Editorial: The Moral Hazard of Sanctuary State Policies
The following editorial by Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) on the moral hazard created by sanctuary state policies was published by NJ.com on December 14, 2019:
Sen. Steven Oroho discusses the moral hazard created by sanctuary state policies in this NJ.com editorial. He explains how well-intentioned lawmakers are fueling a human catastrophe by enticing desperate people to make an extremely dangerous journey that many will not survive. (SenateNJ.com)
The New York Times ran a disturbing story in 2017. The piece, “A Path to America, Marked by More and More Bodies,” highlighted the extreme risks that some migrants, desperate for a better life, are willing to accept to enter the United States, despite not having any legal authorization to come here.
Many of these people — individual men and women, entire families, and sometimes even children sent alone — embark on a journey fraught with peril, led by extremely dangerous guides, across some of the harshest and most unforgiving terrain that our nation has to offer.
Too often, they never reach a place of safety within the United States. Many are rescued by our Border Patrol in bad condition, provided food, water and shelter, and eventually released or returned across the border. Those are the lucky ones.
Testa to Trenton Democrats: Where is Your Respect for the Rule of Law?
Senator Michael Testa (R-1) made the following remarks in response to Trenton Democrats’ swift advancement of legislation that would give drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants while simultaneously approving legislation to eliminate religious exemptions for vaccinations.
Sen. Testa made the following remarks in response to Democrats’ advancement of legislation that would give drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants while simultaneously approving legislation to eliminate religious exemptions for vaccinations. (SenateNJ.com)
“Apparently, the rights of legal citizens come second in New Jersey. On the 5th of December, I took an Oath of Office affirming that I will support the Constitution of the State of New Jersey and the Constitution of the United States. Since my swearing in, I have witnessed the blatant disregard for the rule of law by our State’s own elected leaders in Trenton.
Testa Votes Against Bill Eliminating Religious Exemption for Vaccinations
In a packed committee room at the New Jersey State House on Thursday, Senator Michael Testa (R-1) voted against legislation (S2173) eliminating the religious exemption for vaccinations. The Democrats in Trenton passed the measure with a vote of 6-4 along partisan lines.
Yet another example of our constitutional rights being eroded by big government that believes it always knows what’s best for regular people who aren’t capable of making choices for themselves. #WhatAreWeDoing #TestaInTrenton
Posted by Senator Michael Testa on Thursday, December 12, 2019
Below are Senator Testa’s remarks to the committee, as prepared for delivery:
Thank you, Chairman.
The volume of correspondence that I’ve received over the last few days in opposition to this proposal to eliminate the religious exemption for otherwise mandatory vaccinations has been tremendous, to say the least.
Testa Votes No on Driver’s Licenses for Illegal Immigrants
Senator Michael Testa voted against legislation that would grant driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.
Sen. Michael Testa voted against legislation that would grant driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. (Wikimedia Commons)
“Like so many of our families, my grandparents on my mother’s side and my great grandparents on my father’s side immigrated to the United States the right and legal way,” said Testa (R-1). “We should not reward those who have no respect for our country’s laws with the privilege of a driver’s license. Democrats pushing this legislation are laying out the welcome mat for illegal immigrants rather than prioritizing the needs of their actual constituents.”
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Singer’s ‘Charlie’s Law’ Requiring Patient Education on Safe Drug Disposal Advances
Bill in Memory of NJ Man Who Succumbed to Addiction
Senator Robert Singer’s legislation to combat drug addiction through requiring pharmacists to educate patients on how to safely discard unused, unwanted, or expired drugs and needles unanimously passed the Senate Health Committee.
Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation to combat drug addiction through requiring pharmacists to educate patients on how to safely discard unused drugs unanimously advanced. (WikiMedia)
This legislation, “Charlie’s Law,” is named in memory of Charlie Van Tassel, a beloved son and brother who struggled and succumbed to his addiction at the age of 33. Charlie’s family remembers him as an athlete and family prankster who enjoyed music and dancing. He battled addiction for many years before his passing.
“All too often addiction begins at home, stemming from abused prescriptions or unused medication falling into the wrong hands,” said Singer (R – Monmouth and Ocean). “To someone like Charlie, who fought to stay sober, a bottle left unattended can be life-threatening. We can avoid addiction through proper disposal of unused drugs. Ensuring pharmacists educate patients on how to best dispose of unused medication will save countless lives.”
Kean Bill to Battle Opioid Crisis Advances
Requires Reporting of All Overdose Deaths
The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee approved legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean that would require the reporting of all opioid deaths to more accurately reflect the magnitude of the worsening health crisis.
Under Sen. Kean’s bill, all overdose-related deaths must be reported to the Department of Health by the medical examiner or health care professional who determined the cause of death. (©iStock)
“The deadly opioid crisis continues to escalate at an alarming rate in New Jersey,” said Kean (R-21). “If we are going to develop policies and practices to rein in this epidemic, accurate statistics and reporting are crucial. Drug-related fatalities can often go unreported to the State and federal governments due to inconsistencies in investigations and classification of the cause of death.”
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Wolfe: Bill Providing Driver’s Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants Has Serious Flaws
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Dave Wolfe and Greg McGuckin of the 10th Legislative District blasted the Senate Transportation Committee’s passage of legislation which would create a second tier of New Jersey driver’s licenses for those who have entered the country illegally.
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Wolfe blasted the Senate Transportation Committee’s passage of legislation which would create a second tier of New Jersey driver’s licenses for those who have entered the country illegally. (NJMVC)
Due to a recent surgery, Senator Holzapfel was not in attendance at the Senate Transportation Committee meeting but stated he would vote against the bill when it is voted on by the full Senate.
“There are serious flaws with this legislation that could ultimately allow undocumented immigrants from other states to come into New Jersey and get a driver’s license,” said Senator Holzapfel. “The current system requires New Jersey residents to provide extensive paperwork in order to drive on our roads. Why are we accommodating people who are knowingly breaking the law? This bill is an outrage and a political statement by the Governor, who continues to put the interests of undocumented immigrants before those of the taxpaying residents of this state.”
O’Scanlon Bill Takes Keys Away from Officials Using Municipal Cars for Personal Transportation
Senator Declan O’Scanlon’s bill to prohibit municipal officials from using township vehicles for private purposes was approved today by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
Sen. O’Scanlon’s legislation would prohibit elected municipal officials from using government cars for personal transportation. (SenateNJ.com)
Under the legislation (S206), government-owned cars will have to be parked at the end of the business day, and cannot be used for private errands or commuting to and from home.
“No part-time elected officials should be using publicly owned vehicles. It’s as simple as that,” said O’Scanlon (R-13). “Too many local officials treat government cars as their own personal property, an unofficial perk of the job. That’s not fair to taxpayers. My bill will take away the keys and put an end to the practice.”
Connors, Rumpf & Gove to Committee Chairs: Driver’s Licenses for Illegal Aliens Undermines Rule of Law
As vehement opponents of sanctuary state policies, Senator Christopher Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove are continuing their effort to defeat legislation that would allow persons in the country illegally to obtain a New Jersey driver’s license.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove maintain an online petition opposing Gov. Murphy’s sanctuary state policies, including driver’s licenses for illegals, that has been signed more than 21,000 times. (Wikimedia Commons)
The 9th District delegation recently sent the following letter to the chairpersons of the committees that S-3229 and A-4743 were referenced to upon introduction:
Doherty: We Shouldn’t Reward Illegal Immigrants With Driver’s Licenses
Says New Jersey Has Reached the Brink of Insanity
Senator Michael Doherty criticized the legislative effort by New Jersey Democrats to hand out driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.
Sen. Michael Doherty criticized the legislative effort by New Jersey Democrats to hand out driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. (SenateNJ.com)
“The United States of America is a nation of laws, and we cannot pick and choose which laws we want to follow,” said Doherty (R-23). “We shouldn’t let people who are breaking our laws obtain New Jersey driver’s licenses.
