WEBBER FOR ASSEMBLY

WEBBER FOR ASSEMBLY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2007 CONTACT: (973) 581-1027

WEBBER LEADS VICTORY FOR VETERANS
Governor Corzine agrees to conditionally veto anti-veteran legislation

Morris Plains, NJ -- Republican Assembly candidate Jay Webber commented today on the news that Governor Jon Corzine plans to conditionally veto A-17 (also known as S-9), a measure that would eliminate the requirement for schools to teach about the meaning of Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

"I applaud this veto, and thank the Governor for heeding my call to issue it. New Jersey school children should learn about the great sacrifices and courage of our brave veterans, and they should strive to emulate those heroes in whatever walk of life they choose. It's the least we can do for the men and women who have made us, and keep us, free," said Webber.
A-17 was introduced in the Assembly on December 11, 2006, and passed that House unanimously by a margin of 80-0 on December 14, 2006. The bill went to the State Senate, replaced the identical S-9, and was passed without a dissenting vote, 39-0, also on December 14, 2006.

On January 16, 2007, as the bill went to Governor Corzine's desk for his signature, Webber wrote a letter to the Governor urging him to veto the bill because of the elimination of the mandatory Veterans Day and Memorial Day school observances. On January 18, 2007, Assemblymen Alex DeCroce and Joseph Malone and Assemblywoman Allison McHose introduced a bill, A-3928, to reverse A-17's elimination of the curriculum. On January 19, 2007, Webber noted the introduction of A-3928 and urged all members of the Legislature to co-sponsor the legislation as a sign or support for New Jersey's veterans.

"Sadly, this measure should never have gone this far. We can't let the Democrats in the Legislature jam such terrible laws through to the Governor's desk again. If I am privileged to serve the people of the 26th District in the Legislature, I will do my utmost to keep a close watch on all measures that affect our veterans and our children, and continue to speak out when they are threatened with harm," said Webber.

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