Legislators push to get better help for Gold Star families who lost loved ones in the military

New Jersey lawmakers are pushing to get better help and benefits for New Jersey's Gold Star families who have lost loved ones serving in the military. The legislation is being sponsored by Assembly

News 12 Staff

Dec 9, 2016, 6:44 AM

Updated 2,699 days ago

Share:

Legislators push to get better help for Gold Star families who lost loved ones in the military
New Jersey lawmakers are pushing to get better help and benefits for New Jersey's Gold Star families who have lost loved ones serving in the military.
The legislation is being sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald of Camden County, who has introduced a package of five bills.
"It's about the families of fallen who've dedicated their life in battle, defending our country," Greenwald says.
The first measure expands the definition of Gold Star families to include more members, including siblings. The legislation also establishes a scholarship program for the families, puts an identifying marker on their licenses, creates an informational website and offers free mental health counseling.
Melinda Kane lost her son Marine Lance Cpl. Jeremy Kane in Afghanistan seven years ago. She says she is supportive of this type of legislation.
"We're honoring my son and honoring all those killed by honoring their families," she says.
The legislation will be introduced Monday. Greenwald says that he has support from lawmakers in both parties. He hopes to have it on Gov. Chris Christie's desk early next year.


More from News 12
2:22
Police: Grandfather, 6-month-old grandson killed by fallen tree in Verona

Police: Grandfather, 6-month-old grandson killed by fallen tree in Verona

1:56
STORM WATCH: Cloudy with cooler temps in New Jersey; tracking evening rain showers

STORM WATCH: Cloudy with cooler temps in New Jersey; tracking evening rain showers

2:10
Authorities: 1 man dead in Jersey City shooting

Authorities: 1 man dead in Jersey City shooting

0:28
Cliffside Park man accused of leaving fire burning inside his apartment

Cliffside Park man accused of leaving fire burning inside his apartment

0:29
Prosecutors: Man, woman charged with leaving 2 toddlers in car while attending a wine tasting

Prosecutors: Man, woman charged with leaving 2 toddlers in car while attending a wine tasting

0:24
Need a ride for an appointment? Monmouth County introduces wellness transportation program

Need a ride for an appointment? Monmouth County introduces wellness transportation program

1:27
Best of New Jersey: A taste of Italy at Matera's Italian Market in Rutherford

Best of New Jersey: A taste of Italy at Matera's Italian Market in Rutherford

0:16
Ridgewood school district announces extended Memorial Day weekend thanks to unused snow days

Ridgewood school district announces extended Memorial Day weekend thanks to unused snow days

0:22
E-ZPass warns of text message scam targeting customers

E-ZPass warns of text message scam targeting customers

0:23
Looking to complain about the smelly Tinton Falls landfill? There's a number for that

Looking to complain about the smelly Tinton Falls landfill? There's a number for that

8:55
Guide: Ways to set your child up for financial success

Guide: Ways to set your child up for financial success

0:29
Officials: Former Rutgers football player killed in shooting incident in Hoboken

Officials: Former Rutgers football player killed in shooting incident in Hoboken

1:51
New Jersey sees more than 150 aftershocks since April 5 4.8 magnitude earthquake

New Jersey sees more than 150 aftershocks since April 5 4.8 magnitude earthquake

0:45
Jersey Proud: Make-A-Wish celebrates 44th anniversary with ‘World Wish Day’

Jersey Proud: Make-A-Wish celebrates 44th anniversary with ‘World Wish Day’

0:31
Prosecutor: Man faces human trafficking charges following assault of 13-year-old girl

Prosecutor: Man faces human trafficking charges following assault of 13-year-old girl

2:10
Officials: Car thief crashes into Newark bar, injuring 2 people

Officials: Car thief crashes into Newark bar, injuring 2 people

1:51
Atlantic City aims to get emergency sand replacement due to winter erosion on beaches

Atlantic City aims to get emergency sand replacement due to winter erosion on beaches

0:45
Rep. Gottheimer introduces legislation to protect air travelers from ‘junk fees’

Rep. Gottheimer introduces legislation to protect air travelers from ‘junk fees’

0:27
Report: Hudson Tunnel Project to create 95,000 new jobs, generate billions in revenue

Report: Hudson Tunnel Project to create 95,000 new jobs, generate billions in revenue

2:08
Official: Tenant hospitalized, 40 people displaced by Newark apartment building fire

Official: Tenant hospitalized, 40 people displaced by Newark apartment building fire