Governor Christie Proposes County Schools for Children with Autism

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Mary W. Browning

In a town hall meeting yesterday, Governor Christie discussed a proposal to set up a school in each county that specializes in teaching children with autism.  The Governor believes that this type of structure will cut costs overall and will allow children within the entire county to attend what he called “centers for excellence” in each county, with the goal of increasing access for all children.  This system would presumably replace the current regime of each school system having its own program.

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Upcoming Event: JCC of New Jersey Special Needs Symposium

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Lori I. Wolf

Lori Wolf, a Member of the Tax, Trusts & Estates Department of Cole Schotz, will speak at the JCC of New Jersey's Special Needs Symposium on February 13, 2011.  This symposium is for families, educators and professionals with an interest in special needs issues and topics.  Pre-registration is required.  Please visit http://www.jccnj.org/specialneeds.html for more information.

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The Stimulus Bill and Families of Children with Special Needs

Posted on March 3, 2009 by Mary W. Browning

New Jersey's residents with special needs will benefit from the new $787 billion stimulus plan, signed by President Obama on February 17th.

New Jersey expects to receive $2.2 billion for its Medicaid program - a program that has been severely stressed as the economy has faltered. According to the Department of Health and Senior Services, Medicaid provides health care to over 1 million people in New Jersey and counting. The first $362 million slated for Medicaid will be paid to New Jersey right away. The rest of the money is expected to flow into New Jersey over the next two years.

Special education in New Jersey is also receiving help from the stimulus package – to the tune of approximately $360 million. Federal support nationwide for special education will grow by $12 billion over a two year period.

Details of how this money will be used is still forthcoming. Governor Corzine recently announced that two members of his administration, Chief of Staff Ed McBride and Comptroller Matt Boxer, will oversee the distribution of this money.
 

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