NOAA Sandy Hook Lab

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 14, 2012


WASHINGTON—One day after the Obama Administration released a budget plan that eliminates funding for the fisheries lab at Sandy Hook, U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), today called on the President to reconsider his decision to close the lab. The members vowed to work through the Congressional appropriations process to restore funding for this successful research facility.

"Today, the research that is performed at the NOAA lab produces vital information on marine species that serves as a foundation for our economy and jobs across the region," the Congress members wrote to President Obama. "We will work to prevent the closure of this facility during the upcoming appropriations process and we ask that you reconsider your position. The NOAA laboratory at Sandy Hook is a vital facility and maintaining it will allow the important scientific research that is performed in one of the country’s most unique and biologically diverse environments to continue."

A copy of the letter's text is below:


February 14, 2012


Dear Mr. President:

We are writing to express our strong opposition to the proposal in your Fiscal Year 2013 Budget to close the NOAA Fisheries Service James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory at Sandy Hook, New Jersey. The closure of this lab would have a negative impact on NOAA’s ability to carry out its mission and damage progress that has been made in fisheries-based scientific research.

The NOAA laboratory, dedicated in September 1961, was the first federal scientific laboratory devoted solely to research on marine recreational species. The opening of this lab reflected the importance of acquiring scientific information to support the sustainability of marine resources that are greatly important to coastal communities. Today, the research that is performed at the NOAA lab produces vital information on marine species that serves as a foundation for our economy and jobs across the region.

The NOAA laboratory at Sandy Hook performs critical research that not only supports New Jersey marine habitats, but also provides greater insight into the issues our nation faces in maintaining a clean and sustainable ocean environment. The decision to close the NOAA laboratory will put all of this critical research at risk and limit our understanding of how we can best protect the ocean environment and the ocean-based economy.

This past September, NOAA staff including Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries Eric Schwaab celebrated 50 years of important achievements made at the NOAA laboratory at Sandy Hook. Now, just a few short months later, your budget proposes to put an end to the important work that is done at the lab.

We will work to prevent the closure of this facility during the upcoming appropriations process and we ask that you reconsider your position. The NOAA laboratory at Sandy Hook is a vital facility and maintaining it will allow the important scientific research that is performed in one of the country’s most unique and biologically diverse environments to continue.

Senator Lautenberg, Congressman Pallone Call for Action to Eliminate Sudden Infant Death, Stillbirth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2011

New Brunswick, NJ –Senator Frank Lautenberg and Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. Monday stood with advocates, doctors and parents who have been affected by either a sudden infant death or stillbirth to call for action on legislation that would have a significant impact finding the causes, raising awareness about and preventing deaths that leave so many families with more questions than answers.

"There is no greater tragedy than when a parent loses a child – but when that child is an infant, the pain is unbearable," said Senator Lautenberg, "This bill will improve the way we collect data about these deaths so that researchers have the information they need, and it will provide families with the information and support they deserve. It's time to finally unravel the mysteries behind these deaths."

Every year, there are more than 25,000 stillbirths in the United States. Many of these deaths are the result of birth defects, infections, umbilical cord problems, and chronic conditions of the mother. However, there is no known cause for as many as half of all stillbirths, leaving many parents without explanations for their loss.

"No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child, especially without knowing why that child was taken from them so soon," said Pallone. "Our legislation works for a better chance at life for our nation's children and works to answer the questions parents face after they lose a child unexpectedly."

There are more than 4,600 sudden unexpected infant deaths each year and another 200 children between the ages 1 and 4 die without any obvious cause. Additional tragedies could be prevented if there were a better understanding of the deaths.

At the event, which took place at UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Pallone and Lautenberg stood with parents who have experienced a loss due to a sudden unexplained infant death as well as leaders in the medical profession from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and the SIDS Center of New Jersey who are on the forefront of preventing these deaths in children.

Lautenberg and Pallone Monday introduced legislation that will contribute significantly to better understanding the causes of these conditions. The Stillbirth and SUID Prevention, Education, and Awareness Act would:

• Expand current data collection activities to identify the causes of stillbirth and ways to prevent it in the future;
• Create a national public awareness and education campaign to educate women about the risk factors for stillbirth, educate women about the importance of prenatal care, and educate parents and caregivers about known SUID risk factors;
• Expand support services, such as grief counseling, for families who have experienced a stillbirth or SUID loss;
• Encourage states and local entities to complete scene investigations and autopsies to help determine causes of SUIDs;
• Expand child death review programs to review the circumstances surrounding infant and child deaths;
• Establish a national database to track SUID deaths and identify risk factors.

Lautenberg Stands Up for Everyday Families, Opposes Unfair Budget Deal

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) issued the following statement after voting against a deficit reduction deal that will cut trillions in funding for critical domestic programs:

“This legislation was a shakedown, not a compromise. Tea Party Republicans held our country hostage until their ideological demands were met, with little regard for what it will mean for the average American family. Our debt ceiling had to be raised – as was done 18 times under President Reagan and seven times under President George W. Bush – but it shouldn’t be done in a way that diminishes access to education and health care, a cleaner environment, or homeland security. Our country’s financial future must include a balanced approach of shared sacrifice; taking trillions from programs that help our children, seniors, and middle class, while asking for nothing more from the wealthy or corporations raking in record profits, is not the picture of a fair and democratic society. We must continue to work to reduce our deficits, but countries, like buildings, cannot be built from the top down without injuring the hope and morale of their people and destabilizing the strength of their foundations.”

NJ Senators, Congressmen Call on Administration to Reverse Decision to Drill Along East Coast

In letter to President Obama, Menendez, Lautenberg, Pallone and Holt cite Gulf oil spill as most recent evidence of risk to shorelines

WASHINGTON – Today, New Jersey’s two U.S. Senators and two of the state’s Members of Congress called on the Obama administration to reverse its announced plans to open up the East Coast of the United States to oil drilling. In a letter to President Obama, Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank Lautenberg and Reps. Frank Pallone (NJ-6) and Rush Holt (NJ-12) said the current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is only the latest example of the real risk drilling poses to coastal communities and the economies they support. Under the administration’s plan, drilling along the coast of Virginia could occur within 100 miles of the Jersey Shore and, eventually, drilling along the coast of Delaware could occur within 10 miles of New Jersey.

“In the wake of the tragic accident, loss of life, and pollution in the Gulf of Mexico from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, we are even more steadfastly opposed to any offshore drilling that could imperil the environment or economy of coastal New Jersey,” wrote the Members of Congress. “While we appreciate the White House’s announcement that no additional offshore drilling will be authorized until a full investigation of the accident is complete, we urge you to go further and reverse your decision on proposed new offshore oil and gas drilling for the outer continental shelf.

“The spill, and the conduct of companies like BP, raises serious concerns about expanding drilling to areas like the Atlantic seaboard. This catastrophe demonstrates exactly why no new drilling should proceed in any U.S. waters, and certainly not in the Atlantic. This incident exposes the many deficiencies in worker safety, blow out avoidance technology, and oil spill clean-up plans for operations in the outer continental shelf. We simply are not prepared to make our pristine Jersey shoreline the next test case for the oil companies’ experiment in how to maximize profits and minimize regulations.”

Read the PDF of the letter to President Obama >>> Here

Monmouth County to receive $1.2 million in federal stimulus money

In a press release just issued, the Monmouth County Freeholders have announced that the county will be recieveing $1.2 million from President Obama's economic stimulus package and is to be used for the prevention of homelessness in the county. The money will be dispersed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the emergency shelter grants program.

Deputy Freeholder Director John D'Amico, is expecting the the county will collect more funds from the stimulus package in the coming months based on the following qoute from the release.

"The county stands to benefit from President Obama’s economic stimulus package in many ways, not only are we in line for stimulus money to help prevent homelessness, but the county has a number of shovel-ready construction projects that are awaiting approval. These include bridge replacement and road resurfacing projects.”



Below is the text of the press release:

FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders received confirmation today from Sen. Frank Lautenberg’s office that it will receive $1.2 million from President Obama’s economic stimulus package for the prevention of homelessness in the county.

The money will be dispersed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the emergency shelter grants program. Typically, money from this fund is used to keep people in their homes by assisting with rent, relocation and utility bills.

“This is good news for Monmouth County, where despite our relative affluence we have a great many people who struggle on a daily basis just to get by,” Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow said. “That situation is only compounded by the economic downturn, placing additional pressure on our many nonprofit agencies that help prevent homelessness. This will be welcome news.”

“Just last month the county, in partners with our nonprofit agencies, conducted a program to help those who are homeless or who are facing homelessness,” said Freeholder Amy H. Mallet, liaison to the Department of Human Services. “The problem is very real for many county residents, and this money will go a long way toward helping those among us who are in need of assistance.”

News of the grant comes just days after the county received word that it would receive $810,000 from the Economic Recovery Act of 2009 for Community Development Block Grants. These grants will be dispersed among municipalities and nonprofits that do public services. Typically, they are dispersed among municipalities and nonprofits on a competitive basis.

Details of how the stimulus money in each of these grants can be appropriated has not yet been finalized and, therefore, exact use of the funds is still to be determined.

“The county stands to benefit from President Obama’s economic stimulus package in many ways,” Freeholder Deputy Director John D’Amico said. “Not only are we in line for stimulus money to help prevent homelessness, but the county has a number of shovel-ready construction projects that are awaiting approval. These include bridge replacement and road resurfacing projects.”

$500k To Help Business, Environmental Research in New Jersey

Press Release

Grants Will Help Spur Manufacturing, Study of Oceans and Shores.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) has awarded more than $500,000 to the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NJMEP) and the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. The NJMEP grant will help state-based manufacturers increase their productivity and the Marine Sciences grant will help support New Jersey Sea Grant Program.

“New Jersey is home to some of the country’s most innovative research facilities,” Sen. Lautenberg said. “With these funds, we can help increase productivity and innovation, even in these tough economic times.”

“The loss of manufacturing jobs in this country has been a major detriment to our economy, which is why support for the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program is so important. Helping to grow and bolster our manufacturing sector in New Jersey helps create jobs and spurs economic activity in our state,” said U.S. Senator Robert Menendez. “The Marine Sciences Grant will continue to support coastal management by putting research to practical use. This grant ultimately benefits future generations of New Jerseyans by preserving our natural resources as well as growing the economy of our coast communities.”

The two grants are as follows:

NJMEP: $139,965 to keep providing of services to manufacturers to aid them in growth, productivity and efficiency.

Marine Sciences Grant: $403,797 for New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium for their New Jersey Sea Grant program. The Sea Grant is a comprehensive research, outreach and education program that helps us better understand the oceans and costal zones, and how to use the resources they provide us.

Since September 2008, Senators Lautenberg and Menendez have announced more than $1.5 million in federal funding to help support New Jersey’s businesses.

Contact:
Lautenberg Press Office (202) 224-3224