Agudath Israel of New Jersey salutes the passage of bill S-2199 in the New Jersey Senate today. This bill, recently passed in the Assembly, will enable the State to reschedule an election or referendum if it falls out on a major religious holiday.

The bill was authored by Assemblyman Gary Schaer of Passaic (D-36) coming on the heels of the Jewish community’s outspoken objection to the City of Edison’s school bond referendum vote planned for Rosh Hashana. Although the school board eventually rescheduled the election for December 9th, the entire Jewish community called for further action on the state level – resulting in the creation of S-2199 and its Assembly companion.  Senator Barbara Buono of Edison (D-18) and her Assembly colleagues, Peter Barnes and Patrick Diegnan, were also instrumental in the sponsorship and passing of this bill. Our gratitude also goes to Senator Sean Kean of West Long Branch (R-11) who signed onto the bill after the town of West Long Branch also scheduled and held school board elections on Rosh Hashana.

Agudath Israel thanks Assemblyman Schaer for once again protecting the religious rights of the citizens of the State of New Jersey. Agudath Israel of New Jersey, who played a key role in the postponement of the elections in Edison and passage of this bill, applauds this legislative victory and praises the State Legislature and Governor Corzine for their continuing concern for the interests of the Jewish community.

(YWN Desk – NYC)

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