Panel Clears Corrado Resolution Combatting NUT Carcinoma
A resolution sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado to increase awareness about NUT carcinoma, an aggressive cancer usually diagnosed in young victims, was approved today by the Senate Health Committee.
Senator Corrado’s bill to designate January as NUT Carcinoma Awareness Month was approved today by the Senate Health Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
The resolution (SJR70) designates every January as NUT Carcinoma Awareness Month and honors the inspiring life of Benjamin Landel, a Ramapo High School sports star who was 17 when he was diagnosed with the disease.
“This courageous young man was from my district, and the way he lived before and after his diagnosis was inspirational to so many people,” said Corrado (R-40). “Even as he fought the cancer, he helped and energized so many other patients with his outgoing personality and selflessness. Through this legislation, his spirit will continue to support young people dealing with pediatric cancer and their families.”
NUT carcinoma is a rare genetic cancer predominantly found in boys. It can form anywhere in the body, but often affects the head, neck, and thoracic cavity. The average survival rate is six to nine months.
“We want people to be aware of this form of cancer and the new treatment regimens that are improving survival rates,” Corrado said. “Better outcomes are more likely when NUT carcinoma is diagnosed early.”
Singer Bill Banning Sale of Menthol Cigarettes Passes Health Committee
Senator Robert Singer’s legislation to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes in New Jersey has passed the Senate Health Committee.
Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes has passed the Senate Health Committee. (Flickr)
“Smoking is the number one preventable killer in the United States,” said Singer (R-30). “While vaping is the latest public health crisis, menthol cigarettes have been causing cancer, respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, emphysema, and birth defects for decades. For many people, flavored cigarettes are easier to start smoking and tougher to quit. Restricting the sale of menthols will save lives.”
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Support Initiative to Expand Eligibility for Veterans’ Property Tax Deduction
Acting on their continuing commitment to expand benefits for veterans in the state, Senator Christopher Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove are backing legislation to extend the $250 veterans’ property tax deduction to veterans who did not serve in time of war or emergency. Currently, only honorable discharged military veterans who served during war or other emergency are eligible for the veterans’ property tax benefits.
Sen. Connors, Asm. Rumpf, and Asw. Gove are supporting a bill to extend the $250 veterans’ property tax deduction to veterans who did not serve in time of war. (Flickr)
The measure, ACR-57, sponsored by Assembly Military and Veterans Committee Chairperson Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker (D-28), would propose an amending the State Constitution to expand eligibility for the veterans’ property tax deduction. Voters would have to approve the amendment as a ballot question posed during a general election.
“Veterans in this state deserve better. Too many veterans who call New Jersey home served honorably are denied benefits by an overly restrictive State law that bases eligibility largely on specific active duty periods,” remarked the delegation.
“For years, our delegation has sponsored what is commonly referred to as the ‘Vet is a Vet’ bill, which would broaden the eligibility for various veterans benefits by eliminating the requirement that a person must have served during periods of war, in specific war zones, or during periods of emergency to be considered a veteran. Consistent with that effort, we are supporting ACR-57 which would provide the tax deduction to veterans of peacetime military service. The widow or widower of these veterans also would receive the deduction after the veteran’s death.
“Expanding eligibility for more veterans to be eligible for property tax relief programs is a policy that Trenton needs to follow through on to address the high cost of living in New Jersey. No one is buying that the state doesn’t have the money to help more veterans. Rather than increasing funding for illegal aliens who are facing deportation to receive legal assistance, the Legislature should expand veterans’ property tax relief benefits as recognition for their service to our nation.”
Senator Connors, Assemblyman Rumpf, and Assemblywoman Gove have all requested to be added on as co-sponsors to ACR-57 and SCR-123, which is the identical measure in the Senate. On November 7, ACR-57 was passed the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Presently, SCR-123 is awaiting action by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Members of the 9th District delegation serve on the Senate and Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs committees to more effectively represent their constituency, a large segment of which is comprised of veterans and their families.
Corrado Slams Murphy’s Appointment of Derrick Green to State Bank Board
Senator Kristin Corrado slammed Governor Murphy’s appointment of Derrick Green to the Public Bank Implementation Board created through executive order today.
Sen. Kristin Corrado slammed Gov. Murphy’s appointment of Derrick Green to the Public Bank Implementation Board created through an executive order. (SenateNJ.com)
“This administration continues to demonstrate questionable judgment in its hiring practices,” said Corrado (R-40). “Derrick Green was involved in a political scandal that brought down a government as a result of a missing $350,000. Only Phil Murphy would put someone like him on a board to create a bank.”
Bucco: Murphy’s State Bank is a Looming Disaster For Taxpayers
Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) criticized Governor Phil Murphy’s move to establish a public bank, following reports that the governor signed an executive order to set up a fourteen-member implementation board:
Sen. Bucco criticized Gov. Murphy’s move to establish a public bank. (WikiMedia Commons)
“Governor Murphy has struggled to keep New Jersey’s finances in check without major tax increases. The creation of a state-run bank is a looming catastrophe for Garden State taxpayers.
Editorial: We Must Make N.J. Affordable or More People Will Leave, Lawmaker Says
The following editorial by Senator Mike Doherty was published by NJ.com on November 8, 2019:
Elected public officials have a responsibility to deliver essential public services at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers. Too often, however, we see officials at all levels of government resigned to the notion that New Jersey will always be a high-cost place. They accept as fact that it’s impossible to fix our roads or build new schools without levying the highest taxes in the nation.
In this NJ.com editorial, Sen. Mike Doherty says lawmakers must demonstrate the same initiative in trying to cut excessive taxes that our former residents have shown in trying to escape them. (©iStock.com)
To that point, Governor Murphy seems content to promote New Jersey as a “good value for money,” rather than make an actual effort to cut costs. He recently told business leaders that if taxes are a primary concern, New Jersey is “probably not your state.”
That’s a mind-boggling statement considering New Jersey leads the nation in the out-migration of residents, according to a study conducted by United Van Lines. People are listening to the defeatist attitudes of leaders like Murphy and are lining up to leave.
Pennacchio Bill Gives Zero Emission Cars a Charge
New Jersey drivers will find it easier to plug in their electric cars under legislation introduced Thursday by Senator Joe Pennacchio. His bill, S4222, simplifies the approval process for installing charging stations at gasoline service stations.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s bill simplifies the approval process for installing electric charging stations at gasoline service stations. (SenateNJ.com)
Under the bill, electric installations at existing operating gas stations are exempt from local approvals, including site plan and land use reviews. New gas stations would also be exempt.
“We have 565 municipalities in the state and the last thing we need is 565 different rules for gas stations adding charging facilities,” said Pennacchio (R-26).
Bucco Blasts Murphy’s Appetite for Spending
Senator Anthony M. Bucco released the following statement in response to a report that Governor Phil Murphy hired a new chef for the governor’s mansion for a $110,000 salary.
Sen. Bucco on Murphy hiring a chef on taxpayer money: “The governor doesn’t get it. People in New Jersey are struggling, but Murphy just keeps spending money that we don’t have.” (Pixabay)
“The governor doesn’t get it. People in New Jersey are struggling, but Murphy just keeps spending money that we don’t have.
“That’s hard to swallow, spending that kind of money on a cook. It’s a $40,000 raise over the cook he replaced, and it’s completely unnecessary. Murphy already saddled taxpayers with almost $900,000 in repairs to Drumthwacket. New Jersey families deserve better treatment from Trenton.”
Republican Budget Officers Oroho, Wirths Ready to Battle Murphy Over Affordability
Senator Steve Oroho and Assemblyman Hal Wirths will serve as Republican budget officers in the Senate and Assembly, respectively. The announcements were made by the leaders of both caucuses Thursday.
As Republican budget officers in the Senate and Assembly, Sen. Oroho and Asm. Wirths will combat runaway spending by Gov. Murphy and the Democrats. (Pixabay)
Oroho, a certified financial planner, has been a member of the Budget Committee since he was sworn into the Senate in 2008. He has served as Senate Republican Budget Officer since early 2019.
Kean Announces Senate Republican Leadership for 2020-2021 Session
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-21) announced the new caucus leadership team for the upcoming 2020-2021 legislative session:
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean announced the new caucus leadership team for the upcoming 2020-2021 legislative session. (SenateNJ.com)
- Deputy Minority Leader – Senator Bob Singer (R-30)
- Conference Leader – Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40)
- Deputy Conference Leader – Senator Chris Brown (R-2)
- Budget Officer – Senator Steven Oroho (R-24)
- Whip – Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26)
- Deputy Whip – Senator Kip Bateman (R-16)
“With so much at stake for the people of New Jersey over the next two years, it’s imperative that Senate Republicans continue to have an engaged leadership team that is focused on the extremely important tasks ahead of us,” said Kean. “I’m glad to have such a strong team behind me that will be working hard on all fronts.”
