State Budget Windfall

So I heard on the news today that the state of NJ had an unanticipated budget windfall. Seems the tax amnesty program they've been running has exceeded evertoe's expectations by several million dollars. Now the pundits in Trenton are trying to decide how to best utilize this money. Gov. Corzine has said he favors property tax relief. Do you think this will help to keep Trenton's hands off the training fund monies? I certainly hope so. On that note, if the training fund dried up, how do you think you would maintain your certification? On the other hand, if you don't have access to the training fund, how do you maintain your certification? Is it all out of pocket? Employer sponsored? Combination?

Expired EMT cert?

So, according to Nancy Kelly-Goodstein from the DOH, the rules regarding expired EMT certs have changed again. There is no more two year time limit for challenging the state test. Going forward, anyone who has ever held NJ EMT certification can take a Core 13 class, and challenge the state test to regain their certification. This change evolved because we no longer use the National Registry test, and the two year rule was theirs. This can be a great tool to get some of our former squd members back in the game, don't you think? I'm looking forward to bringing a few folks back.....I may even schedule a specific Core 13 for returning folks. What about you?

High School Programs

I think I have mentioned the Drinking and Distracted Driving program I do in area high schools....well I am almost done for the season...one more I think, in Pt. Beach....Well, on Thursday I was at Monmouth Regional, and the group seemed a little rowdy...and I wasn't sure I made an impact. Then on Friday, I visited another school in the morning, and was walking in to a store in the afternoon and was stopped by a girl who said Ihad visited her school yesterday (MR). She thanked me for coming, said I really made her think, and then she introduced me to the other adults she was shopping with. We had a great conversation, nad it really made me feel good. Not only that she got something out of the program, but that she was thoughtful enough to stop me and tell me what she thought. Makes all the aggravation and schedule shuffling worth it. Just wanted to share....

Molly

Plans

Sure doesn't feel like June out there tonight! We're just coming in from a Mounmouth Council Scouting Picnic, and many of those in attendance were discussing summer plans...There will be losts of camping, baseball, picnics, water fun and more. I'm even hoping to do a bike rodeo at the weekly Scout Camp at Quail Hill. So it got me to thinking...what is everyone up to this summer?