Andrew Kitchenman`s is the Statehouse correspondent for NJBIZ, which he joined in May 2009. He previously worked as a reporter at The Times of Trenton and the Journal Inquirer of Manchester, Conn., and as an editor for Sun Newspapers (now Sun-Gazette) in Northern Virginia. He has a master`s degree in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor`s degree from St. Mary`s College of Maryland. He grew up in Willingboro and in Bucks County, Pa. 
A state Assembly panel signed off on a series of economic development bills today, including one that will encourage technology research in the areas around the state’s research universities and hospitals.
The Commerce and Economic Development Committee also approved bills that would allow developers to receive low-interest loans for energy-efficient green buildings from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and eliminate a 10-day waiting period for shareholder actions that can delay transactions.
The technology research bill would bring high-paying research jobs to the state, according to Assemblyman Albert Coutinho (D-Newark).
The bill, sponsored by four Assembly Democrats, establishes innovation zones around Camden, Newark and New Brunswick. The bill requires the EDA and Commission on Science and Technology to provide incentives to businesses.
The measure was opposed by New Jersey Right to Life. Executive Director Marie Tasy asked for an amendment that would specifically bar funding for embryonic stem-cell research, noting that voters rejected a bond for the research.
Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco (R-Randolph) proposed such an amendment, but did not receive a second for his motion. Coutinho denied that the bill had anything to do with stem-cell research.
Coutinho credited Assemblyman John F. McKeon (D-South Orange) with pushing for the green building bill.
E-mail Andrew Kitchenman at akitchenman@njbiz.com.
