Southern Shore Lawmakers Say Unprecedented Whale and Dolphin Deaths Warrant Suspension of Offshore Wind Projects
Senator Michael Testa, Assemblyman Antwan McClellan, and Assemblyman Erik Simonsen are intensifying calls to suspend offshore wind projects following an unprecedented number of dolphin deaths on a beach in Sea Isle City.
Sen. Michael Testa, Asm. Antwan McClellan, and Asm. Erik Simonsen are intensifying calls to suspend offshore wind projects following an unprecedented number of dolphin deaths on a beach in Sea Isle City. (Pixabay)
“It has been clear for a long time that Gov. Phil Murphy’s irrational green energy goals, facilitated by offshore wind projects, may pose significant risks to marine life. Since January, New Jersey has recorded an alarming number of whale deaths, and just earlier today, eight dolphins died after washing ashore in Sea Isle City. While the DEP claims there is no link between wind farms and damage to marine life, the logical thing to do would be to pause all offshore wind projects until we have more data,” said Testa (R-Cumberland). “In addition to the health and safety of marine life, our coastal communities and the thriving commercial fisheries rely upon a healthy and safe ocean and these projects pose an unnecessary risk to that. Until the proponents can assure our region that these projects are not playing a part in these incidents, it would be wise to suspend the work.”
Senate Clears Polistina Bill Expanding Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids
Health insurers may soon be required to cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for individuals under 21 years of age thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Vince Polistina and approved today by the New Jersey Senate.
Sen. Vince Polistina and Maria Maione, the constituent who inspired S-2535, vote “YES” to require health insurers to cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for individuals under 21 years of age during a Senate session on March 20, 2023 (SenateNJ.com)
“Hearing aids and cochlear implants are critical in treating hearing loss and are especially important during the formative years when young people are developing the skills to effectively communicate,” said Polistina (R-2). “My legislation will make sure that insurance companies provide the necessary benefits and coverage for these devices so that everyone under 21 can reach their full development and potential.”
Senate Clears Corrado Bill That Encourages Participation in State Water Assistance Program
The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado that would help more struggling households to get assistance with their water bills.
The New Jersey Senate cleared legislation sponsored by Sen. Kristin Corrado that would help more struggling households receive assistance with their water bills. (Pixabay)
“Today’s Senate vote advancing this legislation puts a plan in place to get unspent relief funds to water customers who need help. The federal government provided $24 million dollars to fund the state’s Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, but more than $17 million of that remains unspent,” Corrado said. “That’s because most water and sewer companies in New Jersey do not participate in the assistance program which prevents customers from benefiting from this federal aid. By boosting participation in the program, we can help more eligible homeowners before reaching the September deadline.”
Senate Approves Bucco Bill Honoring New Jersey Military Veteran
The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco that would designate the Harter Road Interchange of Interstate Highway Route 287 as the Warren E. Wilhide Interchange.
The New Jersey Senate approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Anthony M. Bucco that designates a portion of Interstate Highway Route 287 as the Warren E. Wilhide Interchange. (SenateNJ.com)
“I am incredibly pleased that the Senate voted to approve legislation that honors United States Army Veteran Warren E. Wilhide Sr. As a long-time resident of Morris Township, Mr. Wilhide was well-known for his dedication to serving others,” Bucco said (R-25). “As a token of our gratitude for his service to our country and community, this bill formally commemorates Mr. Wilhide’s legacy by designating a portion of Route 287 in his honor.”
Committee Approves Singer Bill that Would Increase Aid for Adult Day Care Services
Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that would increase the adult day care Medicaid per diem rate was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer that would increase the adult day care Medicaid per diem rate was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. (©iStock)
“This increase in funding will help providers better assist, protect, and support the elderly throughout our state,” said Singer (R-30). “Adult day health services are crucial to the physical and emotional well-being of New Jersey seniors. Bolstering these services is a win-win for both patients and their families.”
Oroho Statement on Partial Restoration of School Funding
Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho (R-24) issued the following statement in response to legislation that would partially restore school funding that’s being cut in Governor Phil Murphy’s FY 2024 State Budget proposal:
Statement from Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho on legislation that would partially restore school funding that’s being cut in Gov. Phil Murphy’s FY 2024 State Budget proposal. (©iStock)
“Senate Republicans continue to believe that there is no reason for the Murphy administration to cut funding to any school district when the state has a massive $10 billion budget surplus.
“We support the partial restoration of funding that has been proposed but remain concerned that it is a one-year solution to a long-term problem. Unless we change the school funding formula permanently, school districts will lose the temporarily restored money next year and face even deeper cuts in state aid. We need a school funding solution that looks further than Election Day this year.”
Steinhardt Bills Support Expansion of Rural Broadband Internet Services
Senator Doug Steinhardt is sponsoring legislation that would help support the expansion of broadband internet services in underserved rural communities.
Sen. Doug Steinhardt is sponsoring legislation that would help support the expansion of broadband internet services in underserved rural communities. (©iStock)
“Rural communities are often an afterthought for the big telecom companies, leaving homeowners and businesses with few options for broadband service and slower speeds,” said Steinhardt (R-23). “When so much of modern life is dependent on high-speed internet, we need to be proactive in ensuring that our communities have access to these critical services. The new grant and loan programs that I’m sponsoring will support the expansion of rural broadband services in small communities that are often overlooked.”
Committee Approves Polistina Bill Expanding Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids & Cochlear Implants
State-regulated health insurers may soon be required to cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for individuals under 21 years of age thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Vince Polistina and approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Health insurers may soon be required to cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for individuals under 21 years of age thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Vince Polistina and approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. (Pixabay)
“No child or young adult should be left without access to medically necessary hearing aids, or in certain cases, cochlear implants,” said Polistina (R-2). “These devices are critical in treating hearing loss, and are especially important during the formative years when young people are developing the skills to effectively communicate. My legislation will make sure that insurance companies provide proper benefits and coverage so that everyone under 21 can reach their full development and potential.”
Bucco Statement on the Death of Senator Ron Rice
Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) issued the following statement on the passing of former Senator Ron Rice:
Statement from Sen. Anthony M. Bucco on the passing of former Senator Ron Rice. (Pixabay)
“Many people don’t know that Senator Rice and my late father were very close. I learned from my dad that Ron was a gentleman and someone you could trust. He didn’t care if you were a Republican or a Democrat. If you were doing something good, he was always there to help. I learned that firsthand over and over again in our time working together in the Legislature. Ron was one of a kind, and he will be missed.”
Oroho Statement on the Passing of Senator Ron Rice
Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho (R-24) issued the following statement in response to the passing of former Senator Ron Rice:
Statement from Sen. Steven Oroho on the passing of former Senator Ron Rice. (CC0 Public Domain)
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Rice. He was a fierce advocate for his constituents and a colleague who was deeply respected on both sides of the aisle. When he believed you were doing the right thing, he would forget about party and lend his support. I can’t think of anyone who was better at speaking from the heart on the Senate floor than Ron. His passionate voice and his presence in our chamber will be sorely missed. On behalf of Senate Republicans, I offer our deepest condolences to Ron’s family and to all who knew and loved him.”
