Accomplished in 2012/2013
“Dream Act” (S.2479 | P.L.2013, c.170.): Senate President Sweeney helped New Jersey become the 14thstate in the nation to ensure immigrants who graduate from high school get the same chance at the American Dream as their peers by making them eligible for in-state rates at public colleges and universities.
Ban on Conversion Therapy (A.3371/S.2278 | P.L.2013, c.150.): After hearing of reports of so-called doctors employing therapy to “change” the sexual orientation of minors, Senate President Sweeney and Senators Weinberg and Lesniak helped lead the charge to ban the practice.
“Building Our Future Bond Act” (S.2500 | P.L.2012, c.41.): As New Jersey colleges deal with aging infrastructure and mounting pressure to prepare students for a new economy, Senate President Sweeney along with Senator Kean led efforts to invest in new higher education capital projects across the state. The projects help strengthen the state’s science and technology programs while creating good paying construction jobs.
“Tara’s Law” (S.599 | P.L.2012, c.69.): As the father of a daughter with Down Syndrome, Senate President Sweeney has fought hard to make sure the developmentally disabled are treated fairly and granted every opportunity to freely contribute to society. The efforts included striking offensive descriptions of the developmentally disabled from state statutes, expanding insurance coverage to include autism, making schools and parks more friendly to those with special needs and creating a registry of offenders to better protect individuals with developmental disabilities from abuse or assault.
Equal Pay for Equal Work (SCR.112): Senate President Sweeney supported legislation that encouraged stubborn Republicans to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.
“Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act” (S.1): Senate President Sweeney along with Senators Weinberg and Lesniak led the effort to pass a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in New Jersey that was eventually vetoed by Governor Christie. The courts then overturned the state’s ban, ensuring gay and lesbian couples across New Jersey have the same legal rights as their heterosexual peers.
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) (S.1322): After Governor Christie mistakenly pulled New Jersey out of this historic environmental initiative — which takes a smart, regional approach to capping harmful CO2 emissions — Senate President Sweeney along with Senator Smith led the charge to place the state back in the program and restore the Garden State as a leader in environmental protections.
“New Jobs for New Jersey Act” (S.2211): With New Jersey’s unemployment rate among the worst in the nation, Senate President Sweeney along with Senators Gordon and Sarlo pushed for a program that would incentivize businesses to hire the unemployed. Governor Christie inexplicably blocked the effort.
Expansion of Project Labor Agreements (S.2425): As the state rebuilt from Sandy, Senate President Sweeney along with Senator Norcross fought to protect tax dollars by ensuring the work was done by experienced professionals while also protecting workers by requiring that they receive fair wages in a safe environment.
College Affordability Study Commission (S.2965): The Study Commission created by Senate President Sweeney’s leadership has led to new and innovative ideas that will reduce the cost of attaining a college degree for all students. Students leave college with suffocating debt, often leading to poor job choices because paying bills takes precedence over building a rewarding career. Senate President Sweeney sought to create a commission to look at ways to reduce the debt burden, including a unique proposal that would allow graduates to pay back a percentage of their incomes in lieu of tuition and fees.
“New Jersey Health Benefit Exchange Act” (S.2135): For too long, too many New Jerseyeans lived without the confidence and protection of health care benefits. Senate President Sweeney embraced ObamaCare and supported the expansion of medical coverage through Medicaid and the creation of a state exchange.
Clean Car Commission (S.2198): Senate President Sweeney has supported creating a commission that would study how the state could encourage the use of zero-emission vehicles, such as electric cars.
Open Space Preservation (SCR.138): Recognizing that development threatens the state’s natural resources and beauty, Senate President Sweeney has long championed the expansion of open space projects in New Jersey.
Earned Income Tax Credit (S.2911): In 2010, the Earned Income Tax Credit was reduced by 20%. Senate President Sweeney repeatedly tried to restore the cuts and help families who are struggling to get by on low wages and provide basic necessities for their children, and in 2015 was successful in getting the state to a 30% EITC.
