(TRENTON) — Legislation Assemblyman John McKeon and Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Cryan sponsored to establish the New Jersey Lung Cancer Research Fund and allow voluntary contributions by residents through their state gross income tax returns has been signed into law.
According to statistics from the American Cancer Society, an estimated 4,300 New Jerseyans are diagnosed annually with lung cancer, accounting for roughly one-quarter of all cancer diagnoses statewide.
“Creating an option for a voluntary contribution to donate to this cause could save countless lives by providing precious resources in the search for a cure,” said McKeon (D-Essex).
Under the legislation (A-3842), money in the fund would be directed exclusively to the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research, which would evaluate and approve grants to conduct research relating to the causes, treatment and cure of lung cancer.
“Allowing residents to donate to the Lung Cancer Research Fund right off their tax returns is a smart and efficient way to direct money to this all-important fight,” said Cryan (D-Union).
The late Assemblyman Dr. Eric Munoz (R-Union) also was a prime sponsor of the measure.
The bill was signed Monday by Gov. Jon S. Corzine.
On the Net:
The Assembly Democratic Office Web site
NJ Assembly Dems on YouTube
NJ Assembly Dems on Vimeo
NJ Assembly Dems on Facebook
NJ Assembly Dems on Twitter
NJ Assembly Dems on Flickr
NJ Assembly Dems e-mail alerts