Singer Bill to Help Battle Opioid Overdose Epidemic Passes Health Committee
Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that would help local officials to better understand and prevent the circumstances that lead to fatal drug overdoses has been approved by the Senate Health, Human Services & Senior Citizens Committee.
The Senate Health Committee has approved Sen. Bob Singer’s legislation to help local officials better understand and prevent the circumstances that lead to fatal drug overdoses. (©iStock)
“The opioid epidemic is like nothing we’ve ever seen, and we continue to lose lives to overdose at a sickening pace,” said Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean). “We’ve learned that there is no simple fix that will stop this. We need to bring together experts from many fields to develop a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to both deter and treat drug abuse before it’s too late.”
Corrado Bill to Boost Investment in NJ’s Innovation Economy Advances
Legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado that would boost investment in emerging technology start-ups in New Jersey was advanced by the Senate Economic Growth and Senate Budget & Appropriations committees today.
Sen. Kristin Corrado’s legislation that would boost investment in emerging technology start-ups in New Jersey was advanced by the Senate Economic Growth Committee. (Pixabay)
“New Jersey has one of the most highly educated workforces in the nation,” said Corrado (R-40). “What we’re missing is a tax environment that encourages investors to put that talent to work in new tech businesses right here in the Garden State. This legislation helps fix that. I want to thank Assemblyman DePhillips for taking the lead on this important effort.”
Corrado’s Legislation Banning Pet Leasing Passes Committee
Senator Kristin Corrado’s (R-40) legislation to ban the leasing of domestic companion animals has passed the Senate Commerce Committee.
Sen. Kristin Corrado’s legislation to ban the leasing of domestic companion animals has passed the Senate Commerce Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“Pets are a part of the American family,” Corrado said. “I am troubled to know that people are being misled into believing they’re purchasing a high-end breed with the promise of affordable monthly payment plans, not realizing they’re actually signing a two or three-year lease that could result in their pet being repossessed. This deceptive practice of renting-to-own puppies employed by shady pet brokers is cruel and must be stopped.”
Mallory’s Law: Pennacchio Anti-Bullying Effort Advances
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) and Senator Patrick Diegnan’s (D-Middlesex) legislation to standardize and strengthen New Jersey’s anti-bullying laws was advanced by the Senate Education Committee. “Mallory’s Law” is named in honor of Mallory Rose Grossman, a 12-year-old Rockaway student who committed suicide after being the victim of relentless bullying.
Dianne Grossman, the mother of Mallory Grossman, and Sen. Joe Pennacchio testify in support of “Mallory’s Law.” (SenateNJ.com)
“School bullying is killing our children,” said Pennacchio. “I cannot fathom the pain Mallory’s family suffers through every day. Bullying is preventable and addressable, so we shouldn’t have to just tolerate or accept it. ‘Mallory’s Law’ is recognition that stopping the culture of bullying requires a multi-faceted approach that involves students, parents, teachers, and school administrators.”
Corrado Bill Designates February as “Career and Technical Education Month” in NJ
Legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40) designating February as “Career and Technical Education Month” has passed the Senate Education Committee.
Sen. Kristin Corrado’s legislation designating February as “Career and Technical Education Month” has passed the Senate Education Committee. (iStock)
“Technical schools can open the door to in-demand jobs and high-paying careers,” Corrado said. “From engineering technologies to construction trades, vocational education fills a growing need for skilled workers in various industries. The designation of February as ‘Career and Technical Education Month’ will help us recognize the importance of New Jersey’s twenty-one county vo-tech schools and all they do to ready the next generation of tradespeople.”
Bucco Legislation Cutting Red Tape for Teens Who Want to Work Advances
Senator Anthony Bucco’s (R-25) legislation to help ease the application process for teens looking to gain work experience has passed the Senate Labor Committee.
Sen. Anthony Bucco’s legislation to help ease the application process for teens looking to gain work experience has passed the Senate Labor Committee. (©iStock)
“Unnecessary regulations make it difficult for New Jersey teenagers who want to find part-time or summer employment,” Bucco said. “Young residents shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to obtain working papers. With high school nearing its end and summer around the corner, let’s cut the red tape and give our teenagers the chance to work.”
Doherty Legislation to Exempt Veterans from State Park Fees Advances
Legislation sponsored by Senator Michael Doherty (R-23) to allow veterans with service-related disabilities into New Jersey State parks and forests free of charge passed the Senate Environment Committee.
Sen. Michael Doherty’s legislation to allow veterans with service-related disabilities into NJ State parks free of charge passed the Senate Environment Committee. (©iStock)
“The courage and valor of our disabled veterans deserve to be honored,” Doherty said. “Demonstrating our appreciation through free access to New Jersey’s State parks and forests is small way to say ‘thank you’ for their selfless sacrifices. Whether they are fishing with an old friend, or hiking with their children, our disabled veterans can know every time they enter a State park that New Jersey residents are eternally grateful for their service to our country.”
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Oppose Common Interest Community Bill; Express Concerns About Impact on Age-Restricted Communities
As legislators with a longstanding track record of supporting the rights of age-restricted community residents, Senator Chris Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove (all R-9) said that they will continue to oppose legislation (S-2425) that would consolidate laws concerning common interest communities, including the taxation of common property, applicability of local ordinances, the effects of eminent domain, and other statutes.
As legislators with a longstanding track record of supporting the rights of age-restricted communities, the 9th District delegation will oppose legislation that would consolidate laws concerning common interest communities. (©iStock)
Senator Connors voted against the legislation in committee and on the floor of the Senate when S-2425 was presented on the Senate floor for a full chamber vote on June 10 of this year.
The members of the 9th District delegation emphasized that this legislation is especially alarming, because it would allow Trenton to interfere in the operations of age-restricted communities in cases in which it deems that a community’s bylaws do not speak to a specific issue. This means that Trenton, in turn, would act as the community’s de facto governing body.
Pennacchio: We Warned You that the IRS Wouldn’t Fall for Your SALT Workaround Scheme
In response to yesterday’s news that the IRS has denied attempts by New Jersey and New York to circumvent the federal cap on SALT deductions, Senator Joe Pennacchio chastised Democrats for wasting taxpayer time and resources on a workaround that never had any chance of succeeding.
In response to news that the IRS has denied attempts by NJ and NY to circumvent the federal cap on SALT deductions, Sen. Joe Pennacchio chastised Democrats for wasting taxpayer time and resources on a workaround that never had any chance of succeeding. (SenateNJ.com)
On Tuesday, the IRS issued final regulations prohibiting governments from doling out tax credits in exchange for charitable contributions – effectively negating the legislation advanced in the spring of 2018, despite the objections of legislators such as Senator Pennacchio, who warned that the IRS would take action.
“Democrats need to stop making promises they can’t keep,” Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) said. “There is a reason why we didn’t see scores of municipalities jump at the chance to take advantage of this scheme to get around the removal of the SALT cap. It was clear from the beginning that the IRS wouldn’t allow it, which is why I spoke out in opposition.
“If we really want to cut property taxes, then we need to pass the fiscal reforms necessary to get our State budget back on track – and stop trying to circumvent the federal government.”
Kean Bill to Protect New and Expectant Moms Passes Senate
Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-21) to improve maternal healthcare in New Jersey has passed the New Jersey Senate.
Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean to improve maternal healthcare has passed the New Jersey Senate. (Flickr)
“Mothers and babies are dying at alarming rates from preventable complications nationwide – and in New Jersey, the rates are especially shocking, particularly among women of color,” Kean said. “We need to take a proactive approach to improving the care and support we provide for women throughout pregnancy, as well as during childbirth and the postpartum period. By expanding access to quality group prenatal care, we can ensure that every baby born in New Jersey gets a healthy start.”
