The Medical Society of New Jersey’s insistence, in the Feb. 5, 2015 letter in The Daily Journal (“Multi-faceted approach best to battle addiction”) that Senate bill 2366 will hinder their physician’s ability to provide proper, personalized care to their patients is simply not true.

In fact, as a parent of a child who became addicted through a medicine prescribed to treat a sports injury, I think the MSNJ is missing the point. This law will give their doctors the opportunity to prevent countless families from suffering the unthinkable consequences of addiction. What can be more personal than that?

This bill is not designed to prevent a physician’s ability to practice medicine in the best way possible. It is intended to require dialogue between patients, parents and physicians. And, to help parents, like me, know the signs and symptoms to look for if their child becomes addicted to a medicine they were prescribed.

Doctors need to be part of the solution in addressing Cumberland County’s heroin epidemic, and I ask all New Jersey doctors to support this lifesaving bill.

Abby Boxman

Howell

Vets deserve to pay in-state tuition at public colleges

A bill that allows veterans attending a public college or university in New Jersey to pay in-state tuition rates has been signed into law.

The measure (A-3967), to be known as the “New Jersey Tuition Equality for America’s Military Act,” will allow a veteran or covered individual attending a public institution of higher education in New Jersey while living in New Jersey to be considered a resident of the state for the purpose of determining tuition, regardless of the veteran’s or covered individual’s state of residence.

A “veteran” means a person who has served on active duty in uniformed services of the United States and was discharged or released and who qualifies for education assistance under federal law. A “covered individual” means an individual, such as a veteran’s spouse or children, eligible for education assistance under federal law by virtue of their relationship to a veteran.

For my fellow veterans, the transition to civilian life can be challenging. With this law, we’ll rightfully be giving veterans a helping hand and showing respect for their sacrifices and bravery in protecting our freedoms. An education is the road to a better future, so let’s make it easier for our veterans — who have given so much to our country — to obtain one. Read more…