b'No one should get a mere slap on the wrist for putting onmembers relocation to the district. Under current law, such the uniform to defraud someone, said Assemblyman Rondependents cannot enroll in the district until proof of residence Dancer. As a veteran myself, I find it abhorrent that anyonecan be provided. This legislation allows enrollment upon the would deceive others for gain by impersonating our proud menpresentation of a copy of the military members relocation orders and women who sacrificially serve our country. Its my goal thateven if the family has not yet physically relocated to the school these tougher penalties will deter would-be frauds.district. Once enrolled, the child shall be permitted to attend Impersonating a member of our volunteer military or a classes and receive services free of charge in the same manner veteran who has faithfully served this country and helped toas if they were already a resident of the school district. protect the freedoms and institutions we hold dear is a shamefulPrimary sponsors of A-6012 include Assemblymembers act, and one that should bring the highest possible penaltyWilliam Moen, Carol Murphy, and Roy Freiman, and Senators within reason,said Senator Joseph Lagana. With this law wePaul Sarlo, and Vin Gopal.hope to curtail this cynical activity, and make the punishmentThis appropriation to support the commissioning of thefor this deceit better fit the crime.USS New Jersey and the officers and crew assigned to the boatIt is inspiring to see veterans who honorably served ouris the right thing to do, said Assemblymembers Bill Moen,nation return home and continue serving their community.Carol Murphy, and Roy Freiman, in a joint statement. A shipsUnfortunately, there are scammers who portray veterans tocommissioning is an historic event that brings together ourclaim benefits reserved for those who truly served, said Senatormilitary, veterans, and local community with significantJoe Pennacchio. This new law increases punishment and helpseconomic benefits for the surrounding region. Were proud discourage this despicable behavior.that the Battleship New Jersey is now a museum and memorial This legislation upgrades certain crimes of misrepresentingmoored on the Camden City Waterfront. We will continue to do oneself as a member or veteran of the United States Armedeverything possible to honor our veterans and their families Forces or organized militia. Under current law, it is a crime of theThis legislation appropriates up to $500,000 from the General third degree, subject to a minimum fine of $1,000, for any personFund to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for to knowingly, with the intent to impersonate or deceive for thethe USS New Jersey Commissioning Committee. The purpose purpose of obtaining money, property, or other tangible benefit,of the appropriation is to support the commissioning of the to misrepresent oneself as a member or veteran of the UnitedUSS New Jersey and the officers and crew assigned to the ship. States Armed Forces or organized militia or a recipient of anyContributions to the USS New Jersey Commissioning Committee decoration or medal created by Federal and State laws and support traditional Commissioning Week activities, visits to regulations to honor the members or veterans of the Unitedthe state by crewmembers, and habitability upgrades to the States Armed Forces or the organized militia. Under this boat for the crew. Expenditure of the amount appropriated is legislation, these crimes have now been upgraded to a secondsubject to approval by the Adjutant General of an itemized plan degree if the actor obtains money, property or other tangiblefor the expenditure to be submitted by the USS New Jersey benefit in the amount of $75,000 or more. If the actor obtainsCommissioning Committee. Any amount unexpended shallmoney, property or other tangible benefit less than $75,000, thenbe donated for the support of personnel and their familiesthe crime would remain as a crime of the third degree, subject and for the funding of existing or the creation of new United to a minimum fine of $1,000.States Navy scholarship programs.Primary sponsors of A-5694 include Assemblyman RonaldFirst, I would like to take and moment to applaud the Dancer, and Senators Vin Gopal, and Fred Madden. FormerGovernor and state legislatures for acknowledging the sacrifices Assemblymembers Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey weremade by veterans and those who are currently serving, primary sponsors of this legislation in the prior legislative session.said Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of New Jersey Its a stressful time for families when they receive relocationCommander Luddie H. Austin. As veteran and resident of our orders, said Assemblyman Ron Dancer. Military familiesgreat state I am thankful for the Governor inrecognizing our already face so many challenges, and the children of thoseheroes in the workforce and society, as he seeks to enhance the moms and dads in our armed forces face additional difficultiesbenefits and entitlements of veterans.I look forward tomoving to a new school district where everything is unfamiliar.our healthy relationship as we continue to advocate on behalfAllowing these students to walk into that new school knowingof all veterans. who their teachers are, and what classes they will be attending,The Veterans of Foreign Wars is grateful for the passage and can offer peace of mind to them and their parents. signing of this legislation which will greatly enhance employment Our military families undergo a great deal of stress when opportunities for veterans and ensure the children of our military they receive relocation orders, and strict school registrationservice members receive an uninterrupted education, said requirements only add to their burden, said Assembly sponsorsVeterans of Foreign Wars State Adjutant and Quartermaster Ken Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey. Not allowing serviceHagemann. The VFW has advocated for decades that amembers to enroll their children in their anticipated school vet is a vet regardless of era or conflict. We are pleased that district until they physically move puts those children at risk these arbitrary barriers are finally coming down for state benefits of missing important deadlines, which can have serious and that all veterans are now becoming equally entitled to those repercussions such as summer school or delayed graduation.benefits. We look forward to working with the Governor and the This legislation permits the dependents of a military memberLegislature to make New Jersey a place where veterans will want to enroll in a public school district in advance of the militaryto live and thrive.JThank You For Your Service Military Appreciation Resource Magazine 9'