issues
My goal is to address the many issues our community and state face.
The 15th Legislative District is a diverse community-ethically, economically, and socially. The district includes the state capital of Trenton, a variety of suburban communities, and some of the state's-and nation's-most respected institutions of higher learning.
The people who call this region of the state home include entrepreneurs, scientists, educators, retirees, and dedicated career government employees. We are all united in a desire to have communities that are safe, clean, affordable, and secure.
Click on the issues on this page to learn more about them and the various ways I've addressed them in our community.
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Property Taxes
WATSON COLEMAN URGES RESIDENTS TO APPLY FOR $2.2 BILLION PROPERTY TAX REBATE PROGRAM
Assemblywoman Watson Coleman is reminding all eligible Mercer County residents to file for their property tax rebates by the August 15 deadline. The revised deadline also applies to the state’s “Senior Freeze” property tax reimbursement program.
Under a new law resulting from the Legislature’s historic special session on property taxes, a new rebate formula will provide eligible families with record-setting property tax cuts of up to 20 percent — the most relief ever provided in New Jersey.
“Last year, nearly 200,000 working families, seniors, and disabled residents failed to file their property tax rebate applications which means they never received the much-needed property tax relief they were entitled to,” said Watson Coleman. “These rebate checks help to offset property tax bills and provide record-levels of relief to low- and moderate-income New Jersey homeowners and renters of all ages.”
FILL IT OUT - SEND IT IN
In order to receive a rebate check, homeowners must complete an application sent to their homes before the August 15 deadline. You can file an application by mail or you can apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the homeowner rebate automated telephone filing system or over the Internet.
- File by phone: 1-877-658-2972
- File online: www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation
Renters should have applied for their rebates in tandem with their state income tax returns. The state income tax filing deadline was April 17, although renters who requested time extensions for filing their returns have until October 15 to apply for their rebates.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR APPLICATION?
If you would like assistance with your application or if you have questions about the program, we’re here to help please call 609-292-0500
HOMEOWNERS MUST FILL OUT AND FILE THEIR APPLICATIONS
BY AUGUST 15 TO RECEIVE THEIR REBATE CHECKS
TO FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY, OR FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Call the homestead rebate program at (888) 238-1233,
Visit the Division of Taxation web site at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation
Assemblywoman Watson Coleman is reminding all eligible Mercer County residents to file for their property tax rebates by the August 15 deadline. The revised deadline also applies to the state’s “Senior Freeze” property tax reimbursement program.
Under a new law resulting from the Legislature’s historic special session on property taxes, a new rebate formula will provide eligible families with record-setting property tax cuts of up to 20 percent — the most relief ever provided in New Jersey.
“Last year, nearly 200,000 working families, seniors, and disabled residents failed to file their property tax rebate applications which means they never received the much-needed property tax relief they were entitled to,” said Watson Coleman. “These rebate checks help to offset property tax bills and provide record-levels of relief to low- and moderate-income New Jersey homeowners and renters of all ages.”
FILL IT OUT - SEND IT IN
In order to receive a rebate check, homeowners must complete an application sent to their homes before the August 15 deadline. You can file an application by mail or you can apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the homeowner rebate automated telephone filing system or over the Internet.
- File by phone: 1-877-658-2972
- File online: www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation
Renters should have applied for their rebates in tandem with their state income tax returns. The state income tax filing deadline was April 17, although renters who requested time extensions for filing their returns have until October 15 to apply for their rebates.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR APPLICATION?
If you would like assistance with your application or if you have questions about the program, we’re here to help please call 609-292-0500
HOMEOWNERS MUST FILL OUT AND FILE THEIR APPLICATIONS
BY AUGUST 15 TO RECEIVE THEIR REBATE CHECKS
TO FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY, OR FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Call the homestead rebate program at (888) 238-1233,
Visit the Division of Taxation web site at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation
Global Warming
WATSON COLEMAN SUPPORTS PASSAGE OF ‘GLOBAL WARMING RESPONSE ACT’
Landmark legislation that mandates the nation’s steepest rollback of greenhouse gas emissions through an aggressive plan to drastically cut global warming over the next half century just became law with the support of Assemblywoman Watson Coleman.
“Now is the time to confront global warming by taking immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Watson Coleman. “We have a responsibility to avert this global crisis that is wreaking havoc on the environment around us and across the globe.”
Global warming is attributed to the build up of “greenhouses gas” emissions in the Earth’s atmosphere. Greenhouse gases – like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide – are primarily produced from the burning of fossil fuels in industrial facilities and motor vehicles.
Scientists continue to find links between the increase in greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere and drastic changes in the environment. Mounting evidence indicates that greenhouse gases are raising global temperatures, causing losses in a variety of animal species, accelerated melting of mountain glaciers and the North Pole ice cap, and more severe natural disasters like hurricanes and drought.
Governor Jon S. Corzine signed into law (A-3301) – the Global Warning Response Act – that will require the rollback of greenhouse gas emissions in the state to at least 1990 levels by the year 2020. New Jersey is only the second state in the country -- following California -- to cut greenhouse gas emissions by law. New Jersey’s measure goes even one step further by requiring further cutting emission levels to 80 percent of the state’s 2006 levels by the year 2050.
The new law requires greenhouse gas emissions in the state to be the same as 1990 levels by the year 2020 and 80 percent of 2006 levels by the year 2050. The legislation passed the measure June 21.
“Our state’s environment and the health of all New Jersey families are at stake,” said Watson Coleman. “By taking action now was can ensure better futures for our children and future generations.”
The law will cap six greenhouse gases and chemical compounds: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, as well hydroflurocarbons (HFCs) and polyfluorochemicals (PFCs) -- substances often found in household cleaners, water-repellant sprays, insulation, air conditioning, and even inhalers.
Landmark legislation that mandates the nation’s steepest rollback of greenhouse gas emissions through an aggressive plan to drastically cut global warming over the next half century just became law with the support of Assemblywoman Watson Coleman.
“Now is the time to confront global warming by taking immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Watson Coleman. “We have a responsibility to avert this global crisis that is wreaking havoc on the environment around us and across the globe.”
Global warming is attributed to the build up of “greenhouses gas” emissions in the Earth’s atmosphere. Greenhouse gases – like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide – are primarily produced from the burning of fossil fuels in industrial facilities and motor vehicles.
Scientists continue to find links between the increase in greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere and drastic changes in the environment. Mounting evidence indicates that greenhouse gases are raising global temperatures, causing losses in a variety of animal species, accelerated melting of mountain glaciers and the North Pole ice cap, and more severe natural disasters like hurricanes and drought.
Governor Jon S. Corzine signed into law (A-3301) – the Global Warning Response Act – that will require the rollback of greenhouse gas emissions in the state to at least 1990 levels by the year 2020. New Jersey is only the second state in the country -- following California -- to cut greenhouse gas emissions by law. New Jersey’s measure goes even one step further by requiring further cutting emission levels to 80 percent of the state’s 2006 levels by the year 2050.
The new law requires greenhouse gas emissions in the state to be the same as 1990 levels by the year 2020 and 80 percent of 2006 levels by the year 2050. The legislation passed the measure June 21.
“Our state’s environment and the health of all New Jersey families are at stake,” said Watson Coleman. “By taking action now was can ensure better futures for our children and future generations.”
The law will cap six greenhouse gases and chemical compounds: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, as well hydroflurocarbons (HFCs) and polyfluorochemicals (PFCs) -- substances often found in household cleaners, water-repellant sprays, insulation, air conditioning, and even inhalers.
Violence and Crime Prevention
WATSON COLEMAN ANTI-STREET GANGS PACKAGE PROTECTS NJ FAMILIES FROM GANG VIOLENCE
Gang activity in our community is becoming increasingly pervasive and dangerous. Parents, police, community leaders, and young people must be on constant guard to counteract this growing menace.
Assemblywoman Watson Coleman also is taking a stand. Earlier this year, she crafted a 17-point legislative package to fight gangs and gang violence. Entitled "Fighting Gangs, Protecting Our Youth," the package protects children and witnesses to gang-related crimes and gives communities and police new tools to better contain gang problems.
One measure makes "gang awareness" part of the state's Core Curriculum Standards for elementary students and requires gang-education seminars for school administrators. This bill is designed to frustrate gang recruiters who prey upon impressionable children during after-school hours.
"Parents can fight back by getting their children involved in extracurricular activities and taking advantage of summer and after school programs that are available to students," said Watson Coleman.
The Assembly passed the anti-gang package in May. It is the most comprehensive anti-gang initiative under consideration by any of the nation’s state legislatures.
The Assemblywoman is now working to strengthen that distinction with a second phase of anti-gang measures.
"The next package aims to prevent gang violence before it begins, giving would-be gang members constructive community alternatives and giving reformed gang members the ability to earn their way back into civilized society,” Watson Coleman said.
Gang activity in our community is becoming increasingly pervasive and dangerous. Parents, police, community leaders, and young people must be on constant guard to counteract this growing menace.
Assemblywoman Watson Coleman also is taking a stand. Earlier this year, she crafted a 17-point legislative package to fight gangs and gang violence. Entitled "Fighting Gangs, Protecting Our Youth," the package protects children and witnesses to gang-related crimes and gives communities and police new tools to better contain gang problems.
One measure makes "gang awareness" part of the state's Core Curriculum Standards for elementary students and requires gang-education seminars for school administrators. This bill is designed to frustrate gang recruiters who prey upon impressionable children during after-school hours.
"Parents can fight back by getting their children involved in extracurricular activities and taking advantage of summer and after school programs that are available to students," said Watson Coleman.
The Assembly passed the anti-gang package in May. It is the most comprehensive anti-gang initiative under consideration by any of the nation’s state legislatures.
The Assemblywoman is now working to strengthen that distinction with a second phase of anti-gang measures.
"The next package aims to prevent gang violence before it begins, giving would-be gang members constructive community alternatives and giving reformed gang members the ability to earn their way back into civilized society,” Watson Coleman said.
Veterans
WATSON COLEMAN HAILS PASSAGE OF VETERANS-PROTECTION PACKAGE
New Jersey’s veterans, military personnel, and their families are the targeted beneficiaries of a 13-bill package that Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman helped to steer through the General Assembly earlier this year.
“The men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our nation deserve government’s unrelenting gratitude and assistance,” said Watson Coleman. “At a time when the White House is doing less for our veterans, it is reassuring to know that states like New Jersey are pulling out the stops to do more for the men and women who served in military uniform.”
The Assembly’s pro-veterans package would do the following:
•Allow military personnel extended period to qualify for exclusion of capital gain from income of the sale or exchange of a principal residence (A-212); Passed 76-0.
•Eliminate fee imposed for certified copy of veteran's discharge papers (A-341); Passed 75-0.
•Authorize free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and free admission to state parks and forests for eligible individuals with military service (A-423/633/1078); Passed 74-0.
•Require the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to send Servicemembers' Advisory Notice to members of National Guard called to active duty (A-1095); Passed 76-0.
•Require the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to send Servicemembers' Advisory Notice to members of National Guard called to active duty (A-1095); Passed 76-0.
•Make unauthorized use of military medals or insignias a fourth degree crime (A-1162); Passed 76-0.
•Expand eligibility for veterans' civil service preference and creates additional preference benefits (A-1456); Passed 76-0.
•Provide for voluntary contributions by taxpayers on gross income tax returns for certain New Jersey members of the military and their families in need of assistance (A-1689); Passed 76-0.
•Provide for voluntary contributions by taxpayers on gross income tax returns to support New Jersey Veterans Haven program (A-2663); Passed 76-0.
•Establish a Commission on Women Veterans (A-2726); Passed 74-2.
•Provide a military service exemption to the requirement of continuous enrollment under the NJ STARS and NJ STARS II Programs (A-3253); Passed 76-0.
•Require DMVA to evaluate resources, costs and benefits of providing home health care aides for qualified veterans (A-3281); Passed 76-0.
•Provide certain employment protections for employees on military leave in time of war or emergency (A-3622); Passed 76-0.
•Urge President and Congress to enact the Military Death Benefit Improvement Act of 2005 (AR-126); Passed 76-0.
“It’s imperative that we remember and honor the men and women who answered the call of duty and served our country,” said Watson Coleman. “Their service and sacrifice have secured our freedom and they deserve our deepest gratitude.”
New Jersey’s veterans, military personnel, and their families are the targeted beneficiaries of a 13-bill package that Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman helped to steer through the General Assembly earlier this year.
“The men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our nation deserve government’s unrelenting gratitude and assistance,” said Watson Coleman. “At a time when the White House is doing less for our veterans, it is reassuring to know that states like New Jersey are pulling out the stops to do more for the men and women who served in military uniform.”
The Assembly’s pro-veterans package would do the following:
•Allow military personnel extended period to qualify for exclusion of capital gain from income of the sale or exchange of a principal residence (A-212); Passed 76-0.
•Eliminate fee imposed for certified copy of veteran's discharge papers (A-341); Passed 75-0.
•Authorize free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and free admission to state parks and forests for eligible individuals with military service (A-423/633/1078); Passed 74-0.
•Require the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to send Servicemembers' Advisory Notice to members of National Guard called to active duty (A-1095); Passed 76-0.
•Require the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to send Servicemembers' Advisory Notice to members of National Guard called to active duty (A-1095); Passed 76-0.
•Make unauthorized use of military medals or insignias a fourth degree crime (A-1162); Passed 76-0.
•Expand eligibility for veterans' civil service preference and creates additional preference benefits (A-1456); Passed 76-0.
•Provide for voluntary contributions by taxpayers on gross income tax returns for certain New Jersey members of the military and their families in need of assistance (A-1689); Passed 76-0.
•Provide for voluntary contributions by taxpayers on gross income tax returns to support New Jersey Veterans Haven program (A-2663); Passed 76-0.
•Establish a Commission on Women Veterans (A-2726); Passed 74-2.
•Provide a military service exemption to the requirement of continuous enrollment under the NJ STARS and NJ STARS II Programs (A-3253); Passed 76-0.
•Require DMVA to evaluate resources, costs and benefits of providing home health care aides for qualified veterans (A-3281); Passed 76-0.
•Provide certain employment protections for employees on military leave in time of war or emergency (A-3622); Passed 76-0.
•Urge President and Congress to enact the Military Death Benefit Improvement Act of 2005 (AR-126); Passed 76-0.
“It’s imperative that we remember and honor the men and women who answered the call of duty and served our country,” said Watson Coleman. “Their service and sacrifice have secured our freedom and they deserve our deepest gratitude.”
State Government
WATSON COLEMAN TAXPAYER WATCHDOG BILL SIGNED INTO LAW
New Jersey soon will have an independent state comptroller to fight on behalf of residents against state government programs that operate ineffectively and inefficiently and to root out instances of waste, fraud, abuse or mismanagement in government.
Legislation creating the state Office of Comptroller was sponsored by Assemblywoman Watson Coleman and was recently signed into law by Governor Jon S. Corzine.
The new corruption-busting office was among the key recommendations to come from last year’s special legislation session on property tax reform.
“An independent comptroller will be a formidable check against
corruption, favoritism, and fraud,” Watson Coleman said. “A state comptroller ensures that tax dollars are prudently and efficiently spent from the local level all the way to the Governor’s office.”
Under the measure (A-2) creating the taxpayer-protection agency, the comptroller will be empowered to perform regular fiscal audits of all state government agencies, independent state authorities, and local governments. The comptroller is authorized to audit and monitor the awarding and execution of public contracts and to develop and oversee corrective action plans for inefficient government agencies.
“New Jersey needs a better system for reviewing its financial activities on a regular basis,” Watson Coleman said. “The Comptroller is an invaluable new weapon to ensure that state services get delivered like they’re supposed to without wasting taxpayer dollars.”
New Jersey soon will have an independent state comptroller to fight on behalf of residents against state government programs that operate ineffectively and inefficiently and to root out instances of waste, fraud, abuse or mismanagement in government.
Legislation creating the state Office of Comptroller was sponsored by Assemblywoman Watson Coleman and was recently signed into law by Governor Jon S. Corzine.
The new corruption-busting office was among the key recommendations to come from last year’s special legislation session on property tax reform.
“An independent comptroller will be a formidable check against
corruption, favoritism, and fraud,” Watson Coleman said. “A state comptroller ensures that tax dollars are prudently and efficiently spent from the local level all the way to the Governor’s office.”
Under the measure (A-2) creating the taxpayer-protection agency, the comptroller will be empowered to perform regular fiscal audits of all state government agencies, independent state authorities, and local governments. The comptroller is authorized to audit and monitor the awarding and execution of public contracts and to develop and oversee corrective action plans for inefficient government agencies.
“New Jersey needs a better system for reviewing its financial activities on a regular basis,” Watson Coleman said. “The Comptroller is an invaluable new weapon to ensure that state services get delivered like they’re supposed to without wasting taxpayer dollars.”