Gov. Supports Reservists

To enhance the security of communities in New Jersey and throughout the country, Governor James E. McGreevey Thursday signed into law Assembly Bill No. 1651, which will enable the Attorney General to freeze the assets of people charged with or suspected in crimes of terrorism.

“As Governor, I have no greater responsibility than to provide for the safety and security of our families and communities,” said McGreevey, who greeted members of the 253rd Transportation Company, New Jersey Army National Guard, at Ft. Dix today. “It is critical that we give our law enforcement community the tools it needs to enhance our security. By empowering the Attorney General with the ability to freeze the assets of suspected terrorists, we are taking an important step forward.”

Assembly Bill No. 1651 authorizes the Attorney General to direct financial institutions to freeze the assets of an account holders suspected of terrorism. For the law to be applied, the suspect must be charged with the commission of a crime involving terrorism or the Attorney General must have reasonable suspicion to believe the suspect has committed or is about to commit an act of terrorism.

Assembly Bill No. 1651, a substitute for for Senate Bill No. 1261, was sponsored by Assemblymen Neil Cohen and Paul Sarlo.

In addition, Thursday Governor McGreevey also signed an Executive Order ensuring that New Jersey state employees who are called to active duty in response to the global war on terrorism, the potential conflict in Iraq, or the heightened tensions with North Korea will have full seniority and benefits when they return to their jobs.

“A strong Reserve and National Guard are essential to the defense of this country and vital to this State in time of emergency or natural disaster, and we must do everything in our power to support these dedicated men and women,” said McGreevey. “This Executive Order ensures that state employees who leave their jobs to serve our country will return to the benefits and seniority that they were brave enough to leave behind.”

In addition, the Executive Order provides that, for the duration of their activation, state employees will receive salaries equal to the difference between their state salaries and their military base pay, as well as state employees’ health benefits, life insurance and pension coverage during active duty service.

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Author: Press Release-Micah Rasmussen