NEW JERSEY 20th Legislative District
	Senator RAYMOND LESNIAK	Assemblyman JOSEPH CRYAN	Assemblywoman ANNETTE QUIJANO
For Release: Immediate December 9, 2011		Contact: Press office (609) 292-7065

ASSEMBLY APPROVES QUIJANO BILL TO PROVIDE CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR GIRLS SCOUT PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

The General Assembly on Monday approved a measure sponsored by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano that would provide continuous funding support for the worthwhile endeavors of New Jersey's various Girl Scout councils.

"This is a great way to support a wonderful cause," said Quijano (D-Union). "The Girl Scouts have long been known for providing productive activities to help young girls build leadership skills and prepare for the real world. Much like we've done with other worthwhile causes, this mechanism will help members of the general public more easily contribute to the work of the Girl Scouts if they wish."

The bill (A-4182), approved by a vote of 77-0-1, would establish the "Girl Scouts Councils in New Jersey Fund" and provide a designation on the state gross income tax return that would permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to the fund to support the programs and services of New Jersey Girl Scout councils.

The four Girl Scouts councils in New Jersey (Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, and Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey) would receive distributions of equal amounts from the contributions made to the "Girl Scouts Councils in New Jersey Fund."

Of the approximately 2.4 million Girl Scout members nationwide, New Jersey has approximately 106,000 members and 45,000 adult volunteers. The bill would require the four New Jersey councils to use one-third to one-half of the voluntary contributions collected for scholarship pools, membership, programs, travel, uniform components, program materials, camping, and other services.

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