TRENTON, NJ –– June 8, 2012 — “Hooked on Fishing not on Drugs” (HOFNOD) S178, a bill that the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (CF) has made a priority to become law, was unanimously approved by Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. The bill now needs to be passed by the full senate to go to the Governor for his signature.
Animal rights activists testified against the bill claiming it would cause depletion of fisheries, endanger the lives of fish and other animals, and stated it was a poor use of money. They also opposed the bill on grounds they are against the consumption of fish.
Representatives testifying in support of the bill included New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, Hudson River Fisherman Association, Manasquan Fishing Club, and more.
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, Chair, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance stated, “we are thrilled to see the overwhelming support our state legislators are showing for the benefits of getting our kids outdoors, experiencing nature, and turning their attention away from a drug culture.”
Mauro continued, “It is a sad commentary that a few animal rights activists would try to subvert the promise held within this bill. However, it is proof to the 1,000,000 people who fish and hunt in New Jersey that they need to be involved in organizations that represent their interests – and play an active role in them, if possible.”
Bill A638 (HOFNOD) would establish a program within the Division of Fish and Wildlife to encourage children to avoid drug use. HOFNOD is a nationally recognized program developed by the Future Fisherman Foundation which has operated successfully in over a dozen states.
The program’s funding source would be the Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund (DEDRF) from which there would be a $200,000 appropriation to support the cost of implementing the program. This is a statutory account established to receive fines and penalties from convicted drug offenders that are used to support State authorized drug and alcohol abuse abatement programs.