Budget Initiative begins We will be working to get factual information out to legislators and the public on what kinds of supports families need through the various state programs that promote the above recommendation—i.e. Real Life Choices, Family Support and Transition. And, to the degree that we are able, we will be assisting those individuals and families that come to us for help in participating in the budget advocacy process by providing them with information about that process, and by helping them identify and access their public representatives. The Council will help with individual and family costs associated with participation in the process—such as personal care, child care and transportation—and dissemination of appropriate materials and information. If you are a family member of someone with a developmental disability and would like to participate in the budget process, contact us at info@njcdd.org Put "Budget Initiative" in the subject box.
New Jersey Young Activists for Change Constitutional
amendment to remove the words "idiot and "insane" At issue is Article II, Section I, regarding elections and voting. Paragraph six of the section states that, "No idiot or insane person shall enjoy the right of suffrage." The same phrase appears in Title 19:4-1 of the State Statute. In response, Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) introduced a concurrent resolution (SCR 134) that would amend the constitution and a bill (S 2476) which would change the language in the State Statute. The amendment would change the wording to: "The offensive language would be replaced by the phrase "person who has been adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to lack the capacity to understand the act of voting." The legislation was drafted by Monday Morning in conjunction with the Department of the Public Advocate, the Office of Legislative services and Sen. Codey’s office. The legislation was referred to the Senate State Government Committee, which held two public hearings. The measures were unanimously approved by the committee, after hearing testimony from many advocates with disabilities. All members of the committee signed on as co-sponsors. On February 22, SCR-134 was passed, 36-0, by the full senate. S-2476 still needs to go before the full senate for a vote. On the same day, the General Assembly introduced companion legislation, ACR-240 and A-4030. The bills are sponsored by Assemblyman Joseph Cryan (D-Union) and Assemblyman James Whelan (D-Atlantic). Advocates can contact Assemblymen Cryan and Whelan to thank them for their sponsorship. The Assembly State Government Committee, chaired by Assemblyman Mims Hackett. held a public hearings on March 12th to hear testimony from advocates. The committee unanimously moved ACR-240, A-430 and SCR-134. The committee will hold another public hearing, which is a formality. It is another step for the amendment being placed on the statewide ballot in November as a public question.
BACKGROUND In 1976, the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey declared that the words "idiot" and "insane" were outdated and offensive and no longer had any legal meaning. Instead, the court declared that an individual’s constitutional right to vote may only be denied by an individualized and specific decision by a court. "The Monday Morning Project and its networks have been working very hard in registering over 18,000 voters with disabilities as well as educating them in all other aspects of the election process," said Anita Clavering, facilitator the Middlesex County Monday Morning Network. "I am happy that Senator Codey is now fighting to remove this outmoded language from the State Constitution, which not only is offensive and archaic, it does not recognize voters with disabilities as individuals who want to exercise the important rights we have to vote in all elections."
Notice of Funds Available (NOFA) Council Members, Staff and 2007 Public Meeting Schedule Charity Racing Days Form in PDF format
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