Blogs

Law Requires Credit Card Companies to Register with Colleges & Students to Complete Education Courses Before Credit Cards Could be Issued

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assemblywomen Sandi Love, Pamela R. Lampitt, Connie Wagner and Elease Evans sponsored to regulate how credit card companies solicit new customers on college campuses was signed into law Friday by Gov. Jon S. Corzine.

“When used properly, credit cards can be a great financial tool,” said Love (D-Camden). “Unfortunately, many college students do not understand how credit works and wind up getting themselves and their parents into financial trouble by spending more than they can possibly pay.”

According to a 2004 study conducted by Nellie Mae, a national student loan company, nearly 76 percent of college students hold at least one credit card. The study found that credit card possession and credit card usage drastically increases as students progress through college. Fifty-six percent of seniors reported that they possessed four or more cards and carry an average total debt of $2,864.

“Casual, uninformed use of credit can have long-lasting financial implications,” said Lampitt (D-Camden). “Requiring credit card companies to ensure that college students understand how credit works before they apply for a credit card will go a long way toward making New Jersey undergraduates more savvy consumers.”

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly members Sheila Y. Oliver, Pamela R. Lampitt, Louis D. Greenwald, Sandi Love and Nilsa Cruz-Perez to require the state to publicly report assaults and deaths at state psychiatric hospitals has been signed into law by Gov. Jon S. Corzine.

The law (A-2949) is a direct response to delays in the release of statistics on assaults at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital in Camden County.

Lawmakers had requested the information following several high-profile incidents at the hospital, including a patient escape and several deaths.

“The well-being of patients at state-operated hospitals should never be in doubt and breaches in the safety net cannot be hidden from view,” said Oliver (D-Essex). “Any violent incident at a state hospital must be made part of the public record so health officials and legislators can take appropriate and immediate action.”

The law requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish a system for reporting the number of physical assaults and unexpected deaths that occur at the state’s psychiatric hospitals: Ancora, Ann Klein Forensic Center, Greystone Park Psychiatric Center, Senator Garret W. Hagedorn Psychiatric Center and Trenton Psychiatric Hospital.

The report will be a public record, posted on the official DHS website and updated quarterly, but will not contain identifying information about patients or staff members.

South Jersey, NJ – The South Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) announces the 2009 Beyond the Glass Ceiling Awards recipients, to receive their honors on November 12th at the Mansion on Main Street in Voorhees, New Jersey.

Awardees were nominated by members of the community as those who have demonstrated leadership roles in their professions and have served as mentors and role models for women in business.

Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt was awarded "Legislator of the Year"

For the full list of awardees and more information click HERE

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You Don’t Have to Raise a Foster Child to Raise Them Up. You Just Have to Raise Your Hand and Say You’ll Help.

The New Jersey Department of Children and Families and Casey Family Programs recently launched their “Raise Me Up” campaign to help make a difference in a child’s life.

Find out how you can get involved HERE

What: The purpose of this event is to enlighten students and parents about their options for financial aid and assist them in obtaining information on colleges from around the state.

Where: Camden County College, Blackwood Campus – The Atrium at the Madison Connector Building, College Drive and Peter Cheeseman Road, Gloucester Township.
Directions

When: 6-9pm, October 13th, 2009

Format: Opens with a one hour presentation by Fran Andrea, Chief Operating Officer of the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (H.E.S.A.A) followed by a college fair where parents and potential students can speak with representatives of various colleges and universities. HESAA will also be available during this time to speak one on one with parents and students.

The event is open to all, but space is limited. Reserve your spot today (856) 489-3442
Or email your representative