I am sorry to bother you Michelle, but if this passes, how long will it take to national? Kathy ----- Original Message ----- From: Michelle Chubenko<mailto:michelle@chubenko.us> To: NJ-GSNJ-L@rootsweb.com<mailto:NJ-GSNJ-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2006 11:36 AM Subject: Re: [GSNJ] NJ vitals Terri, Joan did post to the H-New-Jersey list on February 7 & 8. The posts were the same that NJ-GSNJ-L received. The H-NET online archives for H-New-Jersey can be accessed via: http://h-net.msu.edu/cgi-bin/logbrowse.pl?trx=lm&list=H-New-Jersey<http://h-net.msu.edu/cgi-bin/logbrowse.pl?trx=lm&list=H-New-Jersey> Also, I do know that the Advocates for New Jersey history are working diligently on this issue as well. Our letters (email, fax, postal) are making a difference... My Assemblyman's office called this morning to let me know they have contacted the bill sponsor and will be keeping me updated on progress/news. It would seem that the bill sponsor's office has been hearing/receiving a lot of concern about A1390. Keep up the great work! Michelle Chubenko Terri wrote: > Joan -- > > I haven't seen any mention of this issue on the > H-NEW-JERSEY@H-NET.MSU.EDU<mailto:H-NEW-JERSEY@H-NET.MSU.EDU> pages. > > For those who may not be acquainted with this list - and I won't be able > to explain it fully -- it's a mail list of educators, historians, > authors, etc., posting news of meetings, asking questions regarding > historical projects - such as books they're writing, etc., even college > folks asking for help with assignments and/or thesis'. > > I'm not sure I could post an effective, eloquent enough message - as I'm > none of the above. Would you consider posting this news to that list? > > There's some pretty powerful folks on this list. > Thank you - Terri > > > ==== NJ-GSNJ Mailing List ==== > GSNJ Home Page: > http://www.gsnj.org<http://www.gsnj.org/> -- Michelle Tucker Chubenko Professional Genealogist: http://www.chubenko.us/profgen/index.htm<http://www.chubenko.us/profgen/index.htm> "Things don't turn up in this world until somebody turns them up." - James A. Garfield ==== NJ-GSNJ Mailing List ==== New Jersey Legislative Alerts: http://www.rootsweb.com/~njgsnj/legislation.html<http://www.rootsweb.com/~njgsnj/legislation.html> ============================== Find your ancestors in the Birth, Marriage and Death Records. New content added every business day. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13964/rd.ashx<http://www.ancestry.com/s13964/rd.ashx>

Terri, Joan did post to the H-New-Jersey list on February 7 & 8. The posts were the same that NJ-GSNJ-L received. The H-NET online archives for H-New-Jersey can be accessed via: http://h-net.msu.edu/cgi-bin/logbrowse.pl?trx=lm&list=H-New-Jersey Also, I do know that the Advocates for New Jersey history are working diligently on this issue as well. Our letters (email, fax, postal) are making a difference... My Assemblyman's office called this morning to let me know they have contacted the bill sponsor and will be keeping me updated on progress/news. It would seem that the bill sponsor's office has been hearing/receiving a lot of concern about A1390. Keep up the great work! Michelle Chubenko Terri wrote: > Joan -- > > I haven't seen any mention of this issue on the > H-NEW-JERSEY@H-NET.MSU.EDU pages. > > For those who may not be acquainted with this list - and I won't be able > to explain it fully -- it's a mail list of educators, historians, > authors, etc., posting news of meetings, asking questions regarding > historical projects - such as books they're writing, etc., even college > folks asking for help with assignments and/or thesis'. > > I'm not sure I could post an effective, eloquent enough message - as I'm > none of the above. Would you consider posting this news to that list? > > There's some pretty powerful folks on this list. > Thank you - Terri > > > ==== NJ-GSNJ Mailing List ==== > GSNJ Home Page: > http://www.gsnj.org -- Michelle Tucker Chubenko Professional Genealogist: http://www.chubenko.us/profgen/index.htm "Things don't turn up in this world until somebody turns them up." - James A. Garfield

HI, I typed the letter (hunt & peck, painfully slow), to the 3 assembly women, changing the names as needed. I also added a paragraph about why this affects me and my research, my roots are in NJ. My emigrant grand parents came to N.J. from Hungary, raised their family, lived life and did not have the time to keep the dates, names ,places etc. in a record book, but thankfully NEW JERSEY did. I am 67 & never knew any of my grand parents, only their names. I feel my researching & finding them in the records gives them the respect and love they deserve. Their descendants & mine will have a lasting memory of this hard working couple. My grand parents embraced this country and NEW JERSEY fully, learning a new language and a new way of life. Yet they kept the flavor of the Hungarian life they knew and nicely blended the two, for all of us who come after. Researching makes my Andrew & Julia real living family members, not just two names I know were some how connected to me. This to the list, I know my story in NOT unique; we are all experiencing the joy of getting to know our roots. There are thousands of similar experiences; they just have to know this. I also typed the letters in my husband’s name so he too can send the 3 letters. I put Joan’s letter on the lists I am on and sent it to friends. One of my lists had wonderful discussions & focused on sending letters. I plan to let them all know the out come of this as we get the info. I am sharing this just to give some ideas & to let Joan know letters are being sent & have been sent. Julie B in NC -----Original Message----- From: Joan M Lowry (GSNJ) [mailto:jml-gsnj@earthlink.net] Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2006 10:03 AM To: NJ-GSNJ-L@rootsweb.com Subject: RE: [GSNJ] RE: A-1390 (Vital Records Bill) -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.15.8/260 - Release Date: 2/14/2006

Great! Anything I can do to help? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Joan M Lowry (GSNJ)" <jml-gsnj@earthlink.net> To: <NJ-GSNJ-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2006 10:03 AM Subject: RE: [GSNJ] RE: A-1390 (Vital Records Bill) > Hi Barbara > > The idea is to have the bill amended on the floor before the vote. Or, > if that doesn't happen, to ask that the bill be voted down so that it > can be amended and re-submitted. (I hope that's the right process, I'm > not very familiar with how this all works.) > > It was voted out of committee with very minor changes to the language. > None of the changes improved the bill for genealogists seeking copies > and access. My hope is that if enough people contact the sponsors of > the bill - the sponsors may actually ask to delay a vote on it so they > can change the language further. > > We have not made any attempt to ask people to rally for a presence on > the day this bill is scheduled for a vote - since we still don't know > when that will happen. The earliest it can be put on the schedule is > March 2 - but we won't know if that will be the date until the weekend > before. It could be delayed further - especially if assembly members > get the idea that the bill needs to be changed before they approve it. > > If you need / want more information, maybe you can contact me off list > and we discuss it further. By phone might be best and I would be > available on Friday or over the weekend... > > Regards, > Joan > > Joan M. Lowry (Pres, GSNJ) > mailto:jmlowry@earthlink.net or > mailto:jml-gsnj@earthlink.net > > > >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Barbara Babcock [mailto:barbabcock@comcast.net] >> Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2006 9:42 AM >> >> I've been trying to figure out just what I'm asking my Assembly people > to do. I presume that A1390 was voted out of committee as it was with no > changes and that, therefore, we are now asking Assembly people to vote > against this bill. > > > > ==== NJ-GSNJ Mailing List ==== > GSNJ Newsletter: > http://www.rootsweb.com/~njgsnj/newsletter.html > > ============================== > Find your ancestors in the Birth, Marriage and Death Records. > New content added every business day. Learn more: > http://www.ancestry.com/s13964/rd.ashx > >

Hi Barbara The idea is to have the bill amended on the floor before the vote. Or, if that doesn't happen, to ask that the bill be voted down so that it can be amended and re-submitted. (I hope that's the right process, I'm not very familiar with how this all works.) It was voted out of committee with very minor changes to the language. None of the changes improved the bill for genealogists seeking copies and access. My hope is that if enough people contact the sponsors of the bill - the sponsors may actually ask to delay a vote on it so they can change the language further. We have not made any attempt to ask people to rally for a presence on the day this bill is scheduled for a vote - since we still don't know when that will happen. The earliest it can be put on the schedule is March 2 - but we won't know if that will be the date until the weekend before. It could be delayed further - especially if assembly members get the idea that the bill needs to be changed before they approve it. If you need / want more information, maybe you can contact me off list and we discuss it further. By phone might be best and I would be available on Friday or over the weekend... Regards, Joan Joan M. Lowry (Pres, GSNJ) mailto:jmlowry@earthlink.net or mailto:jml-gsnj@earthlink.net > -----Original Message----- > From: Barbara Babcock [mailto:barbabcock@comcast.net] > Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2006 9:42 AM > > I've been trying to figure out just what I'm asking my Assembly people to do. I presume that A1390 was voted out of committee as it was with no changes and that, therefore, we are now asking Assembly people to vote against this bill.

I've been trying to figure out just what I'm asking my Assembly people to do. I presume that A1390 was voted out of committee as it was with no changes and that, therefore, we are now asking Assembly people to vote against this bill. Is this correct? I am asking because I am volunteering on the Congressional campaign of a current Assembly woman. I have the opportunity to bring this issue to her attention, however, I want to be very sure of just what it is I am asking for. Also, is any effort being made to rally the troops for a presence on the day this bill is scheduled for a vote? Barbara Joan M Lowry (GSNJ) wrote: > Hi Ann Marie > > Go to this page on the GSNJ website: > http://www.rootsweb.com/~njgsnj/NJA1390Summary.htm at the bottom of the > page are the names of the sponsors - the people to write to, and their > addresses. If you live in NJ - there is a link at the very bottom of > the page that will take you to the State website so you can get the name > and address for your local assemblyperson so you can contact him or her, > as well. > > Then you can go to this page: > http://www.rootsweb.com/~njgsnj/NJA1390Individual.htm for a sample > letter that you can use to get your own letter started. > > Thanks for taking the time to write to them! > > Regards, > Joan > > Joan M. Lowry > mailto:jmlowry@earthlink.net > > > > >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Bracca@aol.com [mailto:Bracca@aol.com] >> >> CAN YOU LIST THE NAMES AND EMAIL ADDRESSES OF THOSE WHO HAVE >> TO GET THE >> EMAILS? >> >> ANN MARIE >> > > > > ==== NJ-GSNJ Mailing List ==== > New Jersey Legislative Alerts: > http://www.rootsweb.com/~njgsnj/legislation.html > > ============================== > Search the US Census Collection. Over 140 million records added in the > last 12 months. Largest online collection in the world. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13965/rd.ashx > > > -- Enjoy serenity and beauty in secluded, forested acres at The Little Cabin in the Woods on Sheepscot Pond in Palermo, Maine. Call 908-464-6998 or email barbabcock@comcast.net for details. www.cyberrentals.com property # 107573 or http://vrbo.com/56397

Hi Ann Marie Go to this page on the GSNJ website: http://www.rootsweb.com/~njgsnj/NJA1390Summary.htm at the bottom of the page are the names of the sponsors - the people to write to, and their addresses. If you live in NJ - there is a link at the very bottom of the page that will take you to the State website so you can get the name and address for your local assemblyperson so you can contact him or her, as well. Then you can go to this page: http://www.rootsweb.com/~njgsnj/NJA1390Individual.htm for a sample letter that you can use to get your own letter started. Thanks for taking the time to write to them! Regards, Joan Joan M. Lowry mailto:jmlowry@earthlink.net > -----Original Message----- > From: Bracca@aol.com [mailto:Bracca@aol.com] > > CAN YOU LIST THE NAMES AND EMAIL ADDRESSES OF THOSE WHO HAVE > TO GET THE > EMAILS? > > ANN MARIE

I wrote the first day! Ann in Farmingdale, NJ In a message dated 2/16/2006 2:45:09 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, mrmc4540@yahoo.com writes: I wished we could know the number of people that are writing in to the assemblywomen. It would be encouraging maybe. Maryann "Joan M Lowry (GSNJ)" <jml-gsnj@earthlink.net> wrote: Pat and All "On to the next round!" is well put and a great idea! As they say - "keep those cards and letters coming!" The NJ Assembly has not yet scheduled this for a vote and if they hear from enough of us - maybe they will either shelve it or send it back to the committee for a rewrite. A huge Thank You goes out to everyone who has contacted NJ Assembly members regarding amending A-1390. Also, I want to encourage anyone who has not already contacted either the sponsors of the bill or your local Assemblyman to do so soon. If we keep the heat on, they'll have to pay attention. GSNJ is working with other groups in NJ (as well as the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies) to come up with ways to prevent this bill being enacted in its current form. I hope that we might be able to say we have good news soon - but we can't just sit back and wait for things to happen - we have to make them happen. So - keep writing and let them know we aren't going away anytime soon. As soon as we hear any news about the bill - good, bad, or indifferent - we will let you all know. Thanks again for all the vocal support! Regards, Joan Joan M. Lowry mailto:jml-gsnj@earthlink.net > -----Original Message----- > From: Patricia Peoples [mailto:ppeoples@cfl.rr.com] > Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2006 6:33 PM > To: NJ-GSNJ-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: Re: [GSNJ] [Fwd: Re: A-1390 (Vital Records Bill)] > > > Thanks Michelle! And thanks to all who are writing their legistors and > thanks to Joseph Klett for his eloquent and passionate letter. March 2 is > the next scheduled Assembly voting session. There's no limit on how often > you can write your legislators -- or call their offices and speak with their > staffs -- let them know how many people will be harmed by this > ill-considered legislation! I know I won't rest until we > all hear that this bill is either dead or substantially amended!! On to > the next round! > > Pat Peoples > ==== NJ-GSNJ Mailing List ==== New Jersey Family Bible Records Submission Request: http://www.rootsweb.com/~njgsnj/bibletranscript.html ============================== Jumpstart your genealogy with OneWorldTree. Search not only for ancestors, but entire generations. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13972/rd.ashx --------------------------------- Yahoo! Autos. Looking for a sweet ride? Get pricing, reviews, & more on new and used cars. ==== NJ-GSNJ Mailing List ==== Visit our Collections Guide: http://www.rootsweb.com/~njgsnj/collectionguide.html ============================== Jumpstart your genealogy with OneWorldTree. Search not only for ancestors, but entire generations. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13972/rd.ashx George Bernard Shaw If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance.

CAN YOU LIST THE NAMES AND EMAIL ADDRESSES OF THOSE WHO HAVE TO GET THE EMAILS? ANN MARIE

Joan -- I haven't seen any mention of this issue on the H-NEW-JERSEY@H-NET.MSU.EDU pages. For those who may not be acquainted with this list - and I won't be able to explain it fully -- it's a mail list of educators, historians, authors, etc., posting news of meetings, asking questions regarding historical projects - such as books they're writing, etc., even college folks asking for help with assignments and/or thesis'. I'm not sure I could post an effective, eloquent enough message - as I'm none of the above. Would you consider posting this news to that list? There's some pretty powerful folks on this list. Thank you - Terri

There you have it folks -- Mr. Klett summed it up beautifully! PLEASE write to the involved Assemblywomen, maybe even the Governor and pass this issue on to others so they can. It's entirely possible that this legislation could "spread" to other states. Many thanks for your kind words to me and rest assured -- I did write to the Assemblewomen and the Gov.! And passed this on to other lists. Please don't sit there, thinking there's nothing you can do. Example -- recently the Canadian Census were in danger of actually being DESTROYED but the rally against that action saved them! They're still here and available! Many folks we don't even know just now will be glad we stood up against this. Thank you -- Terri

I wished we could know the number of people that are writing in to the assemblywomen. It would be encouraging maybe. Maryann "Joan M Lowry (GSNJ)" <jml-gsnj@earthlink.net> wrote: Pat and All "On to the next round!" is well put and a great idea! As they say - "keep those cards and letters coming!" The NJ Assembly has not yet scheduled this for a vote and if they hear from enough of us - maybe they will either shelve it or send it back to the committee for a rewrite. A huge Thank You goes out to everyone who has contacted NJ Assembly members regarding amending A-1390. Also, I want to encourage anyone who has not already contacted either the sponsors of the bill or your local Assemblyman to do so soon. If we keep the heat on, they'll have to pay attention. GSNJ is working with other groups in NJ (as well as the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies) to come up with ways to prevent this bill being enacted in its current form. I hope that we might be able to say we have good news soon - but we can't just sit back and wait for things to happen - we have to make them happen. So - keep writing and let them know we aren't going away anytime soon. As soon as we hear any news about the bill - good, bad, or indifferent - we will let you all know. Thanks again for all the vocal support! Regards, Joan Joan M. Lowry mailto:jml-gsnj@earthlink.net > -----Original Message----- > From: Patricia Peoples [mailto:ppeoples@cfl.rr.com] > Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2006 6:33 PM > To: NJ-GSNJ-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: Re: [GSNJ] [Fwd: Re: A-1390 (Vital Records Bill)] > > > Thanks Michelle! And thanks to all who are writing their legistors and > thanks to Joseph Klett for his eloquent and passionate letter. March 2 is > the next scheduled Assembly voting session. There's no limit on how often > you can write your legislators -- or call their offices and speak with their > staffs -- let them know how many people will be harmed by this > ill-considered legislation! I know I won't rest until we > all hear that this bill is either dead or substantially amended!! On to > the next round! > > Pat Peoples > ==== NJ-GSNJ Mailing List ==== New Jersey Family Bible Records Submission Request: http://www.rootsweb.com/~njgsnj/bibletranscript.html ============================== Jumpstart your genealogy with OneWorldTree. Search not only for ancestors, but entire generations. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13972/rd.ashx --------------------------------- Yahoo! Autos. Looking for a sweet ride? Get pricing, reviews, & more on new and used cars.

Pat and All "On to the next round!" is well put and a great idea! As they say - "keep those cards and letters coming!" The NJ Assembly has not yet scheduled this for a vote and if they hear from enough of us - maybe they will either shelve it or send it back to the committee for a rewrite. A huge Thank You goes out to everyone who has contacted NJ Assembly members regarding amending A-1390. Also, I want to encourage anyone who has not already contacted either the sponsors of the bill or your local Assemblyman to do so soon. If we keep the heat on, they'll have to pay attention. GSNJ is working with other groups in NJ (as well as the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies) to come up with ways to prevent this bill being enacted in its current form. I hope that we might be able to say we have good news soon - but we can't just sit back and wait for things to happen - we have to make them happen. So - keep writing and let them know we aren't going away anytime soon. As soon as we hear any news about the bill - good, bad, or indifferent - we will let you all know. Thanks again for all the vocal support! Regards, Joan Joan M. Lowry mailto:jml-gsnj@earthlink.net > -----Original Message----- > From: Patricia Peoples [mailto:ppeoples@cfl.rr.com] > Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2006 6:33 PM > To: NJ-GSNJ-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: Re: [GSNJ] [Fwd: Re: A-1390 (Vital Records Bill)] > > > Thanks Michelle! And thanks to all who are writing their legistors and > thanks to Joseph Klett for his eloquent and passionate letter. March 2 is > the next scheduled Assembly voting session. There's no limit on how often > you can write your legislators -- or call their offices and speak with their > staffs -- let them know how many people will be harmed by this > ill-considered legislation! I know I won't rest until we > all hear that this bill is either dead or substantially amended!! On to > the next round! > > Pat Peoples >

Thanks Michelle! And thanks to all who are writing their legistors and thanks to Joseph Klett for his eloquent and passionate letter. March 2 is the next scheduled Assembly voting session. There's no limit on how often you can write your legislators -- or call their offices and speak with their staffs -- let them know how many people will be harmed by this ill-considered legislation! I know I won't rest until we all hear that this bill is either dead or substantially amended!! On to the next round! Pat Peoples ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michelle Chubenko" <michelle@chubenko.us> To: <NJ-GSNJ-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2006 5:25 PM Subject: Re: [GSNJ] [Fwd: Re: A-1390 (Vital Records Bill)] > Terry, > > The LDS Family History Library HAS the microfilm that cover the > Birth/Marriage/Death Register Books (County/Town) for May 1848 through May > 1878 available for rental through a local Family History Center. > > Starting in June 1878, vital statistics in New Jersey required filings > in certificate form. For the period June 1878 through December 1900, > these B/M/D certificates are indexed by County/Town, then alphabetical by > surname. The index books microfilm ARE available through the LDS Family > History Library. Unfortunately, the FHL does not have the corresponding > microfilm for the actual certificates. > > Thus, if A1390 were to be passed, these already available microfilm > [1848-1878 registers & 1878-1900 indexes], would become *illegal* to use > via the FHL as well as the NJ State Archives holdings of Births (May > 1848-1923), Marriages (May 1848-1940) and Deaths (May 1848-1940). > > GSNJ will keep everyone apprised of the news/progress/updates for A1390 on > this list and our website. Your support is greatly appreciated!! > > > Michelle Chubenko > GSNJ Trustee & Webmaster > NJ-GSNJ List Moderator > > Terry Smith wrote: > >> If New Jersey prevents access to records and getting a copy of a record >> for a deceased member of the family, I can't imagine they are going to >> microfilm records for us to view or have the church come in and microfilm >> the records. So you will not be able to rely on any information going >> forward and that would be a hugh hindrance to family history. In my >> case, my paternal grandparents records were not to be found (and they >> lived in New Jersey). If I could not rely on getting copies of >> certificates, I would not be able to do any family history besides my >> parents. >> Michelle Chubenko <michelle@chubenko.us> wrote: -------- Original >> Message -------- >> Subject: Re: A-1390 (Vital Records Bill) >> Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 10:38:30 -0500 >> From: Joe Klett To: NJ-GSNJ-admin@rootsweb.com > > > > > > > > > ==== NJ-GSNJ Mailing List ==== > New Jersey Family Bible Records Submission Request: > http://www.rootsweb.com/~njgsnj/bibletranscript.html > > ============================== > Search the US Census Collection. Over 140 million records added in the > last 12 months. Largest online collection in the world. Learn more: > http://www.ancestry.com/s13965/rd.ashx >

Terry, The LDS Family History Library HAS the microfilm that cover the Birth/Marriage/Death Register Books (County/Town) for May 1848 through May 1878 available for rental through a local Family History Center. Starting in June 1878, vital statistics in New Jersey required filings in certificate form. For the period June 1878 through December 1900, these B/M/D certificates are indexed by County/Town, then alphabetical by surname. The index books microfilm ARE available through the LDS Family History Library. Unfortunately, the FHL does not have the corresponding microfilm for the actual certificates. Thus, if A1390 were to be passed, these already available microfilm [1848-1878 registers & 1878-1900 indexes], would become *illegal* to use via the FHL as well as the NJ State Archives holdings of Births (May 1848-1923), Marriages (May 1848-1940) and Deaths (May 1848-1940). GSNJ will keep everyone apprised of the news/progress/updates for A1390 on this list and our website. Your support is greatly appreciated!! Michelle Chubenko GSNJ Trustee & Webmaster NJ-GSNJ List Moderator Terry Smith wrote: > If New Jersey prevents access to records and getting a copy of a record for a deceased member of the family, I can't imagine they are going to microfilm records for us to view or have the church come in and microfilm the records. So you will not be able to rely on any information going forward and that would be a hugh hindrance to family history. In my case, my paternal grandparents records were not to be found (and they lived in New Jersey). If I could not rely on getting copies of certificates, I would not be able to do any family history besides my parents. > Michelle Chubenko <michelle@chubenko.us> wrote: > -------- Original Message -------- > Subject: Re: A-1390 (Vital Records Bill) > Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 10:38:30 -0500 > From: Joe Klett > To: NJ-GSNJ-admin@rootsweb.com

I am sure that everyone has found their own way to do this, but would just like to say it is very easy to do, I followed Michelle Tucker Chubenko's great directions to find my representatives through my town, Milltown. Number 1 below. Then followed Joan M. Lowry's short cut http://www.gsnj.org/, then,(#2 below) copied and pasted the personal letter, (also below) into the small form for all three representatives and added my own small personal paragraph and was done in 10 minutes, hit send and letter went through with no problems, so thanks so much to all these people for their diligence to protect our rights and call these things to our attention, I would have never known, and being disabled, my genealogy research is my sanity. Thanks to everyone for their hard work. Donna Reed Przybylowski 1 - Municipality (Choose your Town) URL: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/municipalities.asp This will bring you to the webpage for your official District. *Click on the District ##. You will be brought to a webpage listing your State Senator and two Assembly members. *Click on each name then choose on the right hand side ELECTRONIC MAIL: Contact Your Legislator(s). *The next screen will give you the opportunity to email all three legislators in your district. Be sure to "check-off" the appropriate boxes. *Complete the Electronic Correspondence to your State Representative webpage form. *Click SUBMIT EMAIL. directions to find my #2 Re: A1390 - Establishes guidelines for dissemination of vital records. Position: Support if Amended Dear (insert appropriate Assemblyman/woman's name): Note: If you are a constituent of the legislator you are writing, include that in the first paragraph- such as I reside/work in XXX, New Jersey and you are my state assembly representative. This letter is to express my concern regarding Assembly Bill 1390, (of which you are a sponsor) or (which will be introduced in general session in the near future). We, in the genealogical community, are concerned about its impact as currently drafted. While I support the intent to protect the residents of New Jersey from improper usage of their personal information, I am worried that the current language in the bill states that vital records would no longer be considered public records. This would prevent my and other genealogists' access to vital records, which are critical to tracing family history. I respectfully suggest two important amendments to accommodate the legitimate interests of family researchers and historians that have been proposed by the Genealogical Society of New Jersey. The first, a proposed addition to subsection 3(b) - subsection (5), is as follows: "(5) informational or non-certified copies of vital records to anyone after 80 years have elapsed in the case of birth records and 50 years have elapsed in the case of marriage records and 40 years in the case of death records." As genealogists and historians, we need to retain the ability to acquire informational copies of vital records, including but not limited to birth, marriage and death records. These copies contain all the data but do not have a state seal, thereby excluding their use for identification purposes. This is in agreement with current procedures (NJAC 8:2 and NJAC 8:2a-b) followed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. I must express serious reservations regarding the portion of the bill restricting dissemination of information derived from vital records. Sharing information is an integral part of any serious research, including genealogy and family history. Writing a book, article, or other scholarly treatise - whether a family history, biography, or genealogy - necessarily entails sharing and disclosing information legally obtained. Restricting, penalizing, or criminalizing sharing of information contained in vital records fundamentally undermines the public's right of access. Therefore, I advocate deleting section 4(d)(2)(c) from the proposed bill in its entirety. I respectfully encourage you to amend A1390 with the above-suggested language. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully submitted,

When you call for material, you may be requested to call Newark, because at that time, I don't think Hudson Count was formed. ----- Original Message ----- From: Bracca@aol.com<mailto:Bracca@aol.com> To: NJ-GSNJ-L@rootsweb.com<mailto:NJ-GSNJ-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2006 1:37 PM Subject: Re: [GSNJ] vital records Hi Jeanine I think the cost is up more than $25. by now. My husband was also born in Jersey City, has had the certified copy for a while. You never know - of course employees have the best access, if not the most brains. If it happened Jersey City, it could happen someplace else as well. We are making sure all our papers are current just for inside the USA. Imagine! Ann Marie ==== NJ-GSNJ Mailing List ==== New Jersey Family Bible Records Submission Request: http://www.rootsweb.com/~njgsnj/bibletranscript.html<http://www.rootsweb.com/~njgsnj/bibletranscript.html> ============================== Search the US Census Collection. Over 140 million records added in the last 12 months. Largest online collection in the world. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13965/rd.ashx<http://www.ancestry.com/s13965/rd.ashx>

Kathy The point is there is no documented case of genealogical copies of vital records being used for idenity theft. This law will do nothing except make law abiding citizens find ways to break the law inorder to "get around it". Curt Miller -------------- Original message -------------- From: "KEIsleib" <isleib301@msn.com> > If this law goes into effect, it will be because we all elected the > representatives to do their best to protect the good of all and not just a few. > > We as a people of greatness will find a way around all these laws sooner or > later. > > As someone in the group said, the terrorists' will and have found other ways to > get information from other sources than the ones that are being mentioned in > this act. > > Hopefully everyone will also be as smart and find other ways to get this > information. > > Kathy > > > ==== NJ-GSNJ Mailing List ==== > Visit our Collections Guide: > http://www.rootsweb.com/~njgsnj/collectionguide.html > > ============================== > Search the US Census Collection. Over 140 million records added in the > last 12 months. Largest online collection in the world. Learn more: > http://www.ancestry.com/s13965/rd.ashx >

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: A-1390 (Vital Records Bill) Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 10:38:30 -0500 From: Joe Klett <joe.klett@gmail.com> To: NJ-GSNJ-admin@rootsweb.com Dear List Members: I've been trying to pay attention to the messages sent to this list about A-1390, the vital records bill that has passed the Assembly committee that spawned it and is scheduled to hit the Assembly floor in a few weeks. While I agree that we all need to stay calm, I want to emphasize that the bill as written could have nothing short of a disastrous impact on genealogical research in New Jersey. The bill, though undoubtedly intended to guard information about living persons, does not take into consideration any time period during which the records would be closed. It severely restricts (i.e., closes to genealogists) all records in any registration of vital statistic in New Jersey. This includes, at the very least, all records in the State Bureau of Vital Statistics (which has records back to 1878), the local registrars (many of which have records back to 1848), and county clerks' offices (which have marriage records back to 1795). The bill could also be understood to close vital records already in the State Archives (back to the colonial period), and would certainly apply to the 1878-1923 births and 1878-1940 marriages and deaths available on film at the State Archives. It could also potentially be applied to the 1848-1878 state records and 1795+ county marriage records already publicly available on microfilm at the State Archives and through the LDS Family History Library. If New Jersey law closes them, they will be closed whether they have been filmed and made freely available to public research previously or not. As a government official, I am not in the habit of getting the public riled up for no good reason. But I believe this bill is extremely misguided. It is an attempt to swat a fly with an atomic bomb. I hope any thoughts "that we'll always have microfilm," and "people will find a way around these laws" will be dismissed in favor of voicing your concern to the legislative powers that be, whatever those concerns might be. I hope you will also understand that uninformed legislators can and do pass legislation that has ramifications far beyond their intended purpose. Various record groups have already been impacted along these line, such as the now-closed historical veterans' registrations filed at the county level, because no time period was considered after which there is a legitimate research use for the information. It is an inherent right of the people to access information collected by a free government when disclosure of that information does not jeopardize security or the privacy of living persons. I believe it is our civic responsibility as Americans and New Jerseyans, whether conservative or liberal in our politics, to make sure laws are enacted responsibly and for good reason. Moreover, as the persons who most understand the inherent value of family history to our children and grandchildren, we as genealogists and historians have not only a vested interest but also a social duty, so to speak, in fostering this aspect of understanding and celebration of our culture and heritage. If you believe your years of researching have value, you will want to help protect access to this information. A-1390 goes so far as making it illegal to share copies of vital records (regardless of their date). That means you, as a genealogist sending a cousin a copy of your ancestor's death certificate, would be subject to legal prosecution. Are you getting the picture? GSNJ has taken the lead in the effort to ensure reasonable access provisions to historical vital records, as measures are being implemented in New Jersey to protect information relating to living persons. I hope you will all support this effort and do what you can. Hopefully, within state government, the State Archives' objections to this proposed law will have some influence. But when something is proposed in the name of "homeland security," the battle is inherently up-hill when the defense is in the name of archival research--even if the crux of the matter is open access to government information that no longer impacts national security or identity theft issues. Please do not underestimate the importance of constituent contacts to legislators. Civil servants (sometimes called bureaucrats!) do not elect officials. Voters do. Your voices can do much more than mine. With best regards, Joseph R. Klett P.S. Please note that this message is offered from me personally, as a nearly lifelong genealogist and a vice-president of GSNJ, not as an official message in my capacity as Chief of the New Jersey State Archives.

Hi Jeanine I think the cost is up more than $25. by now. My husband was also born in Jersey City, has had the certified copy for a while. You never know - of course employees have the best access, if not the most brains. If it happened Jersey City, it could happen someplace else as well. We are making sure all our papers are current just for inside the USA. Imagine! Ann Marie