O’Scanlon & DiMaso Support Parents Against Extended School Closures
Say State Needs to Get on the Same Page to Keep Schools Open
Senator Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso (both R-Monmouth) supported local parents from Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District following news that the school district would switch to all-remote learning for a prolonged period.
Senator O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman DiMaso voiced support for Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District parents who are calling for a 14-day quarantine rather than the six-week closure planned by the district. (Wikipedia)
“We stand with the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional parents and their concerns in closing schools for six weeks, and in their very reasonable requests of the district administration and school board,” said O’Scanlon. “We are all for combating COVID on every scientifically justified front. However, just like we’ve seen in NYC it doesn’t appear that the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional’s decision makers are following the science and including parents in communication efforts. We need to all get on the same page here. The parents are asking for a 14-day closure of schools to comply with quarantine standards, instead of a full six weeks. That’s completely reasonable.”
Singer Op-Ed: Marijuana taxes should benefit all of New Jersey
The following editorial by Senator Robert Singer (R-30) was published by the Asbury Park Press on November 29, 2020:
New Jersey residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of a constitutional amendment to legalize the personal use of cannabis by adults.
While the legislation to establish a legal market and regulatory scheme for marijuana was expected to be a slam dunk after the ballot measure was approved by a 2-to-1 margin, disagreements over a slew of concerns have caused the process to stall.
In this Asbury Park Press op-ed, Sen. Bob Singer maintains that marijuana taxes should benefit all New Jersey residents and communities. (Pixabay)
Democrats in the Legislature are now squabbling over everything – how much to tax marijuana, how they will split the money, how best to expunge prior convictions, and even whether to lower penalties for “magic mushrooms.”
They’re fighting over adding more taxes on legal pot – in addition to the State and local sales taxes explicitly approved by voters – that could lead to tax rates of 20 to 40 percent or higher for consumers. Republicans have warned that an excessive tax burden could undermine the legal marketplace and lead to lower tax revenues than expected.
Bucco, Dunn Laud Creation of New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus
Pledge to Uphold Interests of State’s Disabled Community as Founding Members
District 25 lawmakers Senator Anthony M. Bucco and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn are founding members of the New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus, launched today during a virtual press conference.
Senator Bucco and Assemblywoman Dunn today welcomed the creation of the New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus, and as founding members, committed to advocating on behalf of the disabled community. (SenateNJ.com)
The bipartisan caucus will serve as a forum to consider the impact of public policy decisions on the disabled community, and increase awareness and understanding of the complexities of the disability service system.
“This is a pivotal day for New Jersey’s Disability Community, and the launch of this influential caucus will help improve the living conditions and the daily lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Senator Bucco, who spoke during the conference on the challenges faced by individuals transitioning to independent living.
Kean Applauds Formation of New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean joined with Senate President Stephen Sweeney and a bipartisan group of legislators from both the Senate and General Assembly to launch the New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus during a virtual event today.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean joined a bipartisan group of legislators from both the Senate and General Assembly to launch the New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus during a virtual event. (YouTube)
The Disability Caucus will serve as a bipartisan forum within the New Jersey Legislature for lawmakers and their staff to consider the impact on the disability community when shaping all public policies in the Garden State through increased awareness and a greater understanding of the complexities of the disabilities service system and issues affecting individuals with disabilities and their families.
Vitale & Singer Condemn Chiropractor Board for Relicensing Sex Offender
Senator Joe Vitale, chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, and Senator Robert Singer, the ranking Republican member of the committee, issued the following joint statement condemning the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners for renewing the professional license of Bryan Bajakian, a convicted sex offender:
Sen. Joe Vitale, chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, and Sen. Robert Singer, the ranking Republican member of the committee, issued a joint statement condemning the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners for renewing the professional license of Bryan Bajakian, a convicted sex offender. (SenateNJ.com)
“It is utterly inconceivable that the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners would think it a good idea to reinstate the license of a convicted sex offender who preyed on children. The board’s decision defies common sense and fails to meet the basic standard of public safety. Bryan Bajakian is a predator who should not be placed in a position of trust with patients in a healthcare setting and should not be allowed to threaten anyone again.
Corrado & Bucco Commend Governor’s Order Sparing In-Person Addiction Support Meetings from New Capacity Limits
Relieved Their Concerns Were Addressed in Executive Order Announced Monday
A little more than a week after Senator Kristin Corrado and Senator Anthony M. Bucco called on the Governor to allow in-person alcohol and narcotics support group meetings to continue, Murphy issued an executive order exempting these meetings from the new 10-person indoor limit.
Senator Corrado and Senator Bucco commended Governor Murphy for responding to their request and exempting in-person 12-step-style support meetings from the 10-person cap. (SenateNJ.com)
“This sensible decision will help save lives, especially now, with increased stress levels during the pandemic and holiday season,” said Corrado (R-40). “We expressed our concerns to the Governor about the risks of preventing individuals from getting access to the help they desperately need, and I am glad we were able to persuade him to make this change.”
Testa Urges Governor Murphy to Allow In-Person Support Group Meetings to Continue
In recent days, Governor Murphy has imposed new COVID-19 restrictions, including revised indoor and outdoor capacity limits. In response, Senator Michael Testa urged the governor to ensure that alcohol and narcotics support group meetings be allowed to continue in person—regardless of any limitations on gatherings.
Senator Michael Testa urged Governor Murphy to ensure that alcohol and narcotics support group meetings be allowed to continue in person—regardless of new COVID-19 restrictions. (Pixabay)
“There are thousands of people in New Jersey who struggle with addiction each day,” said Testa (R-1). “Many of these individuals are in recovery, and currently rely on a 12-step support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. It is vital that these support groups be allowed to continue to hold in-person meetings. The type of help an individual receives in these groups cannot be duplicated in a video conferencing session.”
Senate Republicans Repeat Call for Passage of Substantial Aid Package for Small Businesses & Nonprofits as State Budget Surplus Grows
Sales Tax Revenues Continue to Outpace Murphy Administration’s Dire Revenue Projections
As sales tax collections continue to outpace the Murphy Administration’s dire revenue estimates for FY 2021 and the State budget surplus grows, the Republican members of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee repeated their calls for action on a substantial aid package to support small businesses and nonprofits struggling with the impact of COVID-19.
As sales tax collections continue to outpace the Murphy Administration’s dire revenue estimates for FY 2021 and the State budget surplus grows, the Republican members of the Senate Budget Committee repeated their calls for action on a substantial aid package to support small businesses and nonprofits struggling with the impact of COVID-19. (©iStock)
“While more and more of our small businesses are closing shop with little help from the State, Governor Murphy only seems willing to look out for his own political interests,” said Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13). “He’s building a massive surplus with borrowed and taxed funds that’s not helping anyone but himself. We’re hoping our Democrat colleagues in the Legislature will do the right thing and join us in passing a substantial aid package to help small businesses and nonprofits survive.”
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Support New Laws Improving Protections for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities
In representing the interests of their constituents, Senator Christopher Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove supported and voted for bipartisan legislative initiatives that have been enacted to increase protections for residents and staff of long-term care facilities.
In representing the interests of their constituents, Sen. Christopher Connors, Asm. Brian Rumpf, and Asw. DiAnne Gove supported and voted for bipartisan legislative initiatives that have been enacted to increase protections for residents and staff of long-term care facilities. (SenateNJ.com)
The following legislation has been signed into law:
A-4481: Establishes the New Jersey Task Force on Long-Term Care Quality and Safety, which will be tasked with developing recommendations to make changes to the long-term system of care to drive improvements in person-centered care, resident and staff safety, improvements in quality of care and services, workforce engagement and sustainability, and any other appropriate aspects of the long-term system of care in New Jersey as the task force elects to review.
A-4476: Establishes the Long-Term Care Emergency Operations Center (LTCEOC) in the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH), which will serve as the centralized command and resource center for LTC facility response efforts and communications during any declared public health emergencies affecting or likely to affect one or more LTC facilities. The LTCEOC is to enhance and integrate with existing emergency response systems.
Administration’s Nursing Home COVID Policy Still a Recipe for Disaster
Crest Pointe Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Point Pleasant Admitting New COVID Positive Patients After 19 Residents Died
Senator Joe Pennacchio continues to question the administration and State Department of Health’s policy toward admittance of new COVID patients at long-term nursing facilities.
Senator Pennacchio questioned the Administration and State Department of Health’s policy for admitting new COVID patients to long-term nursing facilities. (SenateNJ.com)
The Senator’s office received an anonymous call from a resident’s loved one who heard that the center was still accepting new patients who are testing positive for COVID. Office staff confirmed with the nursing home’s admissions office that new patients testing positive for COVID are in fact being admitted.
The State’s current policy for requires nursing homes to have sufficient PPE and staffing to be allowed to admit COVID patients. The State also “wishes” to be notified if those facilities cannot manage the outbreak. Continue Reading…
