TRENTON – A nonpartisan analysis of Governor Chris Christie’s budget shows conclusively that the proposal would benefit New Jersey’s wealthiest families at the expense of senior citizens, lower-income working families and the middle-class, Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney said today.

Statement of Ann Twomey, President of HPAE, NJ's largest nursing union in response to University of Penn Study showing higher mortality in NJ and Pa patients due to lower staffing ratios.

“NJ For Health Care, a broad-based consumer health care coalition representing over 60 organizations and over 2 million residents across the State opposes cuts to critical health care programs that serve New Jersey working families and our State’s most vulnerable residents. On February 11, 2010 Governor Christie signed Executive Order 14, cutting funds for a number of critical State programs including NJ FamilyCare and Charity Care. Now is not the time to cut funding for programs that provide affordable health coverage for families and children.

TRENTON -- A measure sponsored by Senators Loretta Weinberg and Bob Gordon which would require hospital boards of trustees to adopt a policy regulating conflicts of interest on the part of board members was approved today by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator John Girgenti, aimed at deterring assaults against healthcare professionals by upgrading the penalties for such an offense, was unanimously approved today by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.