Pennacchio/Bucco Legislation Allowing New Jerseyans to Donate Part of Tax Refund to Pediatric Cancer Research Clears Committee

Legislation sponsored by Senators Joe Pennacchio and Anthony Bucco that allows New Jerseyans to donate a portion of their tax refund toward pediatric cancer research has been advanced by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

“The voluntary contributions from New Jerseyans under this bill will provide support for approved scientific research projects that focus on the numerous different causes of cancer,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “This additional funding and support will allow researchers to investigate new cancer treatments and new ways of preventing this insidious disease that has affected millions of people.”

S-1431 is a bill in honor of Aaron Newton, a young boy in West Milford, who recovered from cancer. The bill gives taxpayers the opportunity to donate part of their tax refund to the New Jersey Pediatric Cancer Research Fund.

“Unfortunately, pediatric cancer rates—like adult cancer rates—are continuing to increase in New Jersey, and the impact on society, as well as the families of those affected, has been devastating,” said Bucco (R-25). “Donations toward pediatric cancer research will help scientists uncover the causes of childhood cancer, find new and targeted therapies to treat it, and hopefully find a cure.”

The American Cancer Society projects that about 10,500 children in the U.S. under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Childhood cancer rates have continued to rise over the last few decades, and after accidents, cancer is the second leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 14.