10th District Lawmakers Introduce Bill that Would Increase Transparency of School Libraries
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano (all R-10) introduced legislation that would require public schools to post a comprehensive list of all resources available in school libraries to their website to better inform parents of potentially inappropriate materials their children can access.
District 10 lawmakers introduced legislation that would require public schools to post a comprehensive list of all resources available in school libraries to their website to better inform parents of potentially inappropriate materials their children can access. (Abhi Sharma/Flickr)
“When most people think of school libraries, they probably imagine a room full of old, classic books along and a few computers scattered here and there. While this may have been true a decade or two ago, school libraries nowadays contain far more resources than just books, and many parents may be shocked to see exactly what materials are available to their children,” said Sen. Holzapfel. “Today’s modern library contains access to all sorts of controversial topics, including books and articles about critical race theory (CRT)—which indoctrinates students with the absurd belief that people are inherently privileged, oppressive, or morally deficient due to little more than the circumstances of their birth. This legislation will make sure that public schools list all of this information online so that parents know precisely what type of information is accessible by their children.”
Testa to Introduce Bill Allowing Parents to Opt-Out of School Districts with Mask Mandates
Senator Michael Testa will introduce legislation to allow parents to create a path to choose a different school district if their home district unilaterally adopts a mask policy for students.
Sen. Michael Testa will introduce legislation to allow parents to create a path to choose a different school district if their home district unilaterally adopts a mask policy for students. (Pixabay)
Over the weekend, the Franklin Township school district in Somerset County announced via a pop up on their website that a mandatory masking policy would be reintroduced today.
“Sadly, we expected school bureaucrats to once again push their power over students and their parents with renewed masking mandates,” said Testa (R-1). “This bill gives parents the ability to fight back and the power to ensure their children are not forced to mask up.”
Singer Calls for Task Force to Defend Shore Communities Against Popup ‘Parties’
A day after a large social media-instigated horde of teenagers descended on the Monmouth County shore town of Long Branch, Senator Robert Singer is calling on Governor Murphy and the State Attorney General’s office to immediately create a task force to prevent similar occurrences and protect coastal communities.
A day after a large social media-instigated horde of teenagers descended on a Monmouth County shore town, Sen. Robert Singer is calling on Governor Murphy and the State Attorney General’s office to immediately create a task force to prevent similar occurrences and protect coastal communities. (Flickr)
“This weekend’s incident followed the same script we saw last summer, when hordes of out-of-control teenagers swarmed to the shore,” said Singer (R-30). “This is not a case of getting some people together and going to the shore, it’s an orchestrated criminal act. These are organized incidents, promoted with flyers and posts all over social media calling for people to ‘bring your booze, bring you marijuana, and let’s go to Long Branch.’
Republican Senators Laud Judiciary Action on Superior Court Judges
Senators Michael Doherty, Kristin Corrado, Jon Bramnick and Anthony M. Bucco, Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after 11 new Superior Court judges were cleared by the panel:
Senators Michael Doherty, Kristin Corrado, Jon Bramnick and Anthony M. Bucco, Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, lauded the panel for clearing 11 new Superior Court judges. (©iStock)
“After the long delay, we have seen meaningful progress. It is a move in the right direction. We commend the efforts of Senate President Scutari, Chairman Stack, and the committee members to break the logjam. We hope that today is only the beginning of a process that will result in filling the dozens of judicial vacancies that still remain. Such an action will allow the judiciary to address the thousands of cases that remain backed up all over the state.”
Bucco Lauds Success of NJ’s First All-Female High School FIRST Robotics Competition Team
The Sisters 1st FRC Team 8513 from Villa Walsh Academy is More than Building Robots
When the all-female robotics team from Villa Walsh Academy embarked on their first-ever competition in the global FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition (FRC) league, expectations were tempered, and the rookie team’s success came as a surprise to almost everyone – except for Senator Anthony M. Bucco.
When the all-female robotics team from Villa Walsh Academy embarked on their first-ever competition in the global FIRST Robotics Competition, expectations were tempered, and the rookie team’s success came as a surprise to almost everyone – except for Senator Anthony M. Bucco. (SenateNJ.com)
“Those of us who have followed the progress of these young ladies over the last year know you should never underestimate these kids,” said Bucco. “These high schoolers are determined, focused, and inspired by some fantastic teachers and mentors. They don’t know the word ‘can’t,’ and their ability to work under pressure is proven.
“It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that they exceeded every expectation this year,” Bucco continued.
Panel Endorses Oroho Resolution Calling on Washington to Establish a Northwest NJ Vet Center
A resolution sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho and advanced today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee aims for the establishment of a new Vet Center for the northwestern portion of the state to provide easier access to care, counseling, and other assistance. Almost 50,000 veterans reside in Sussex, Morris, Hunterdon, and Warren counties.
A resolution sponsored by Sen. Steven Oroho and advanced by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee aims for the establishment of a new Vet Center for the northwestern portion of the state to provide easier access to care, counseling, and other assistance. (Flickr)
The bipartisan resolution (SCR-25) urges the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington to designate a new center in the region to fill the void. It would be the state’s sixth Vet Center.
Panel Advances Corrado Bill Aiding Veterans in Need of Mental Help
More New Jersey veterans struggling with service-connected mental health issues would be eligible for help under legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado and approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
More veterans struggling with service-connected mental health issues would be eligible for help under legislation sponsored by Sen. Kristin Corrado and approved by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (Facebook)
Corrado’s bill, S-2383, would require the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs (DMAVA) to help ensure former service members meet the qualifications for help.
Bucco Bill to help Prevent Veteran Suicide Clears Committee
Members of the public may soon be able to submit direct donations for the prevention of veteran suicide thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco and advanced today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Members of the public may soon be able to submit direct donations for the prevention of veteran suicide thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Tony Bucco and advanced by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (©iStock)
“According to the latest report by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the suicide rate among veterans remains extremely high, accounting for thousands of lives every year. And tragically, the psychological and economic consequences of the pandemic have been devastating for many of the brave men and women who have served this country,” said Bucco (R-25). “For the last two and a half years, this unprecedented crisis has been a stressor for vulnerable veterans with existing mental health issues and has put them at higher risk for suicide and other adverse outcomes. My legislation will dramatically increase funding for suicide prevention campaigns so that our veterans, as well as their loved ones, know that help is always available.”
Testa Bill to Increase Payments for Permanent Wartime Service Injuries Clears Panel
New Jersey veterans blinded or paralyzed from wartime service injuries would see an increase in monthly payments from the state’s Catastrophic Entitlement Fund under Senator Michael Testa’s legislation advanced today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Veterans blinded or paralyzed from wartime service injuries would see an increase in monthly payments from the state’s Catastrophic Entitlement Fund under legislation sponsored by Sen. Michael Testa and cleared by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“These brave men and women went to war to defend our nation, and they are force to live with their devastating injuries every day,” said Testa (R-1). “No amount of money can make up for what they have endured, but New Jersey can do better than the $62.50 monthly payment. Heroes deserve better.”
Committee Approves Bucco Bill Recognizing “The Growing Stage” as the New Jersey State Children’s Theatre
A joint resolution sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco that would designate The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre as the New Jersey State children’s theatre cleared the State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.
A joint resolution sponsored by Sen. Tony Bucco that would designate The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre as the NJ State children’s theatre cleared the State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee. (Pixabay)
“The Growing Stage plays a unique role in New Jersey because it introduces children and families to the performing arts in creative and engaging ways,” said Bucco (R-25). “The theatre has also had a long history of enriching the community by presenting a variety of productions to thousands of people in the Garden State and beyond. My legislation will formally recognize The Growing Stage’s long history of engaging communities of all economic and social backgrounds to be a part of the performing arts.”
