Category: Travel

Philadelphia CBP Agriculture K9 Detects Prohibited Cheese Wrapped in Animal Skins

Release Date:

December 11, 2019

PHILADELPHIA

– A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture detector dog led to the seizure of nearly 16 pounds of unpasteurized cheese wrapped in unknown animal skins at Philadelphia International Airport November 16.

K9 Potter, part of CBP\’s

Beagle Brigade, sniffed

out cheese-filled animal

skins from Turkey.

While inspecting travelers from a flight that arrived from Turkey, CBP agriculture K9 Potter alerted to a couple’s baggage. During a secondary examination, CBP agriculture specialists discovered five tanned animal skins balled up and stitched closed. Inside they discovered 7.1 kilograms, or 15 pounds, 10 ounces, of soft cheese. The skins and cheese were prohibited without veterinary certification due to the skins being a potential carrier of animal diseases. The skins and cheese were destroyed.

CBP agriculture specialists observe increases in prohibited agriculture products during the holidays when foreign nations bring traditional meals and products to celebrate with family in the United States.

The couple, who CBP released, were destined to an address in Burlington County, N.J.

\”Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists protect our nation from a variety of potential agriculture threats every day, including from these unfinished animal skins that may carry an economy-damaging animal disease,” said Casey Durst, Director of Field Operations for CBP’s Baltimore Field Office. “CBP agriculture specialists continue to exercise extraordinary vigilance in their fight to protect our nation’s agriculture and economic prosperity from invasive pests and animal diseases.”

CBP agriculture specialists

perform a critical border security role in safeguarding America’s agricultural and natural resources from harmful pests and plant diseases. They have extensive training and experience in the biological sciences and agricultural inspection.

Cheese-filled animal skins from Turkey.

CBP agriculture specialists work diligently to inspect imported air and sea cargo and arriving international travelers every day to intercept pests and potential plant and animal diseases at our nation’s international ports of entry.

During a typical day last year, CBP agriculture specialists across the nation seized 4,552 prohibited plant, meat, animal byproduct, and soil, and intercepted 319 insect pests at U.S. ports of entry. See what else CBP achieved on a

typical day during 2018

,

CBP encourages foreign visitors to ‘

know before you go

’ by viewing general guidelines on a variety of

prohibited or restricted products

, or by visiting CBP’s Travel site at

www.CBP.gov

.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation\’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

NJ Kicks off Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

Holiday Grantee List

NEW JERSEY

– With the busy holiday travel season fast approaching, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (“the Division”) today announced the kick-off of a statewide traffic safety campaign targeting drunk and impaired drivers.

Starting today, law enforcement agencies across the state will be patrolling the New Jersey roads looking for drunk and impaired drivers as part of the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” holiday campaign, which runs through January 1, 2020.

New Jersey’s crackdown on impaired driving is part of a nationwide effort to reduce crash risks during the heavily traveled holiday season. To assist with New Jersey’s enforcement efforts, the Division has provided 133 agencies with grants totaling $596,660 that pay for saturation patrols and high-visibility sobriety checkpoints throughout the state.

“The holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends but if your celebration includes alcohol, leave the driving to someone else – a sober friend, a ride share, or public transportation,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “Being a responsible driver is one of the simplest ways to ensure a safe and happy holiday season for everyone. Our Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is aimed at raising public awareness and saving lives.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (“NHTSA”) Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 10,511 people were killed nationwide in drunk-driving crashes last year, a figure that represents nearly 30 percent of all fatalities recorded for that year. In New Jersey alone, 125 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes in 2018 – more than 20 percent of all traffic fatalities recorded.

According to the NHTSA report, last December 839 people lost their lives in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver, and there were more drunk-driving-related fatalities  during the Christmas and New Year’s Day holiday periods in 2018 alone than during any other holiday period that year.

“These fatalities are preventable, and people must remember that driving under the influence of any substance, be it drugs or alcohol, is deadly, illegal, and selfish behavior,” said Eric Heitmann, Director of the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “To promote traffic safety this holiday season, law enforcement officers will be out in force looking for impaired drivers. If you drive under the influence during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization, you can count on being stopped and arrested.”

Last year, more than 76% (372) of New Jersey’s police agencies participated in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday campaign. The 2018 enforcement effort resulted in 1,269 DWI arrests (alcohol and/or drugs) statewide; and participating police agencies issued 5,704 and 3,125 speeding and seat belt summonses, respectively. A number of departments reported noteworthy accomplishments, including 15 agencies making 14 or more DWI arrests during the campaign.

For more information, follow the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, and visit NJSafeRoads.com.

How Vegas hotels inspire loyalty among patrons

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(Dec. 10, 2019)–The customer, like all businesses, is the most important person in both the hotel and casino industry and by extension, their loyalty is vital to their success.

Loyalty schemes and bonuses aren’t anything new – just about every business offering a product or service utilizes them. Pick up a coffee at any local shop and you’ll fill another space on the loyalty card, log on to an online casino and you’ll be able to claim comp points for the games that you play.

Loyalty schemes and rewards aren’t anything new, but how effective each method is is still up for debate. But those discussing will struggle to argue that the Vegas hotels and casinos are at the forefront of the loyalty business.

There are

so

many different hotels in Vegas and with each one competing for the same customers, it’s hardly a surprise that loyalty is a serious business. So, how exactly do hotels inspire loyalty among patrons?

The brand itself

The single most important marketing consideration that any business faces is the brand itself and, done correctly, this is enough to make for strong loyalty.

By marketing the hotel for the correct audience and selling the lifestyle rather than the hotel itself, businesses are much more likely to receive new customers that they may otherwise fail to have caught. This can be done in a number of different ways, perhaps the most interesting in recent times being

digital and social media marketing

.

Branding is particularly important through the hotel itself too with the decor, feel and staff all linking to the lifestyle that the brand portrays. In the era in which the everyday person chooses to share their life online – everything matters and the good (and bad) will be shared.

Traditional loyalty schemes

A traditional loyalty scheme structure seems to be the preferred way for the Vegas hard-hitters to instill loyalty and create a loyal fanbase.

From offers and discounts on rooms, the chance to bag tickets to events before the rest of the crowds and VIP treatment wherever you go – it does a very good job of keeping customers happy. But this doesn’t tend to come easily and there’s a price to pay before the benefits can be reaped, often in the form of

tier credits

. The more tier credits earned, the better the benefits that can be claimed.

The best we to run through this to give you an idea of what to expect is to have a look through a case study and get to grips with the loyalty offered.

Case study: MGM Resorts – M Life Program

Maybe the

best example of hotel loyalty

schemes comes from the bosses at MGM Resorts and their loyalty program “M Life” consistent across all hotels owned (MGM Grand, Bellagio, Mirage, etc.).

The company uses a five-tier system with each tier offering bigger and better benefits for those staying at any of the MGM resorts.

A certain number of tier credits is required before the next level can be reached which are earned with spending on gaming activities, hotel rooms, dining, entertainment, etc. If you’re spending money at the resort, chances are that

you’re collecting tier points

in doing so.

Sapphire

The first loyalty level that all guests will receive is the Sapphire status – the level received for simply signing up for the rewards scheme.

Members will receive a 10% discount on rooms at valid MGM properties with an additional 5% discount at the participating shops found at the resort. There’s even the chance to earn early access to tickets for events at MGM resorts around the globe.

Pearl

Next up is pearl, the status reached when earning 35,000 tier credits inside a program year.

Alongside the benefits earned from Sapphire, members will find themselves with a 10% points-earning from slot play and an additional six months of expiration time. There’s the chance to be invited to members-only events and the shopping discount is bumped up to 10% at those stores participating.

Gold

Gold follows Pearl and requires members to earn 75,000 tier credits per program year to qualify.

The benefits of Pearl will still stand, but there’s a 20% bonus on slot play and express comps, the availability of priority check-in lines and room upgrades for hotel stays. Gold members will also be able to make priority reservations at restaurants as well as VIP lines in both buffets and select nightclubs.

Platinum

A huge 200,000 tier credits inside a singe program year are required to reach the Platinum level and the benefits that come with it.

Those at the Platinum level are entitled to one free cruise per program year on either Royal Caribbean of Celebrity in either the Bahamas or the Caribbean for 3, 4 or 5 nights depending on gambling history. That’s just the start and Platinum members should also be able to earn 30% on slots and express comps alongside a 15% discount at shops.

Noir

The highest tier available in the M Life Program is Noir, an invitation-only program that’s rumored to only be available for those spending $250,000 or more per year in MGM casinos.

Benefits include a complimentary week-long cruise, a 40% bonus on slots play and express comps, VIP check-in services, private lounge access, guaranteed hotel and restaurant reservations, complimentary limo service from the airport to the hotel and the list goes on…

To cut a long story short

To cut a long story short, there’s a huge number of ways that Vegas hotels

could

inspire loyalty among patrons, but, as our case study points out, it’s the traditional loyalty scheme that proves popular with the Vegas hard-hitters.

By introducing a tier-system, customers have the incentive to try and earn tier points and move up the levels to gain access to improved benefits and amenities. With cruises, slot and express comp bonuses, shop discounts and even limo service all available and working with the brand itself, it’s not difficult to see why the

loyalty schemes are so effective

.

images courtesy of unsplash.com

Approval Given for Railcar Carrying Dangerous LNG to Gibbstown Port

GIBBSTOWN, NJ–(Dec. 9, 2019)–PHMSA has approved a Special Permit to Energy Transfer Solutions LLC, a New Fortress subsidiary. New Fortress is looking to build an LNG facility in Gibbstown, NJ. The permit requests authorization for transportation of liquefied natural gas (methane, refrigerated liquid) by rail tank car. This material is currently not authorized for transportation by rail tank car although materials with similar properties are authorized for transportation.

Modern tank cars carry all types of liquid and gaseous commodities (image source Wikipedia).

“This proposal is fracking crazy. PHMSA is going to allow a rail tank car carrying explosive LNG through our communities and neighborhoods. Granting this special permit to New Fortress’s subsidiary will mean 100s of trains will be coming through our communities and neighborhoods carrying explosive LNG. Some of our train tracks go back before WWI and are not designed to handle this dangerous cargo. The dangers of a possible derailment, spill, or explosion would be catastrophic. This is an accident waiting to happen. We need to stop the federal government and President Trump from allowing that to happen. More importantly, the Murphy Administration and the DRBC need to protect us and stop Delaware River Partner’s LNG facility proposal in Gibbstown,”

said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

The rail will transport the LNG from Wyalusing Twp., PA to Gibbstown, NJ. Trains will be transporting 20 or more tank cars under the permit. The permit is good for two years.

“Trump’s PHMSA has sided with polluters over public safety. These trains carrying LNG are compressed at 600 to 1, so if an explosion happens, it can wipe out a neighborhood and be catastrophic .A train derailment carrying LNG will be much worse than what happened in Paulsboro, New Jersey when a tanker derailed and released 23,000 gallons of toxic vinyl chloride gas.  A leak from any of those trains could instantly kill everything within 550 yards. A fireball could have a radius as large as a mile-and-a-half. The blast zone from an explosion could spread as wide as two-and-a-half miles,”

said Tittel. “

These trains will likely be close to homes, schools, businesses, fire-prone forests, critical ecosystems, and critical waterways.”

The safety analyses performed in the development of this special permit only considered the hazards and risks associated with the transportation in commerce.

“Transportation of LNG by rail prompts more fracked gas. Natural gas is primarily methane and is 87 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide and can cause major climate impacts, while adversely affecting public health, like causing childhood asthma attacks, other respiratory ailments, and even premature death,”

said Tittel.

According to Army Corp.’s supplemental notice, the LNG product will arrive at the proposed structure via truck or tanker railcar. Approximately 13 trucks per hour would enter the site, 24/7. The proposed operations at the Site will generate approximately 15 trucks in and out of the facility per hour on average. Each truck would carry approximately 12,000 gallons of product.

“There will be close to 1400 trucks that would transport LNG to the site each day. The company will bring 3.5 million gallons of LNG a day to the port from truck or rail, this is equivalent to 2 billion gallons of natural gas. These trucks will be bombs on wheels coming through Pennsylvania and New Jersey,”

said Tittel. “

Bridge and river traffic would be greatly disrupted by a LNG port. The National Guard would have to close off bridges to allow tankers through, as happens in Boston.”

The NJ DEP have approved the Waterfront Development Permits for the LNG facility. The facility still needs approval from FERC and the Army. Corp and a 401 Water Quality Certificate from the DEP.

“Even though PHSMA acted reckless in approving this permit to transport LNG by rail, the Murphy Administration can still step up. The DEP need to do their job and protect our environment and public safety by rejecting Delaware Partner’s 401 Water Quality Permits. More importantly, Governor Murphy can put a mortarium on fossil fuel projects. Without an LNG, there wouldn’t be anything to transport,”

said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

“Even though the approval of this permit is a bump in the road, it does not mean our battle is lost. We will fight and keep on fighting until this disastrous LNG proposal is dead. It’s too important for safety of too many people.”

HOLIDAY CHEER RETURNS TO PORT AUTHORITY FACILITIES

NEWARK,NJ–The Port Authority recently installed holiday decorations at its tunnels and bridges, continuing a tradition of sharing in the spirit of the season with travelers from near and far.

image courtesy of News12 New Jersey

Back by popular demand this holiday season will be the new design scheme on the Holland Tunnel façade, which was selected after an online petition was launched in response to the previous arrangement, which had been in place for decades. The design includes having a Christmas tree (slightly larger than the one used last year) hanging in congruence over the A and a wreath covering the O in Holland to bring even more holiday joy to the viewer. In addition to the tree and the wreath, a menorah will be positioned at the corner of Marin Boulevard and 12th Street adjacent to the toll plaza.

“Last year, we heard our decorations at the Holland Tunnel weren’t up to snuff, and we took action. This season, the design matches the results of the 2018 customer poll, complete with a newly resized tree to cover the A,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “It’s truly a time of merriment and cheer, and we look forward to continuing our holiday traditions of decorating the New Jersey/New York crossings for our customers to enjoy.”

“Improving the customer experience at all of our transportation facilities by better aligning with travelers’ needs – and their vision for holiday decorations – has been among our top priorities. When our customers call for a change, we listen,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “The holiday menorahs, wreaths, and lights at our facilities add a bit of holiday cheer to the customer experience. And we are going the extra mile this year at the Holland Tunnel by redesigning the tree to achieve a ‘more perfect union’ between the tree and the A!”

“I’m happy the Port Authority had some holiday fun with the public last year and showed that they do care about how we feel and what we think,” said Cory Windelspecht, who began an online petition last year that sparked a new design for the Holland Tunnel decorations. “I’m very happy they are keeping the holiday tradition of lighting up the Holland Tunnel alive and look forward to a great Christmas and Holiday season in New York, the greatest city in the world.”

The George Washington Bridge also will be adorned with festive décor, including a tree and menorah in each toll plaza, and a tree and menorah on top of the inbound bus ramp and in the common area of the Fort Washington level of the George Washington Bridge Bus Station.

The Lincoln Tunnel’s decorations include reindeer lights along Boulevard East on the New Jersey side of the tunnel and decorations along the tunnel’s approach roads on the New York side. The Port Authority Bus Terminal will be bustling with decorations from top to bottom, with wooden Nutcracker soldiers and a large menorah on the Performing Arts Stage, wreaths hung from multiple locations, colored lights along exterior canopies, sleighs, reindeer and colored lights that resemble trees on top of exterior canopies and candy canes and snowflakes in public facing windows in the building.

The holiday spirit will be in full swing at the Staten Island Bridges. At the Goethals Bridge, a large wreath will be attached to the north tower facing westbound traffic and another wreath will be affixed to the south tower facing eastbound traffic. Menorahs also will be positioned at the bases of the north and south towers and will be visible to eastbound and westbound traffic. At the Outerbridge Crossing, a wreath will be attached to the north side of the administration building, visible to eastbound and westbound traffic and a wreath will be placed at the rotunda facing eastbound traffic.

In addition to decorations on the bridges and tunnels, the Port Authority also is working with local Jewish congregations to stage menorah lightings at the facilities throughout the month of December. Ceremonial menorah lightings are currently scheduled for December 18 at the Staten Island Bridge and December 19 at the George Washington Bridge (10 a.m.), Lincoln Tunnel (12:30 p.m.) and Port Authority Bus Terminal (1:30 p.m.). The ceremonial lightings will be performed by Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky. The actual first candle lightings will take place on Sunday, December 22, the first night of Hanukkah. The Holland Tunnel lighting will occur on December 22.

Contact:

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

212-435-7777

Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency’s network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supports more than 550,000 regional jobs, and generates more than $23 billion in annual wages and $80 billion in annual economic activity. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site, where the 1,776-foot-tall One World Trade Center is now the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. The Port Authority receives no tax revenue from either the State of New York or New Jersey or from the City of New York. The agency raises the necessary funds for the improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities primarily on its own credit. For more information, please visit

http://www.panynj.gov

.

Gloucester City Police Announce Christmas Road Closures/Parking Restrictions

December, 2019

On Thursday, December 5

th

. the annual Gloucester City Christmas Parade will begin on Johnson Blvd. at Monmouth Street at 6:00 pm.

The parade will proceed west on Monmouth Street to King Street.

In order to accommodate the parade, the following road closures will be in place from 5:30 pm until 9:00 pm.

Roads will be reopened earlier, as safety permits:

Monmouth St. closed from Johnson Blvd. to King St.

Johnson Blvd. closed between Frances and Bergen Sts.

Brown St. closed between Somerset and Bergen Sts.

East Brown St. between Frances and Somerset Sts. closed to westbound traffic only (towards Somerset St.)

Eastbound traffic traveling from Somerset towards Frances will be open.

N. Railroad Ave. at Monmouth St.

S. Railroad Ave. at Bergen St.

Champion Rd. at Somerset St.

Sussex St. between Somerset and Monmouth Sts.

Burlington St. between Bergen and Monmouth Sts.

The following parking restrictions will be in place from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm:

Monmouth St. (both sides) between Johnson Blvd. and King St.

Johnson Blvd. (both sides) between Frances and Hudson Sts.

King St. (both sides) between Hudson and Monmouth Sts.

Signs will be posted and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation.

NJ LL Team Wants Undocumented Immigrants to Have Drivers\’s Licenses

Elmora Troopers Little League Team Joins the Call to Expand Access to Drivers’ Licenses in NJ

“We will be safer, our students will be safer, if immigrants can drive in New Jersey” says Coach

ELMORA, NJ– Coach Jairo Labrador and members of the Elmora Troopers Little League team showed their support for expand access to drivers licenses in New Jersey. A team of immigrants and children of immigrants, they showed their support for the Let’s Drive NJ campaign in a photo. Driving is critical for immigrant families to be able to take their kids to school and to afterschool activities. Coach Jairo Labrador gave a speech at a rally on Sunday of supporters of expanding access to licenses. “We will be safer, our students will be safer… if immigrants can drive in New Jersey,” said Coach Labrador to a crowd of supporters.

See

video

and

photos.

Otherwise qualified drivers face barriers to obtaining a license in New Jersey: vulnerable populations like undocumented immigrants, survivors of violence, transgender individuals and veterans are impacted in particular. Fourteen states and Washington, D.C. have expanded access to drivers licenses to qualified drivers, regardless of immigration status. In New Jersey, approximately 719,000 potential drivers could benefit, bringing in $90 million in economic gain to the state. Legislation to expand access to drivers licenses is currently pending in the state Senate and Assembly. Committee votes are scheduled for December 9th in the Assembly and December 12th in the Senate Transportation Committee.

Commercial Vehicle Travel Restrictions Lifted on all Interstate highways

Use caution as roads may be slippery and stay clear of plows, spreaders and emergency responders

(Trenton) –

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials announced

the Commercial Vehicle Travel Restriction that was in place on portions of I-78, I-80 and I-287 has been lifted effective at 8 p.m. tonight, Monday, December 2

.

All vehicles previously listed in the restriction are able to resume normal travel. State Highways are wet, but in good condition. Precipitation is expected to continue overnight and end tomorrow morning.

Motorists should continue to use caution and drive carefully as there could be slippery roadways. Our crews will continue to work through the night to make sure roads are in good condition for the Tuesday morning commute. Stay clear of plows, spreaders and emergency responders so they are able to do their jobs safely.

If you are driving tonight or tomorrow morning, remember to clear snow and ice before you drive, plan extra travel time, and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs throughout the storm to provide updates.

For winter weather and preparedness updates, motorists are encouraged to check the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management’s website,

www.Ready.NJ.gov

and NJDOT\’s traffic information website

www.511nj.org

for real-time travel information. For NJDOT news and updates follow us on the

NJDOT Facebook page

or on Twitter

@NJDOT_info

.

State Offices Will Close Beginning at Noon Today

FOR Non-Essential Personnel in Anticipation of Evening Commute

12/2/2019

WEST TRENTON

– Governor Phil Murphy today announced that state offices will close at noon for non-essential personnel due to today’s snow storm.

The Governor has initiated a staggered closing for state offices beginning at 12:00 p.m. this afternoon. The early dismissal does not include essential employees, who shall remain until the normal close of business. Private companies and business should dismiss their employees at their own discretion. No state of emergency has been declared at this point.

“The snow storm continues to intensify across our state, which will affect our roads with heavy snow and black ice,”

said Governor Murphy

. “I strongly urge all travelers to use extreme caution and allow crews plenty of room to keep our roads clean and safe. My Administration will continue to monitor the storm and will take every necessary step possible to ensure the safety of our residents and commuters.”

The Office of Emergency Management, Department of Transportation, Board of Public Utilities, and various state agencies will continue to monitor weather conditions from the State Emergency Operations Center until the snow storm concludes.

A commercial vehicle ban is still in effect on Interstate 80, both directions from the Pennsylvania state line to exit 43 (I-287); Interstate 78, both directions from the Pennsylvania state line to exit 29 (I-287); and Interstate 287, both directions from exit 21 (I-78) to the New York border.

NJ LL Team Wants Undocumented Immigrants to Have Drivers\’s Licenses

Elmora Troopers Little League Team Joins the Call to Expand Access to Drivers’ Licenses in NJ

“We will be safer, our students will be safer, if immigrants can drive in New Jersey” says Coach

ELMORA, NJ– Coach Jairo Labrador and members of the Elmora Troopers Little League team showed their support for expand access to drivers licenses in New Jersey. A team of immigrants and children of immigrants, they showed their support for the Let’s Drive NJ campaign in a photo. Driving is critical for immigrant families to be able to take their kids to school and to afterschool activities. Coach Jairo Labrador gave a speech at a rally on Sunday of supporters of expanding access to licenses. “We will be safer, our students will be safer… if immigrants can drive in New Jersey,” said Coach Labrador to a crowd of supporters.

See

video

and

photos.

Otherwise qualified drivers face barriers to obtaining a license in New Jersey: vulnerable populations like undocumented immigrants, survivors of violence, transgender individuals and veterans are impacted in particular. Fourteen states and Washington, D.C. have expanded access to drivers licenses to qualified drivers, regardless of immigration status. In New Jersey, approximately 719,000 potential drivers could benefit, bringing in $90 million in economic gain to the state. Legislation to expand access to drivers licenses is currently pending in the state Senate and Assembly. Committee votes are scheduled for December 9th in the Assembly and December 12th in the Senate Transportation Committee.