Bill Text: NJ SR130 | 2010-2011 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges Governor to assist laid off New Jersey Network employees in attaining public positions.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-11-10 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee [SR130 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2010-SR130-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator LORETTA WEINBERG
District 37 (Bergen)
SYNOPSIS
Urges Governor to assist laid off New Jersey Network employees in attaining public positions.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Senate Resolution urging the Governor to assist laid off New Jersey Network employees in attaining public positions.
Whereas, New Jersey Network ("NJN"), a network of television and radio stations, was created on April 5, 1971, becoming New Jersey's first and only statewide public television and radio network; and
Whereas, Before the creation of NJN, New York and Philadelphia stations dominated New Jersey's airwaves, providing little or no coverage or analysis of the issues and news important to the people of New Jersey; and
Whereas, From 1971 until 2011, NJN provided New Jersey-centric news and diverse programming, covering the stories and events that shaped the Garden State; and
Whereas, Over the years NJN amassed a loyal band of viewers and listeners who tuned in each day for local news, arts, and culture; and
Whereas, On June 6, 2011, Governor Chris Christie announced a plan to transfer control of NJN's operations to a New York-based public television network; and
Whereas, The decision to end New Jersey's public broadcasting network was made despite strong opposition from hundreds of NJN viewers who voiced outrage; and
Whereas, On June 30, 2011, NJN was forced to sign off for the last time, leaving 130 NJN employees out of work; and
Whereas, For over four decades, NJN's dedicated team of employees delivered quality programming which helped paint a compelling portrait of New Jersey, inspiring residents and communities throughout the State; and
Whereas, In light of NJN's important contributions in informing and engaging the citizens of New Jersey, the Governor should exercise his authority under the Civil Service Commission rules to identify suitable placements for laid off NJN employees, affording them the opportunity to continue their public service; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House urges the Governor to assist laid off New Jersey Network employees in attaining public positions.
2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the President of the Senate and attested to by the Secretary thereof, shall be transmitted to the Governor.
STATEMENT
New Jersey Network ("NJN") was created on April 5, 1971, becoming New Jersey's first and only statewide public television and radio network. Before the creation of NJN, New York and Philadelphia stations dominated New Jersey's airwaves, providing little or no coverage of the news important to the people of New Jersey. From 1971 until 2011, NJN provided New Jersey-centric news and diverse programming, covering the stories and events that shaped the Garden State.
Over the years NJN amassed a loyal band of viewers and listeners who tuned in each day for local news, arts, and culture. On June 6, 2011, the Governor announced a plan to transfer control of NJN's operations to a New York-based public television network. The decision to end New Jersey's public broadcasting network was made despite strong opposition. On June 30, 2011, NJN was forced to sign off for the last time, leaving 130 NJN employees out of work.
For over four decades, NJN's dedicated team of employees delivered quality programming which helped paint a compelling portrait of New Jersey, inspiring residents and communities across the State. In light of NJN's important contributions in informing and engaging the citizens of New Jersey, the Governor should exercise his authority under the Civil Service Commission rules to identify suitable placements for laid off NJN employees, affording them the opportunity to continue their public service.
