TRENTON — Under fire for its nepotistic hiring practices, the Schools Development Authority would be eliminated under a new bill sponsored by Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips. The bill (A4908) would transfer the agency’s functions to the Economic Development Authority, which already provides the financing for school construction.

“This latest S.D.A. hiring scandal proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Trenton needs to take an entirely new approach to our school construction dollars. The S.D.A. has lost the trust of the people of New Jersey, and the taxpayers must be protected against further mismanagement and corrupt hiring practices,” said DePhillips (R-Bergen). “It is time for the Assembly to take up my bi-partisan legislation to abolish the S.D.A. and consolidate its functions within the E.D.A.”

The S.D.A. was created to manage the construction and improvement of schools in 31 of the state’s poorest communities; however, the E.D.A. has remained responsible for financing the construction projects. Currently, the S.D.A. is charged with managing almost $11 billion in school facilities projects in the former Abbott districts.

Recently, the S.D.A. has been at the center of scrutiny by both Republicans and Democrats for replacing 26 tenured staff with 38 extremely well-paid individuals, many of whom have questionable qualifications and personal relationships with Governor Phil Murphy’s top staff. The S.D.A. is also currently under investigation by the state’s Select Oversight Committee for the hiring of a former chief of staff who had been accused of rape.

“The E.D.A. has always retained its legal authority to finance school construction. Pure and simple, the S.D.A. is a duplicative agency that is not needed,” said DePhillips. “This good-government legislation will streamline this area of state government and save taxpayers millions of dollars.”

MORRIS COUNTY — March is Red Cross Month and the American Red Cross New Jersey Region asks people to be a hero for others by becoming a volunteer, learning lifesaving skills, giving blood or donating to #help1family on Red Cross Giving Day, March 27.

“During Red Cross Month, we are proud to recognize our volunteers who provide hope and urgent relief to families in need every day,” said Rosie Taravella, CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “These heroes are our neighbors who give blood, save lives with skills like first aid and CPR, offer support services to our military service members and their families, or provide care and comfort to families devastated by crises like home fires. We honor our volunteers and ask you to join them and make a difference.”

More than 75 years ago, March was first proclaimed Red Cross Month in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to raise awareness of the organization and its humanitarian mission. All U.S. presidents since Roosevelt have designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world through its workforce powered by more than 90 percent volunteers.

During March, several iconic New Jersey locations and landmarks will be illuminated RED to recognize Red Cross Month, including the Battleship New Jersey in Camden, the Prudential Center Marquee in Newark, and the New Jersey State House on March 18.

EVERY DAY, VOLUNTEERS HELP
Every eight minutes in the U.S., the Red Cross connects with a family who has lost everything to a home fire or other disaster—the roof over their heads, their clothes, their most cherished possessions. This past year was no exception—and the need continues today.

Last year, Red Cross volunteers helped millions of people reeling from a second consecutive year of record wildfires, hurricanes, tragic shootings and other large disasters across the country. More than 200 volunteer heroes from New Jersey deployed to other states to help deliver urgent relief and care in people’s darkest hours.

This winter, home fires continue to upend lives and Red Cross volunteers are there to help. In February alone, Red Cross volunteers assisted more than 500 people in 200 families affected by at least 66 home fires in New Jersey during the short month.

HOW YOU CAN HELP #help1family

• Become a volunteer: Help families affected by disasters and install lifesaving smoke alarms to keep neighbors safe from home fires. You can also provide emergency assistance for military members and veterans, or help reconnect families separated by international conflict.
• Give blood: Make an appointment to donate lifesaving blood or platelets.
• Learn lifesaving skills: Register for a class to learn first aid, CPR and other skills.
• Make a financial donation: On March 27—American Red Cross Giving Day—donate at redcross.org/givingday, uniting with thousands of people like you to help families during the first devastating hours of a disaster. Your gift can provide hope and urgent relief, like food, shelter and other essentials, for families who need it most.

New Jersey residents can help support the Red Cross while filing their 2018 NJ State Tax Returns. Donations can be made by checking box 64 on the NJ-1040 Form and entering Code 14 for the American Red Cross-NJ Fund.

People can find information about Red Cross Month events, volunteer opportunities, blood donation and other ways to support the work of the Red Cross by clicking here.

TRENTON — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials issued a Winter Weather Alert. Governor Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency and the NJ State Police issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction, both taking effect at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 3, due to the anticipated severity of the winter storm.

NJDOT is prepared and coordinating our response with our regional transportation partners to ensure the safety of all travelers. The Department activated our crews earlier today and has 2,500 plows and spreaders that are ready to clear State highways. The heaviest snow is expected overnight and into tomorrow morning, which may create challenging driving conditions for the morning commute.

The Department is reminding motorists:
· AVOID UNNECESSARY TRAVEL during the storm
· If road conditions deteriorate, GET OFF THE ROAD somewhere safe and wait it out
· Always STAY CLEAR of plows and spreading trucks. If they are behind you, let them pass
· DO NOT PASS between trucks that are in a plow formation
· Be patient and use caution
· Have a preparedness kit in your car with water, charged mobile phone, blanket, and snacks

Commercial Vehicle Travel Restriction
The restriction in New Jersey applies to the entire length of the following roadways:
· I-295
· I-76
· I-676
· I-195
· I-78
· I-80
· I-280
· I-287

The restriction DOES NOT apply to:

· New Jersey Turnpike
· Garden State Parkway
· Atlantic City Expressway

The commercial vehicle travel restriction in New Jersey applies to the following vehicles:

· All tractor-trailers
· Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks
· Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
· Recreational vehicles
· Motorcycles

In order for NJDOT and our regional and local transportation partners to safely and efficiently clear roadways of snow and ice, motorists need to Clear the Roads so We Can Clear the Roads.

NJDOT will deploy our Incline Package assets on I-280 and I-78 at Jugtown mountain (between Exits 7 and 11), which includes pre-positioning towing assets, NJDOT Safety Service Patrol (SSP) trucks, and coordination with New Jersey State Police.
NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs throughout the storm to provide updates. Once conditions improve, NJDOT will lift the Winter Weather Congestion Alert.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news and updates follow us on the NJDOT Facebook page or on Twitter @NJDOT_info.