Senator Frank Lautenberg says the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 he’s sponsoring gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the tools it needs to require health and safety testing of toxic chemicals, and places the burden on industry to prove that chemicals are safe.  Under current law, the EPA can only call for safety testing after evidence surfaces demonstrating a chemical is dangerous.

The legislation will give the EPA more power to regulate the use of dangerous chemicals,  and require manufacturers to submit information proving the safety of every chemical in production and any new chemical seeking to enter the market.

“It’s shocking that toxic chemicals end up in everyday consumer products, and in our bodies, without anyone proving that they are safe,” says Lautenberg. “We’re not going to stand by and let our kids continue to be exposed to chemicals that make them sick.”

Lautenberg joined hundreds of concerned mothers from across the country today in Washington - in a “Stroller Brigade” – to deliver 125,000 petition signatures to their Senators in support of the Safe Chemicals Act.

The legislation is co-sponsored by several U.S. Senators, including NJ Sen. Bob Menendez.

Mitt Romney campaigns in Iowa with Governor Chris Christie. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Romney begins a 3-day fundraising campaign at the Grand Hyatt tonight in Manhattan according to the Record. The governor has no official events scheduled for today.

PREVIOUS: 2012 Presidential Election

Assemblyman John Wisniewski was joined by Massachusetts Democratic Party Chairman John Walsh for  a press conference call to discuss what New Jersey’s Democratic State Committee chairman  called Christie’s embrace of “Romney Economics.” Wisniewski describes Christie’s campaign  appearance as an “audition” to be Vice President.

He says Christie’s focus is not on New Jersey but rather what”s “best for his political party” and his “political reputation. New Jersey voters, says Wisniewski,  “didn’t elect a part-time Governor and we’ve had enough of Governor Christie using his title to launch his own national ambitions.”

Walsh noted that Christie is following in the footsteps of Romney who, as Governor, was out of state numerous times in his one term as Governor of Massachusetts.

The Boston Globe reports Romney was out of state 212 times in 2006, his final term in office.

Listen to the press conference

Part 1

Part 2

The appearance comes just days after a quick trip to Kentucky at which Christie fired up Republicans for today’s presidential primary by calling President Obama “the most ill-prepared person to assume the presidency in my lifetime.”

Walsh, however, said Christie could “learn a thing or two from President Obama” citing what he said was the creation of 4 million jobs over the past 26 months.

The Star Ledger brought attention to the fact that Christie has been away from New Jersey 55 times in the past 8 months. “Governor Christie has a good positive story to tell about New Jersey and leadership,” commented  Michael Drewniak about the report. “Any time he can bring that message to a wider audience is positive for New Jersey and perhaps instructive for other leaders.”

Townsquare Media NJ Statehouse reporter Kevin McArdle says Christie often points to his position on the Executive Committee of the Republican Governors Association that requires him to help GOP candidates around the country.

He recently made several campaign stops in Wisconsin to campaign for Governor Scott Walker’s recall campaign; Walker is also on the Executive Committee.

The screenings will be held at the Bergen Performing Arts Center on May 30 at 12 p.m. and 6.pm. The 12 p.m. showing is reserve for school groups. The 6 p.m. showing will be open to the public.

“Even though New Jersey now has the toughest anti-bullying law in the nation, some school districts, parents and students still do not understand that peer bullying has horrific and life-changing consequences,” said Vainieri Huttle.

Anyone wishing to reserve tickets in advance of the screenings should contact the Assemblywoman by email at aswhuttle@njleg.org.

“Bully Trailer”

ABC

Dharun Ravi’s sentencing continues to dominate things in the news.  Today, we get reaction and the aftermath of the sentencing in this extremely polarizing case.

TUESDAY’S HEADLINES

• Ravi receives a 30 day jail sentence, which has drawn reactions ranging from heavy support and staunch opposition to Judge Glenn Berman’s decision.
• A tax cut compromise is possible, says the Assembly Budget Boss.
• NJ’s ocean water quality is great, according to a new DEP report.
• Two measures advance in Trenton, one that would decriminalize possession of marijuana and another that would allow mobile gaming in Atlantic City.
• Speaking of Atlantic City, a horrific stabbing in broad daylight Monday left two Canadian tourists dead.
• Homeowners’ insurance premiums continue to rise.
• Four fugitives escaped on Monday across New Jersey; 2 are caught, 2 are still on the loose.
• A new study finds that more men are entering women-dominated fields.
• We examine the impact of social media on small business.

Be the first to know.  Get breaking news and weather alerts right on your cell phone.  Text “NEWS” t0 89000.

Monday’s poll, which we are leaving open, asked your opinion of the Ravi sentence.  There was a ton of votes on this one, with a split decision at the time of this publication.  42% say it was too lenient, 42% think it was just right, and 16% thought it was too harsh.

TODAY’S POLL

VIDEO OF THE DAY

Dan Kitwood, Getty Images

However while setting up a Facebook page or Twitter handle doesn’t take much know-how, many business owners are wondering how can they turn social media in tangible profits.

The week of May 21st is Small Businesses Week. Gail Goodman, author and CEO of the marketing company Constant Contact says what makes social media so important is its ability to reach new customers.

“When you engage your current customers online, you create socially visible interaction that gets through your customers and gets to their friends, family, and colleagues.”

Goodman notes that word of mouth is important in attracting new businesses, and social media allows for the best scenario in which something can go “viral” and reach the most people possible. When comparing the three most common forms of marketing, traditional mail, email, and social media, Goodman says Social Media allows for the easiest way for people to share the information.

The old standby of direct mail was proved to be the least viral according to the CEO.

“I have never passed on a piece of direct mail to anybody.” Says Goodman.

Email, however, allows some potential for word of mouth, but Goodman says there would have to be a particularly good offer for a person to warrant hitting the “forward” button. What makes social marketing so effective is its simplicity since all it takes is a click of a “like”, “retweet”, or “share” button and all of you followers and friends see that.

“So just like the same word of mouth that used to happen on the kitchen island or back fence, is now happening on social networks.”

And how powerful is word of mouth for a business? Goodman says a recent Nielson report shows that 92% percent of consumers trust word of mouth recommendations from friends and family and even from strangers. Conversely only 14% still trust in traditional advertising.

A preponderance of ‘review” sites like Yelp, Angies List, and Google Reviews also all play in how your business is perceived and digitally recommended. Goodman notes that customers who feel engaged by the company will be more likely to write the review in your favor.

However directly reaching out to customers via social networks is more effective because by engaging with customers through social media, Goodman says you are also simultaneously reaching out to their peers “who are very likely to be in the same location, neighborhood, and the same tastes. Same socioeconomic background and same age group.”

The mantra of engaging with clients via social networking isn’t just beneficial for any one kind of industry. Regardless of whether you own a retail company, a non profit organization, or anything else, Goodman says the only thing that changes is the way you engage with people.

“A business to business enterprise would engage much more with advice. They would share industry trends and case studies. Whereas a consumer business would be much more about what’s going on right now, what’s the latest product, what’s the latest menu offers. And a non profit would be all about the mission.”

While getting the all important “like” is the goal, there is some concern as to whether the “like” has lost it’s value? Goodman says that while some people tend to be looser with their decision to follow companies, the general populous hasn’t entered “like fatigue” just yet.

“I’m not sure we’re going to get there because I think we’re all going to get pickier about what we’re willing to “like”, and “like” will hold its weight.”

Facebook’s recent departure onto public trading has spurned some critics to say the social media uber giant is just a flash (similar to one time fellow giant MySpace), however Goodman says though there will be an ebb and flow, there will always be some kind of social media in the future.

“It’ll keep moving and as small businesses one of the big challenges will be staying up to date.”

Goodman’s book “Engagement Marketing: How Small Businesses Win in the Socially Connected World”

That could be a major reason for an increasing trend over the past few years; more and more men are entering workfields typically dominated by women.

The construction field has taken a hit by the recession and its recovery. (Flick User Kate Ter Haar)

“I think the overriding reason is that some traditional male-dominated occupations have been in steady decline,” said James Hughes, Dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. “For example, manufacturing employment peaked more than two decades ago and has been eroding ever since.”

The manufacturing field was hit particularly hard during the recession.

At the same time, other recessionary measures have hit male-dominated fields like construction. Many of the building trades have unemployment rates at the 30-40 percent level.

“In order to survive, in order to secure some type of income, these other occupations that were formally dominated by women look pretty good,” Hughes said about men.

Men have been taking up employment in fields such as nursing and teaching, but Hughes said this should not be seen as a threat to women. Female growth has been seen in the same fields.

Hughes added, “It’s generally positive if you’re bringing talent into a field. I think everybody benefits from that.”

More women than men make up the majority of those in college and earning degrees. For that reason, females have traditionally entered jobs and fields that are easier to hold on to and more likely to grow. At the same time, Hughes said, women are starting to move into fields traditionally dominated by men.

“We’re seeing a blending of opportunities,” he explained.

Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

The bi-partisan legislation is sponsored on the Democratic side by Assembly members Reed Gusciora, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Grace Spencer and Peter Barnes. Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll is the Republican sponsor.

Under the bill, a person who is caught possessing 15 grams or less of marijuana would be subject to a $150 fine for a first violation, a $200 fine for a second violation, and a $500 fine for a third or subsequent violation. A person who is caught possessing drug paraphernalia for the personal use of 15 grams or less of marijuana would no longer have committed a criminal violation but would be subject to a $100 civil penalty.

“This bill would put us in line with neighboring states like Connecticut and New York, which recently decriminalized marijuana possession,” says Gusciora. “The bill recognizes the realities of our current drug laws, which are overly punitive for marijuana and taxing on our criminal justice system.”

The bill would also require anyone under 21 who is caught with marijuana and anyone 21 and over who is caught three times, to undergo a drug education program. The person would be responsible for paying any costs associated with his participation in the program, consistent with his ability to pay. If the violation is committed by a person under the age of 18, the person would be referred to the Family Part of the Chancery Division of the Superior Court for an appropriate disposition.

• RELATED:  Should NJ Decriminalize Marijuana?

Opponents of the measure like Bruce Hummer with the New Jersey prevention Network say pot is addictive and decriminalizing it even in small amounts sends the message to kids that marijuana use is safe. The Christie Administration is not commenting on the bill.

“Possession of a relatively small amount of marijuana can have serious long-term consequences on many aspects of a person’s life,” says Watson Coleman. “Once a person has a criminal record, it can affect their job, schooling, home life, and personal perception. Decriminalizing small possession would ease these burdens while also taking taxpayers off the hook for the cost of prosecuting these crimes.”

Watson Coleman says 15 grams (roughly half an ounce) of marijuana is the equivalent of about 30 joints.

The bill would establish that it is no longer a disorderly persons offense to be under the influence of marijuana or to fail to voluntarily deliver 15 grams or less of marijuana to the nearest law enforcement officer. This bill would also eliminate the requirement that a person who operates a motor vehicle while in possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana must pay a $50 fine and forfeit the right to operate a motor vehicle for a period of two years.

14 other states have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. Alaska, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada and Oregon have decriminalized possession of one ounce (about 28 grams) of marijuana or less. Connecticut and North Carolina have decriminalized one half ounce or less. Minnesota has decriminalized 42.5 grams or less; Mississippi: 30 grams or less; New York: 25 grams or less; and Ohio: 100 grams or less.

The legislation was unanimously approved by the Assembly Judiciary Committee by a vote of 7-0 and now awaits consideration by the full Assembly.

Damage from an apparent tornado in Thurman, Iowa. ( Eric Francis/Getty Images)

That’s the biggest yearly increase since the market downturn and will mark the first time the national average premium is above $1,000.

Steven Weisbart of the Insurance Information Institute says that doesn’t mean Jersey homeowners will see a five percent increase to pay for Midwest storm damage. That would be illegal in the Garden State.

But, he says, we will be paying for what he calls, “a new recognition that perhaps weather patterns have changed to the point that we will more of the kind of damage in the future that we recently experienced. The states say they don’t usually approve requests for increases by the exact amount insurers ask for.”

Weisbart also makes the point that Irene demonstrated to us that the state is not immune to the threat of severe storm damage. He says homeowners can mitigate higher premiums with better construction, stronger roofs, better doors, and windows. They can also take higher deductibles to lower premiums.

The bill, A-2575, would permit casinos to offer electronic versions of their games that be can be played by guests on mobile devices. The devices, unique to each casino, would allow guests to place bets anywhere on the casino resort property, not just the casino floor.

Matthew White, Townsquare Media

At the end of their stay, visitors would return the devices to the hotel and, depending on the guest’s luck, cash out their winnings.

“In order to remain attractive to visitors and competitive with neighboring states, it’s important that Atlantic City keep up with the latest innovations and trends,” said bill sponsor Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D). Nevada has offered the mobile service since 2005.

Burzichelli added, “For the convenience of the patron, if you’re sitting by the pool, you can play the game of your choice…You can do it sitting at the table at a restaurant.”

“There are so many things to do at Atlantic City’s casinos and hotels; it just makes sense to allow guests to take their games along with them,” said Republican bill sponsor Assemblyman Chris Brown.

The service would only be available on the special devices, not individuals’ cell phones, and they would not work beyond casino property. Gamblers who utilize the devices would need to establish an account with the casino.

The legislation can now be considered by the full Assembly.

Staff Photo

Two years later, former Rutgers student Dhaurn Ravi, 20, was sentenced to 30 days in jail for spying on his roommate Tyler Clementi’s intimate encounter with another man.

Ravi, 20, could have gotten 10 years behind bars for his part in a case that burst onto front pages when Tyler Clementi threw himself to his death off the George Washington Bridge.

Instead, Superior Court Judge Glenn Berman gave Ravi a month in jail, placed him on three years’ probation and ordered him to get counseling and pay $10,000 toward a program to help victims of hate crimes.

• RELATED:  Full Coverage Of Dharun Ravi’s Trial And Sentencing

“Our society has every right to expect zero tolerance for intolerance,” the judge said.

The sentence followed hours of impact statements from both the Ravi and Clementi families.

Joe Clementi said he couldn’t imagine the pain his son was going through in the final days leading up to his death.

“He was a kind, gentle soul who went off to college trying to make the transition from child to young adult, its hard for me to imagine the humilation that he felt.”

His mother, Jane Clementi, said she wanted justice.

“The court needs to show the residents of New Jersey and the entire country that this was not right and not acceptable behavior.”

Ravi’s family said their son had suffered at the hands of the media and that he has spent his days in exile at home.

Dharun Ravi's mother reads her victim impact statement in court (WPVI TV)

“Dharun has lost 25 pounds and eats one meal a day, his dreams are shattered and he’s been living in hell for the past twenty months” Sabitha Ravi, Dharun’s mother tearfully told the court and she pleaded for leniency in sentencing.

Ravi’s father said his son had no hatred in his heart and did not hate gays. “He was not raised homophobic.”

Ravi himself declined to speak.

In handing down the sentence, the judge quoted an email from Clementi himself describing Ravi’s conduct as “wildly

inappropriate.”

At the same time, Berman pointed out that Ravi was not charged in Clementi’s suicide. He said Ravi has spent 20 months in “exile” since his arrest. And he suggested “hate crime” is a misnomer for what Ravi was convicted of: “I do not believe he hated Tyler Clementi.”

Berman also spoke to Ravi directly saying he never heard him saying he was sorry.

“I heard this jury say guilty 288 times, 24 questions, 12 jurors…and I haven’t heard you apologize once.”

He also said he has examined the bias intimidation laws in 39 states and found that New Jersey’s is among the broadest. Most, he said, are used only to increase the sentences of people convicted of violent crimes.

The judge said he would recommend Ravi not be deported to his native India. Deportation is still a possibility, but a sentence of a year or more would have been more likely to trigger it.

Ravi was convicted in March of invasion of privacy, bias intimidation on the basis of sexual orientation — an offense widely referred to as

a hate crime — and trying to cover his tracks by destroying text messages and tweets and tampering with a witness.

Reporters followed Ravi and his parents across the street and through a nearby parking garage, but Ravi declined to speak.The Clementi family also shunned reporters, at first requesting a media press conference, then canceling minutes after the sentence was read.

New Jersey gay rights organization Garden State Equality expressed disappointment with the punishment. In a statement, chairman Steven Goldstein suggested that while the maximum would have been an act of “vengeance,” 30 days was too light.

“This was not merely a childhood prank gone awry,” Goldstein said.

Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce Kaplan said they plan to appeal. “The sentence was not sufficient.”

Lawyers for Ravi had also indicated they may appeal the conviction.

Rutgers Community Reacts

The reaction was mixed on College Avenue, the main street through the center of the New Brunswick campus where the boys were freshmen.

“He deserved some time in jail, but ten years was overkill so I think it was a fair sentence” said Danielle, a Rutgers graduate student.

“I am very happy with the verdict and feel that the sentence was fair” said a family friend of Ravi’s. “I know Dhaurn personally and he will get through this.”

“I believe in the American justice system and this was the correct verdict” said another man, outside the courtroom.

Others felt justice was not served.

“30 days…you can get 30 days in jail for unpaid parking tickets” said Marc, a senior. “I would be really mad if I was the Clementi family, absolutely.”

“I really hope that he learned something from it…I think it was a pretty lenient sentence considering he didn’t seem that apologetic in court” said another student.

Some students are simply happy the trial is over.

“It cast a dark shadow on our school for a very long time, so to have it be finished is good.”