Rep. Rothman Reads Dr. Seuss to Students in Garfield and More From Legislators

U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman (D-9)—a Fair Lawn resident—spent an hour with the fourth-grade class of Roosevelt Elementary School in Garfield on Monday as part of the National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America program.

Rothman read Dr. Seuss’s "The Lorax" to the students and spoke with them about the importance and fun of reading.

"As a parent, I know how significant it is to get our children to enjoy reading at an early age and help them succeed in school," Rothman said in a statement. "I always look forward to reading to the children in my district. It is our collective responsibility as parents, teachers, neighbors and elected representatives to ensure that our children thrive in our public schools, and the Read Across America program is an excellent opportunity to help us reach that goal."

District 38 Dems Among Sponsors of Loan-Forgiveness Program

A Democrat-led measure, of which District 38 Assemblywomen Joan Voss and Connie Wagner were among the sponsors, to create a loan-forgiveness program for students who pursue fields with labor shortages failed to gain enough votes from Republicans in the Assembly on Thursday to override the governor’s recent veto.

It failed to override by a vote of 44-32, according to a Assembly Democrats news release issued Thursday.

The bill was part of a Democratic legislative “Back to Work NJ” effort to create jobs and spark economic development.

"We need a continuing emphasis on finding work for young people and taking on labor shortages in key areas," said Voss in a statement. "It's unfortunate that this measure failed because it would have provided a comprehensive approach to improve our economy by filling vacancies in key professions."

Assemblywoman Wagner said in a statement, "Encouraging our young residents to seek work where it's needed most is a surefire way to help them get their foot in the door in a difficult economy. Clearly Republicans and the Governor do not support our goal of boosting the economy, creating jobs and ensuring workers are filling key needs for New Jersey residents."