PARSIPPANY — The Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee unanimously passed a bill (A1431), sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, that supports the growth of manufacturers in the state through education and workforce development.

DeCroce, a member of the Legislative Manufacturing Caucus, said the bill will help educators shape programs to meet changing workforce demands in the manufacturing industry.

“As the manufacturing industry grows and becomes more sophisticated, so does the demand for qualified and skilled employees. Our education programs need to evolve with the industry so that we can meet these new demands,” said DeCroce (R-Morris).

The bill requires the education commissioner to establish a list of industry-recognized credentials in the advanced manufacturing field and identify courses of study for careers in emerging manufacturing industries. County vocational schools, institutions of higher education, and the workforce development system will use this information to develop educational and training programs.

“Manufacturing jobs pay well and offer good opportunities for those looking to advance their careers,” said DeCroce. “We should be looking for ways to support this industry. For every $1 spent in manufacturing another $1.82 is added to the economy.”

Under the bill, the secretary of state must designate a manufacturing business liaison to assist companies through the Business Action Center to advertise their business and establish a business referral service. In addition, other state departments, agencies, board and commissions are to support the growth of manufacturing businesses by developing strategies to attract and expand businesses, creating technological opportunities and providing funding assistance.

According to the labor department, there were nearly 9,000 manufacturing businesses in New Jersey employing nearly 245,600 people in 2018. Employment is spread across food, chemical, computer and electronic products, fabricated metals and medical device manufacturers.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Office of Emergency Management and Office of Health Management, in coordination with officials in all 39 Morris County towns, school districts, and major healthcare providers, are closely monitoring the situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Officials across the county are working in concert with the state Department of Health and federal agencies to ensure they have the latest information to best deal with the virus. In particular, county officials are working closely with Atlantic Health and Saint Clare’s Health.

The Morris County Board of Freeholders is closely monitoring the situation through regular updates and has authorized county funding for needs related to this issue.

“County government, through OEM and the County Office of Health, is working to provide a unified, countywide response to this situation,’’ said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith. “We are coordinating with local health officials and hospitals to ensure they have the information, equipment, supplies, and personnel needed to deal with this situation.’’

“County residents should be assured that we are taking all necessary steps to be prepared to deal with this virus, if we should encounter it,’’ said Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo. “We are ready to support our municipalities and healthcare providers during this time.’’

• Morris County is working with health and medical professionals to take extra precautions at county government facilities, including the Correctional Facility, Juvenile Detention Center, Youth Shelter, and 9-1-1 Communications Center;
• The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is working in partnership with the Morris County OEM to support all operational activities.
• The Morris County Communications (9-1-1) Center has implemented call screening tools for emergency medical calls to identify potential COVID-19 cases at the time of dispatch, so first responders can be aware of relevant information and take appropriate precautions;
• The Morris County OEM will maintain additional levels of response equipment for use by schools or healthcare facilities.
• Morris County OEM’s Mobile Ambulance Bus will have added equipment on board capable of assessing large numbers of patients in connection with COVID-19, if needed.
• County OEM is encouraging EMS responders, physicians, and healthcare facilities operators to make early notifications to hospitals, allowing hospitals to be prepared for patient admission prior to arrival.

In addition, county OEM officials urge residents not to be alarmed if they see first responders wearing high levels of protective gear, such as masks, hoods, suits and respirators. Out of an abundance of caution, they may wear this gear for the safety of the patient and fellow responders.

The following are tips provided by the Morris County Office of Health Management (consistent with CDC recommendations) to protect yourself and others from respiratory infections, including the coronavirus (COVID-19):

• Stay home if you are sick;
• Limit close contact with people who are sick;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
• Avoid handshakes. Try an elbow bump;
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol;
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces;
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands);
• Get a flu shot to prevent the flu if you have not done so this season.

Residents are asked to avoid rumors and some less-than-accurate reports about this virus. Keep informed by obtaining information from trusted and reliable sources, including the CDC, NJDOH, and their local health departments:

Click here for CDC’s COVID-19 website.

Click here for N.J. Department of Health COVID-19 website

NJ COVID-19 Information Public Call Center: 1-800-222-1222.

PARSIPPANY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce today announced her introduction of the “NJ Lake Aid for Algal Blooms” legislation, providing funding streams to lake communities devastated by harmful algal blooms (HABs), such as Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake, for prevention programs and dollars to satisfy matching-fund requirements.

“My bill will allow constitutionally dedicated corporate business tax (CBT) revenues in the “Watershed Management Fund” to be used for grants to local governments to fund sewer and stormwater infrastructure projects that reduce pollution pouring into waterways – a key cause of the HABs. The bill also will explicitly allow these grants to be used as matching funds for other state and federal grant programs designed to keep lakes clean.” said Assemblywoman DeCroce.

The NJ Lake Aid for Algal Blooms legislation, A-2864, also will allow constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues in the “Preserve New Jersey Green Acres Fund” to be used for grants to local governments to fund projects, for the development of lands for recreation and conservation purposes, undertaken for the management of and maintenance of lakes and reservoirs with the aim of preventing or mitigating HABs. The bill explicitly allows municipalities to use Green Acres funds for these purposes. The bill also allows these grants to be used as matching funds to secure grants from other state and federal sources.

HAB outbreaks that began last spring prompted state warnings against people entering dozens of New Jersey lakes, devastating local summer economies, particularly around Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake. In November, the state announced it will make available $13 million statewide for towns and counties to put toward HAB remedial efforts, but the program requires they pay 50 percent in matching funds, which is difficult for cash-strapped lake towns.

“A town like West Milford on Greenwood Lake is already capped at what they can generate from local taxes because the 2004 Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act has prevented any ratable expansion there,” said Assemblywoman DeCroce. “Even Lake Hopatcong communities are impacted by some Highlands restrictions, so satisfying matching-grant requirements is nearly impossible. This legislation provides direct grants for lake protection and clean-ups, as well as money to put up toward machining grants.”

The Assemblywoman warned that HABs are certain to re-emerge if action is not taken quickly.

“Our lake communities cannot suffer another summer like last year,” said Assemblywoman DeCroce. “I still believe the state must provide the millions of dollars in annual funding needed to keep state-owned lakes, such as Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake, clean and healthy. But until that happens, the “NJ Lake Aid for Algal Blooms” bill can offer some financial relief.”

PARSIPPANY — Representative Sherrill (NJ-11) today announced that Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey will receive $147,000 in Senior Corps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency for volunteering and service.

This award will support 215 local Senior Corps volunteers and will expand Senior Corps’ presence in the Northern New Jersey.

“Service Corps allows members of our community 55 and older the opportunity to give back, stay engaged, and make a difference in our towns,” said Representative Sherrill. “This federal funding will allow Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ to continue their excellent work engaging our community members of all ages and abilities in a way that brings meaning to their lives and the lives of those they serve.”

“This grant represents the continued commitment to the importance of giving back to the community,”said Stephanie Grove, RSVP Director, Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ. “We are so thankful for the opportunity to engage older adult members of the community in meaningful service.”

“Thank you Representative Sherrill for recognizing the important work that JFS is providing. This funding supports our agency’s mission and allows us to provide innovative and outstanding social services to enhance the independence and well-being of individuals and families throughout all stages of life,” said Diane K. Squadron, PsyD, Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ.

The funds were awarded as part of a Senior Corps grant competition to increase the impact of national service in new or specific geographic areas. Through Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey, Senior Corps volunteers will Increase literacy in elementary school children; provide Medicare counseling to Medicare beneficiaries; Decrease isolation in older adults in the community; and support the capacity of over 30 non-profits in Essex and Hudson counties.

Each year, Senior Corps engages approximately 220,000 Americans 55 and older through its Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and RSVP programs – all addressing some of the nation’s most pressing challenges – everything from fighting the opioid epidemic, reducing crime and reviving cities, connecting veterans to jobs and benefits, preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs, ensuring seniors age independently and with dignity, and helping Americans rebuild their lives following a disaster.

Senior Corps opens doors for Americans who might not otherwise have the opportunity to serve their community due to financial or other barriers. Open to adults age 55 and older with incomes up to 200% of the poverty line, Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions are unique among volunteer programs as it allows the women and men serving to earn a small stipend. As a result of the increased appropriations provided by Congress in Fiscal Year 2020, CNCS will be able to raise the stipend for the first time since 2002.

While serving, Senior Corps volunteers also improve their own lives, staying active and healthy through service. A growing body of research points to mental and physical health benefits associated with volunteering, including lower mortality rates, increased strength and energy, decreased rates of depression, and fewer physical limitations. Findings from a recent CNCS study show that Senior Corps volunteers serving with the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs report feeling significantly less depressed and isolated, along with higher health scores.

Senior Corps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which engages millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service each year through its Senior Corps and AmeriCorps programs and leads volunteer and civic engagement initiatives for the nation. For more information click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti today announced the annual statewide campaign to repair potholes across New Jersey will begin on Wednesday, March 4.

Potholes are created by water seeping into cracks in the asphalt and freezing. Although this winter has not seen much snow, we have experienced a significant amount of rain and freezing rain.  When combined with the fluctuating temperatures it has resulted in many potholes on state highways.

“NJDOT crews work year-round to repair potholes and keep our highways in good condition, but at this time of year it becomes our primary focus. We are launching the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s annual pothole campaign on Wednesday, March 4,” Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti said.

To deal with potholes in the most aggressive and efficient manner, the Department will be allowing crews throughout the state to close travel lanes where necessary during daytime hours.  Where possible, crews will limit their daytime work hours to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will try to avoid working in travel lanes carrying traffic in the peak direction during peak times.

It is important to slow down in work zones so NJDOT crews can safely make repairs. New Jersey’s Move Over law requires motorists to move over if it is safe to do so when they approach an emergency or service vehicle stopped on the side of the road.

As the weather warms up and asphalt plants reopen, our crews will start to perform permanent patch operations on particularly problematic sections of roadway. This is more extensive work that includes milling and paving a small area of the road, and generally will be done overnight.

In the past five fiscal years (FY15 – FY19), NJDOT has repaired on average 217,645 potholes per year. So far in FY20 (July 1, 2019 – February 29, 2020), NJDOT has repaired about 116,025 potholes, with the busiest pothole repair season just starting.

NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs to alert motorists of the campaign and, to the extent possible, of lane closures that could result in temporary travel delays. Detailed current repair locations will be posted on a continual basis on www.511nj.org.

In addition to our crews monitoring and reporting potholes that need repair on state highways, we encourage motorists to report potholes as well.  Motorists may call 1-800-POTHOLE or click here  convenient form on our website to report potholes on state roads. To report potholes on county roads, contact the appropriate jurisdiction.  The Department responds quickly, especially to reports of potholes that create safety concerns based on their size and location.