After a Decade of Debate, Hand/Foot Bill Now Going to Governor

After almost a decade of ups and downs in the Legislature, a bill that improves benefits for the loss of all or part of a hand or foot is finally on its way to the New Jersey governor. Republican former Gov. Chris Christie vetoed the measure in 2011, but current Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, is expected to sign Senate Bill 782 into law. It passed the Senate by a vote of 36-0 Monday, after it was approved by the Assembly 62-10 in December. Sponsored by Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Wood Ridge, and three other Democrat lawmakers and one Republican, the bill would enhance hand and foot benefits by automat...