Schepisi Calls on Murphy Administration to Open Ringwood State Park to Swimming
Senator Holly Schepisi called on the Murphy administration to reverse its decision to cancel swimming completely at Ringwood State Park for the 2021 season due to a shortage of lifeguards.
Sen. Holly Schepisi called on the Murphy administration to reverse its decision to cancel swimming completely at Ringwood State Park for the 2021 season due to a shortage of lifeguards. (Pixabay)
“There are labor shortages all across New Jersey in virtually every industry,” said Schepisi (R-39). “Aside from the Murphy administration, everyone else is finding a way to adapt even if it means operating with fewer staff on a limited schedule. Why can’t that happen at Ringwood State Park? It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.” Continue Reading…
Thompson to Receive Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award
Senator Samuel Thompson has been selected for entry in Marquis Who’s Who in America and to receive the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for his career longevity, philanthropic endeavors, and lasting contributions to society.
Sen. Sam Thompson has been selected for entry in Marquis Who’s Who in America and to receive the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. (MarquisWhosWho.com)
“It is an honor to be recognized again by Who’s Who for my continuing work for the community and the people of New Jersey,” said Thompson (R-12). “To be listed among the small group of honorees who have received this award is truly special. I thank the Selection Committee for their hard work and for this accolade, and I am glad to know that more than six decades after my first recognition, I am still making a noticeable difference.”
Thompson, Testa Endorse Responsible Spending Priorities for Federal COVID Funds as Murphy Administration Ponders Options
Senator Sam Thompson and Senator Michael Testa, both Republican members of the Senate Budget Committee, provided written testimony for the Murphy Administration’s virtual American Rescue Plan Hearings scheduled for this afternoon and tomorrow morning.
Senator Sam Thompson and Senator Michael Testa, both Republican members of the Senate Budget Committee, provided written testimony for the Murphy Administration’s virtual American Rescue Plan hearings. (Pixabay)
The Senators’ comments, submitted online prior to the Tuesday hearing, are presented below:
Bipartisan Disability Caucus and Advocates Discuss Housing Accessibility
Members of the bipartisan New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus today joined members of the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey, and intellectual and developmental disabilities advocates to discuss housing accessibility for individuals in the I/DD community.
Members of the NJ Legislative Disability Caucus today joined members of the Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Supportive Housing Association, and intellectual and developmental disabilities advocates to discuss housing accessibility for individuals in the I/DD community. (©iStock)
“The need for safe, affordable housing options for residents with disabilities far exceeds the supply, and the housing shortage will continue to grow if we fail to effectively address the issue,” said Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-Morris). “The exchange during the virtual roundtable will help the caucus devise an effective strategy, including potential legislative solutions, to ensure more vulnerable residents have a roof over their heads and a safe place to call home. We all share responsibility for the state’s special needs community.”
Kean Bill Requiring Civics Classes in Middle School Signed by Governor
Civics must be included in middle school curriculums under legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and signed into law today.
Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean mandating the teaching of civics in middle school is now law. (Pixabay)
“A well-rounded education in civics is essential for creating knowledgeable, engaged citizens who understand the sacrifices and hardships made on behalf of our democracy,” said Kean (R-21). “The law signed today will help provide students with the skills and background necessary for them to actively participate in democratic society. Every student in our public schools will have the opportunity to learn about how our government functions, the rights of citizens, and the values our nation was built on.”
Kean Bill Assisting Service Members and Veterans Seeking College Education Becomes Law
Legislation that will help service members and veterans continue their education and attend college classes, sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, was signed into law today.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s bill helping service members and veterans continue their education and attend college classes was signed by the Governor. (Flickr)
“New Jersey is becoming more accommodating to the brave men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms,” said Kean (R-21). “It is challenging enough to work and attend classes, but for those in the military, juggling schedules and managing deadlines is even more cumbersome. The new law will ease some of the burden of earning college credits for members of the military by offering them the flexibility when registering for classes or when military obligations conflict with course schedules.”
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Disabled Veteran Property Tax Relief Bill Signed Into Law
A veterans legislative initiative (S-956/A-911) introduced by Senator Christopher Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove which would extend the current disabled veterans’ property tax exemption to disabled veteran shareholders and their surviving spouses residing in a cooperative or mutual housing corporation has been signed into law.
Legislation introduced by Sen. Christopher Connors, Asm. Brian Rumpf, and Asw. DiAnne Gove that would extend the current disabled veterans’ property tax exemption to disabled veteran shareholders and their surviving spouses residing in a cooperative or mutual housing corporation has been signed into law. (©iStock)
The 9th District delegation issued the following statement on the enactment of their veterans’ legislative initiative:
“Corrective action has now been taken to ensure that disabled veterans shareholders and their surviving spouses residing in a cooperative or mutual housing corporation will now be eligible to receive the disabled veteran’s property tax exemption.
Oroho, Space & Wirths: Murphy and DEP Playing Divisive Politics By Ending Bear Hunt
Senator Steve Oroho and Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths (all R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) criticized the announcement today by Gov. Phil Murphy’s Department of Environmental Protection to stop all bear hunts in New Jersey in 2021, stating that it is a divisive political play that increases the likelihood of hazardous human encounters with the animals.
Sen. Steve Oroho and Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths said the state’s black bear population is increasing, and the Murphy Administration’s reluctance to allow hunting in 2021 could endanger residents. (Youtube)
“Throughout this pandemic, Governor Murphy has preached about following the science, yet in this instance he is blindly obeying his version of political science while potentially jeopardizing the public safety of New Jerseyans,” said Oroho. “A Rutgers student was mauled to death by a black bear and an elderly man was recently attached in his garage, leaving him with more than 30 stitches.
Bucco: Stories of Summer Shore Mayhem Prove Murphy Went Overboard with Police Restrictions
Calls for Legislature to Return to Trenton to Fix the Mess
Senator Anthony M. Bucco said a slew of stories of teenagers causing mayhem up and down the Jersey Shore this summer demonstrate that Governor Phil Murphy went overboard with new restrictions on police that deter and prevent them from taking action to enforce the law and keep neighborhoods safe.
Sen. Tony Bucco said a slew of stories of teenagers causing mayhem up and down the Jersey Shore this summer demonstrate that Gov. Phil Murphy went overboard with new restrictions on police that deter and prevent them from taking action to enforce the law and keep neighborhoods safe. (Flickr)
“From Monmouth to Cape May, we’ve seen what happens when you strip police of the power to hold teenagers and young adults accountable for breaking the law,” said Bucco (R-25). “Kids have no fear of smoking pot, drinking, or breaking other laws in public when they know police can do little more than issue toothless warnings. It’s only going to get worse as more kids realize that Governor Murphy has given them a free pass until they turn 21.”
Testa: New Jersey Must Do More to Prevent Overdose Deaths
Calls for Murphy to Sign Bill Ensuring Opioid Settlement Money Will be Used Solely for Addiction Prevention and Treatment
A year-and-a-half decline in life expectancy in the United States, reported by The Associated Press today, should be a wake-up call for New Jersey, where deaths from drug overdose have reached disturbing levels, Senator Michael Testa said.
Overdose deaths are up, life expectancy is down, and Sen. Michael Testa is calling on Gov. Murphy to sign legislation bolstering addiction prevention and treatment programs. (Pixabay)
An increase in fatal drug overdoses combined with COVID to drop life expectancy to 77.3 years, the lowest level in two decades, as more than 3.3 million Americans died last year. The data was announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
