Regional Briefs – February 10, 2015

Electronic Drivers Licenses May be Coming to NJ

TRENTON – Electronic driver’s licenses and proof of insurance could come to New Jersey under bills approved by a state Senate panel Monday, the Associated Press reported. The program would allow drivers to use their phones to show credentials, switching from a card system.

Half of Camden’s Graduates Get Diplomas by Appeal

CAMDEN, N.J. – Some 48 percent of Camden’s students who graduate are doing it through an appeals process rather than by merit — by passing state tests, the Courier-Post reported. Less than one-third graduate at all. The city is among the poorest and most unsafe in the country.

Most Municipalities, School Districts Followed Tax Cap

ALBANY – New York tax officials say 84 percent of municipal governments and 97 percent of school districts have maintained the 2 percent property tax cap that entitles residents to $200 million in tax credits. The last checks are going out to 2.5 million eligible homeowners.

Charges Dropped Against Ex-Politician in Theft Case

MINEOLA, N.Y. – A Long Island Democrat who dropped out of a race for Congress last year when accused of theft had the charges dismissed Monday when the complainant decided not to pursue it, Newsday reported. David Mejias was arrested in November for stealing a $3,000 pocketbook and $800 bracelet.

NY Senate Votes to Open Port Authority Records

ALBANY – Legislation to make the Port Authority subject to open records laws passed the New York Senate in a unanimous vote Monday and heads to the Assembly, The Associated Press reported. Supporters say there’s no good reason why the agency isn’t held to the same standards as other government bodies.

Town Considers Selling Ad Space on School Buses

SAYREVILLE, N.J. – Sayreville school officials are considering selling ad space on its buses. Buyers are limited to hospitals, universities and similar vendors, NJ.com reported. The proposal could generate as much as $1 million, bolstering the overall budget of $79.5 million.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the February 10th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.