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Issues & Legislation
Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula has sponsored several initiatives this legislative session aimed at improving the economy and helping New Jersey residents.
Summary of Upendra's Bills "On the Move":
- A-904: Pushes for the creation of innovation zones to increase the amount of technology around
New Jersey’s universities, colleges, and research hospitals.
- A-2289: Establishes that solar panels are no longer considered to be impervious surfaces and
that they are now allowed to be constructed in an environmentally sensitive area.
- A-2873: Also known as the “Offshore Wind Economic Development Act”, this bill will
establish an offshore wind renewable energy certificate program and authorize the Economic
Development Authority to provide up to $100 million in tax credits for wind energy facilities.
- A-2622: Asks voters in November of 2011 if it is viable to make a centralized school
government that is run at the county level. This will make all district school governance no
longer needed.
- A-2623: This bill will provide the governing structure for counties in which the voters approve
of making a county run administrative school district. If all counties vote yes as per A-2622, it
will save taxpayers approximately $553 million statewide.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at a Local Bank
Economic Development
Upendra is a strong supporter of the Business Employment Incentive Program (BEIP), which assists in job creation and business expansion, and the Commission on Science and Technology, which encourages technological development and job growth.
Education
"We want to make sure that our children are able to compete in the global marketplace." Upendra makes it a priority to fight for K-12 and higher education funding, and has co-sponsored legislation that will add technology as part of a school’s core curriculum.
Upendra works closely with community schools and programs to ensure that our children are prepared to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Upendra Answers Questions During his "Back to School" Lecture Tour
Environment
As a legislator, Upendra has addressed the need for open space and the significance of our environment. He has worked on banning radioactive waste from Superfund sites from entering our sewers, and supports chemical safety and providing access to clean water.
Senior Citizens
Upendra is a primary sponsor of a Bill of Rights for senior citizens living in congregated housing, and has sponsored legislation to increase the safety of seniors. He has worked to discount NJ Path tickets, prohibit employer discrimination due to age, and establish payment plans to utility companies. He supports a Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program and automatic enrollment in Senior Gold & PAAD plans.
District 17 Funding
Upendra has worked hard to ensure that over one million dollars in funds have gone towards the communities in District 17. Examples of grants received by our community include a $175,000 NJ Department of Transportation Pedestrian Safety & Bikeway Grant, a $100,000 NJ Dept. of Community Affairs Neighborhood Preservation Grant, and a $175,000 NJ Dept. of Law & Public Safety Statewide Local Domestic Preparedness Equipment Grant.
Homeland Security
New Jersey is a leader in protection programs related to domestic security, terrorism and infrastructure. Upendra has helped obtain funding for our community’s first responders, and understands the importance of safety in today’s world.
New Jersey has established programs including a bio-terrorism rapid response team, smallpox vaccination tracking systems, a Medical Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and Response Expert Panel, and a two-way radio system to connect all acute care hospitals.
Please visit www.state.nj.us/njhomelandsecurity and www.ready.gov for more information.
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