Urge your Legislators to protect our most vulnerable!

I am writing to you in support of bill S1897, also known as “Billy Cray’s Law”.

In 2017 33-year old Billy Cray was found dead in the closet of his bedroom at the Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health of New Jersey in Somers Point. The cause of death was suspicious, and his mother revealed he had been abused regularly in his 25 years living in five group homes around the state.

Bill S1897 was originally introduced more than two years ago but is now stalled in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. It seems the chairman of the Committee, State Senator Joe Vitale, is more interested in playing politics than saving lives. According to the bill's new sponsors, Senator Ed Durr and Senator Bob Singer, there are at least 25 of the 40 New Jersey state senators on board supporting its passage. The bill is simple and will make group homes safer for residents. It requires the installation of video cameras in all common areas of adult group homes for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities…only if all the residents agree. Cameras can also be added to private rooms upon request of the resident.

We need to pass this legislation now. That's why I decided to step up to join Bill Spadea in support of this Common Sense law that will protect our most vulnerable. I write today to demand that you stand with your constituents and show your support too.

Please, join me in supporting S1897 / Billy Cray’s Law… It’s Common Sense.

And to Senator Vitale – move the bill out of committee and to the floor for a vote!