Sorry! We couldn't find what you're looking for. Try this instead!
Singer Bill Would Strengthen Pandemic Resilience of Local, County Health Departments for COVID’s Second Wave
Just as it did to health care workers and first responders, the virus pandemic stressed the capabilities of local and county health departments to the breaking point.
Legislation drafted by Senator Singer would create a ‘Local Health Department Infectious Disease Preparedness Study Commission’ to ensure local and county health departments are ready to cope with future health crises. (Flickr)
Senator Robert Singer is determined to ensure the small, over-burdened health departments are better prepared for expanded public safety roles if the coronavirus resurfaces in the fall.
“As bad as the virus has been in New Jersey, claiming the lives of 11,000 people, we may well have dodged a bullet this time,” said Singer (R-30). “However, health experts and scientists warn a second wave of COVID is almost inevitable without coordinated, aggressive efforts. The next round could be even more dangerous, and it is essential our local and county health departments have the tools necessary to effectively respond to outbreaks. We must be battle ready at the local, county and state levels.”
Kean and Corrado Applaud Go-Ahead for In-Person Graduations
Both Call for Ceremonies to be Held in June
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Senator Kristin Corrado commended the announcement that New Jersey schools can hold in-person graduations this summer.
Sen. Tom Kean and Sen. Kristin Corrado commended the announcement that New Jersey schools can hold in-person graduations this summer. (©iStock)
“The Class of 2020 has rightfully earned their degrees and are more than deserving of a proper celebration with their classmates,” said Kean (R-21). “In the face of adversity, our graduates will experience the unforgettable moment of walking across the graduation stage and receiving their diploma. While I am pleased the governor has listened to the pleas of senior classes throughout our state, I ask that graduation ceremonies be held during the traditional timeline in June.”
Oroho, O’Scanlon & Corrado Applaud Establishment of Special Senate Committee to Review & Improve State’s Response to COVID-19
Senator Steven Oroho, Senator Declan O’Scanlon, and Senator Kristin Corrado applauded the formation of a bipartisan Senate Review & Recovery Committee to review and improve upon the State’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Senators Oroho, O’Scanlon & Corrado applauded the formation of a bipartisan Senate Review & Recovery Committee to review and improve upon the State’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. (SenateNJ.com)
“We applaud this bipartisan effort to learn from the mistakes that were made at the outset of the coronavirus crisis to improve our State’s response going forward,” said Oroho (R-24). “I’m especially concerned about our ability to ensure that our long-term care facilities, where half of New Jersey’s COVID-19 deaths occurred, have the capability to better protect vulnerable residents. By examining how this tragedy occurred and recommending solutions, we hope to save lives and prevent it from happening again.”
Senate Accepts Pennacchio Call for Special Committee to Investigate NJ’s Response to COVID-19 Crisis
State Senator Joe Pennacchio today thanked Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. for allowing the formation of a special committee to investigate the state’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
Senator Pennacchio, who has been calling for a Senate committee to investigate the state’s pandemic response, thanked Senate President Sweeney and Senate Republican Leader Kean for their leadership after they announced the formation of a special panel. (SenateNJ.com)
Pennacchio released the following statement:
“I echoed the same concerns and desires articulated by the Senate President and Republican Leader Kean in today’s announcement. The focus of our committee must be a factual review of what has happened to date, what should not have happened, and how we can make it better going into the future.
Oroho: Lake Residents and Businesses Would be Spared Pain Under NJDEP’s New Algal Bloom Index
Revised Standards Will Allow Lakes to Safely Remain Open Longer
Senator Steve Oroho voiced encouragement with New Jersey DEP’s introduction of a new strategy for algal blooms and an easy-to-understand index for water quality.
Senator Steve Oroho voiced encouragement with New Jersey DEP’s introduction of a new strategy for algal blooms and an easy-to-understand index for water quality. (SenateNJ.com)
“Under the new guidelines, Lake Hopatcong and other important waters would have remained open last summer,” said Oroho (R-24). “We welcome better communications, more realistic safety evaluations, and consistent continuation of popular recreational activities that attract visitors to the shorelines.”
Senate Will Establish ‘Review & Recovery’ Committee to Investigate COVID Related Crises
The Senate will establish a special committee to investigate a range of issues related to the coronavirus crisis, working to identify immediate and long-term remedies to the social, governmental and financial problems caused by the pandemic, Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. announced today.
The New Jersey Senate will establish a special bipartisan committee to investigate a range of issues related to the coronavirus crisis, working to identify immediate and long-term remedies to the social, governmental and financial problems caused by the pandemic. (SenateNJ.com)
The bipartisan “Review and Recovery Committee” will investigate the surge of COVID-19 fatalities in the state’s long term care facilities and prisons, the breakdown of the unemployment system, the multi-year fiscal challenges to state and local government, and other consequences of the biggest public health crisis in a century.
“Senate Republicans called for the formation of this committee to improve transparency and accountability and provide important oversight of the administration’s response to COVID-19,” said Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean. “It’s clear that mistakes were made and important lessons can be learned to improve the State’s response as we move forward. It’s our sincere hope that this bipartisan review will save lives and help New Jersey to recover with strength and resiliency.”
Shore lawmakers urge Murphy to reopen state
Sen. Robert Singer and Assemblymen Sean Kean and Edward Thomson issued a joint statement urging Gov. Phil Murphy to reopen businesses.
Sen. Robert Singer and Assemblymen Sean Kean and Edward Thomson issued a joint statement urging Gov. Phil Murphy to reopen businesses. (Wikimedia Commons)
“We need to start reopening more businesses and services in New Jersey. The number of deaths, new cases, and hospitalizations from Covid-19 are thankfully decreasing. However, many people and businesses are financially at a breaking point. We are hearing heartbreaking stories from families and businesses who cannot pay rent, are waiting for unemployment or are facing other dire financial circumstances.
Doherty: Murphy Continues to Trample the Constitution by Outlawing Religious Services
Senator Michael Doherty said Governor Phil Murphy should lift restrictions on religious services that led to a New Jersey church being cited for violations of his executive order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people.
Sen. Mike Doherty said Gov. Phil Murphy is trampling the Constitution and should lift restrictions on religious services that led to a New Jersey church being cited for violations of his executive order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people. (National Archives)
“Governor Murphy keeps saying he’s guided by science in his decision making, but why is 10 the magic number for the amount of people who can gather safely in churches, temples, mosques, or synagogues?” Doherty (R-23) asked. “If so-called ‘essential retail’ stores can operate safely at half of their stated capacity, why can’t houses of worship be trusted to operate with similar precautions? Governor Murphy needs to stop eviscerating the Constitution and allow houses of worship to operate like other essential services.”
Pennacchio: Early On, CDC Warned NJ and NY Not to Introduce COVID Patients into Nursing Homes
12,000 Long-Term Care Patients Died in Two States
Senator Joe Pennacchio, appalled and frustrated by the loss of life in New Jersey and New York, had a message for Governors Murphy and Cuomo.
Senator Pennacchio said it was obvious early on that senior facilities were at high-risk concerns for COVID-19 outbreaks, yet the Murphy Administration ignored the warning signs and vulnerable senior citizens lost their lives. (Pixabay)
“You own this, governors. The death and illness, the lack of protective equipment, ineffective leadership and non-existent state intervention – it all rests at your feet,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “If you are going to point fingers, point at yourselves first.”
Doherty & Testa Bill Would Limit Gov. Murphy’s Executive Authority
Senator Michael Doherty and Senator Michael Testa have introduced legislation to place limits on Governor Phil Murphy’s executive orders and those of future governors.
Sen. Michael Doherty and Sen. Michael Testa have introduced legislation to place limits on Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive orders and those of future governors. (SenateNJ.com)
“Last I checked, the State of New Jersey had three branches of government, not one,” said Doherty (R-23). “The governor’s preference to lead via executive order rather than through collaboration with elected legislators has proven to be dangerous and deadly. Our proposal to place limits on executive authority will ensure that the administration is transparent about the continued need for any executive orders that it believes should be extended.”
