Politics

Bipartisan support approved legislation that would ultimately increase the penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol in New Jersey last week. Monmouth County Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande from District  11 and John F. Amodeo, a member of the New Jersey General Assembly from District 2, each co-sponsored the bill, A-3057, which would increase the penalties of serial DUI offenders. The bill was introduced last summer due to a Vineland man getting charged for the offense six times in the span of three months.

Let’s talk politics! Hawk Radio WMCX introduces their new political radio show that takes place every Monday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

State Senator from Metuchen Hopes to Win Democratic Nomination for November

Barbara Buono, a New Jersey State Senator from Metuchen, may become the Democratic nominee for governor this No­vember.

Democrats and Republicans are coming together to resolve one of the major issues discussed throughout the election year: Immigration. A group of eight senators; four Demo­crats and four Republicans came up with an immigration proposal that they hope Congress will pass by spring or summer.

Student Coaches Offer Skills For Debate Tournaments and Beyond

There is a bill in the New Jer­sey State Senate, Senate bill 207 that will “…prohibit the plan­ning, designing, or construction of any additional jug handles on the public roads or highways in the State.” The bill has been pro­posed by State Senator James Holzapfel of District 10.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced last Thursday that the U.S. military is lifting their official ban on women in combat, opening up thousands of combat positions to female soldiers.

Governor Chris Christie’s vetoed the minimum wage bill that came from the Democrats in the Assembly and Senate. Minimum wage in New Jersey was set at $7.25 in July 2009. The bill that Governor Christie vetoed would have raised minimum wage to $8.50 and would have allowed raises as the inflation in the state went up. Governor Christie vetoed this proposition and suggested that the dollar raise be implemented over the course of three years according to “Christie vetoes Minimum-Wage Hike” in The Star Ledger.