Senate Approves Brown Bill Allowing Families to Display Flags with Pride
Families will be allowed to continue expressing their patriotism under a bill sponsored by Senator Chris Brown that was approved by the New Jersey Senate.
Families will be allowed to continue expressing their patriotism under a bill sponsored by Sen. Chris Brown that was approved by the New Jersey Senate. (Wikimedia Commons)
“Flying the American flag is an expression of love of country and our fellow citizens. The flag is a unifying symbol, which we rallied around after 9/11,” Brown said. “I think keeping these flags in place recaptures the unity we all felt at the time and need more than ever now.”
Oroho-Greenstein Bill to Boost New Jersey Manufacturing Approved by Senate
In an effort to improve the competitiveness of New Jersey manufacturers, legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho and Senator Linda Greenstein that would establish a permanent new source of funding for the New Jersey Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP), was approved by the Senate today. The funding would be up to $1.5 million.
Legislation sponsored by Sens. Oroho and Greenstein to establish a permanent new source of funding for the New Jersey Extension Program, Inc. was approved by the Senate. (SenateNJ.com)
“State support is critical to maintain a vibrant manufacturing industry which is a vital sector of New Jersey’s economy,” said Senator Oroho (R-Morris/Sussex/Warren). “NJMEP helps businesses navigate in a growing, competitive global market, and their success has aided our state in job creation and growth. Their efforts throughout the pandemic has furthered stamped their reputation for providing critical support and meeting needs for both clients and their customer base.”
O’Scanlon-Sweeney-Greenstein Bill Would Ensure Right to Display American Flag Over NJ Highways
Acting to ensure the right to display the American flag over the highway overpasses on the New Jersey Turnpike and roadways operated by the South Jersey Transportation Authority, the Senate today unanimously approved a bill, sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon, Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Senator Linda Greenstein, that would exempt the displays from the rules prohibiting the practice.
The Senate unanimously approved a Sens. O’Scanlon, Sweeney & Greenstein bill that would ensure the right to display the American flag over New Jersey highways. (Wikimedia Commons)
“It started after 9/11….but who doesn’t still smile with pride when they see our flags flying on bridges throughout New Jersey? Old Glory should be allowed to fly high above the Turnpike without the risk of removal,” said Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth). “This measure will protect our residents’ patriotic rights to display the red, white, and blue for commuters and travelers on New Jersey’s busy highways. Together, we can keep this symbol of freedom and democracy flying proudly and secured on the Garden State’s bypasses and bridges.”
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Pennacchio/Turner Bill to Combat Wrongful Convictions Clears Senate
Creates New Jersey Innocence Study and Review Commission to Examine the Issue and Recommend Steps to Prevent the Miscarriage of Justice
Bipartisan legislation that would combat the wrongful convictions and imprisonment of innocent individuals, sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senator Shirley Turner was approved today by the Senate.
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Pennacchio to establish the New Jersey Innocence Study and Review Commission was approved by the Senate today. (©iStock)
The bill, S-282, establishes the New Jersey Innocence Study and Review Commission, with the mission of recommending reforms to reduce the likelihood of wrongful convictions occurring in the future.
“I strongly believe this legislation will help find the answers we need to help prevent innocent people from being locked away for crimes they didn’t commit,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “I have stood shoulder to shoulder with some of those who were wrongfully convicted and listened to their stories. That inspired my effort to address the flaws in our system. The Senate unanimously passed a version of this bill in the previous session, and once again, my colleagues are standing up for justice.”
Corrado Bill Targeting Racial Bias within NJ’s Criminal Justice System Advances
Measure Would Create Task Force to Investigate the Prevalence of Prejudice and Recommend Solutions
Bipartisan legislation addressing the extent of racial bias within New Jersey’s criminal justice system was approved today by the Senate.
The Senate approved Senator Corrado’s bill to establish a task force to investigate the presence of bias within New Jersey’s criminal justice system and evaluate its impact on the equitable administration of the law. (©iStock)
The bill (AJR-172/SJR-94), sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado, would establish a task force to investigate the presence of bias and evaluate its impact on the equitable administration of the law.
Senate Passes Bucco Bill to Help Clear Backlogs at MVC
Measure Provides Drivers Who Passed Their Road Tests with a Two-Month Grace Period to Drive
Long lines remain the norm at New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission facilities across the state, and the Senate today endorsed legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco to help alleviate the logjam.
To help alleviate long lines and backlogs at MVC facilities, Senator Bucco’s bill would allow new drivers who passed their road tests to drive for 60 days while they are waiting to get their probationary drivers’ license. (SenateNJ.com)
Due to the backlog at MVC facilities, Bucco’s bill, A-4442/S-2755, would allow new drivers who passed their road tests to drive for 60 days while they are waiting to get their probationary drivers’ license.
Senate Passes Kean Bill Providing in-State Tuition to Veterans and Family Members Engaged in Remote Learning
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean providing in-State tuition status to certain veterans and family members during a period of remote instruction was approved today by the New Jersey Senate.
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean providing in-State tuition status to certain veterans and family members during a period of remote instruction was approved today by the New Jersey Senate. (©iStock)
“Due to the current health crisis, many public institutions of higher education have engaged in remote learning,” said Kean (R-21). “This bill will allow veterans and their family members to continue to pay in-State tuition during any period of mandatory remote instruction—even if they are living outside of New Jersey during that period.”
Senate Approves Oroho/Sarlo Bill to Examine New York’s Unjust Taxation of New Jerseyans
Legislation Requires State Treasurer to Report on New York’s Continued Taxation of Former Commuters from New Jersey
The New Jersey Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Budget Officer Steven Oroho and Senate Budget Chairman Paul Sarlo that would begin to address concerns that New York is unfairly taxing former New Jersey commuters who have been working from home in the Garden State during the pandemic.
The N.J. Senate has approved a bill by Sen. Steven Oroho and Sen. Paul Sarlo to address concerns that New York is unfairly taxing former New Jersey commuters who now work remotely. (Pixabay)
“It’s no surprise that New York wants to keep padding its budget at the expense of New Jersey, even if it no longer has a legitimate claim to our residents’ tax dollars,” said Oroho (R-24). “What is surprising, however, is that New Jersey has been so timid in addressing New York’s unjust taxation of New Jerseyans who are working from home and no longer commuting across the Hudson. The report that the Treasurer will be required to produce under this legislation will show the scope of the problem and set the stage for future action.”
Senate Passes Pennacchio Bill Expanding Access to Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio expanding access to charging stations for electric vehicles was approved today by the New Jersey Senate.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio expanding access to charging stations for electric vehicles was approved today by the New Jersey Senate. (Pixabay)
Pennacchio’s bill (S-938) streamlines the approval process for installing recharge portals at gasoline service stations, making it more convenient for drivers to plug in and charge their batteries.
“As the popularity of Tesla and other plug-in transportation continues to grow, the number of electric vehicles on New Jersey roads will steadily increase,” said Pennacchio. “This bill would help the availability of charging locations keep pace with the expanding usage of zero-emission vehicles.”
Senate Clears Pennacchio/Brown Bill to Ensure State-Purchased POW-MIA Flags are Manufactured in the USA
All POW-MIA flags purchased with state funds must be manufactured in the United States under legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senator Chris Brown and advanced today by the Senate.
Senator Pennacchio and Senator Brown sponsor legislation that would require all POW-MIA flags purchased with state funds to be manufactured in the United States. (Pixabay)
“Out of respect for the military members who never came home, these POW-MIA flags are flown, often at state offices and buildings,” said Pennacchio. “When we are remembering these heroes, we should do it with flags manufactured here in the nation they so proudly defended. There’s no reason for the state to buy cheap, imported flags to memorialize our brave soldiers.”
