Assembly Voting Session
On 2/9/2006

Budget Message Delay  The Assembly approved A-2288, which would extend the deadline for Governor Corzine to deliver his first budget address to no later than March 23. Although the budget address is typically delivered in February, traditionally the deadline has been extended for a new administration. The bill passed the Assembly 78-0 and is expected to be approved in the Senate.

NJSIAA  The Assembly passed legislation, A-2051, which would prohibit public schools from joining the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association if it charges “high” ticket prices for playoff games or increases broadcast liscensing fees. A-2051 would enforce the prohibition if NJSIAA raised playoff ticket prices by more than the regional consumer price index.The NJSIAA oversees sports competitions among 425 public, private, and parochial high schools in New Jersey.

The bill would also allow parents of high school athletes to attend their children’s NJSIAA tournament competitions free of charge. The bill passed 60 to 18. It now goes to the Senate.

Prepaid Lunches  A-370 (Chatzidakis, Bodine) would allow a board of education to establish a pre-paid lunch program for its school cafeterias. The bill would enable local school districts to offer an option to parents and guardians who want to ensure that their children receive more nutritious meals.

Similar legislation, S-338 (Bark, Allen), was released by the Senate Education committee on January 26. 

Assembly Education Committee
On 2/6/2006

Gang Violence Education  The Assembly Education Committee released A-1650, which would require school districts to provide elementary school students with instruction about the dangers of gang violence.  The instruction would be part of the school district’s effort to implement the Core Curriculum Content Standards in the area of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

 A-1650 is now in position for a vote by the full Assembly.