Pennacchio Bill to Credit Students for Completing Fire Academy Courses Clears Committee
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio that would provide course credits for high school students who become volunteer firefighters was approved by the Senate Education Committee.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s bill that would provide course credits for high school students who become volunteer firefighters was approved by the Senate Education Committee. (Pixabay)
“New Jersey is suffering from a severe shortage of first responders, and firefighters are no exception,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “By incentivizing high school students to become volunteer firefighters in their municipalities, students can earn credits to meet certain graduation requirements. This legislation provides an innovative solution to reduce New Jersey’s firefighter shortage and promotes educational opportunities for students outside of the classroom.”
Singer Bill Establishing New Graduation Requirement for High School Students Clears Committee
Legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Singer that would require students to complete financial aid applications to receive their high school diploma was approved by the Senate Education Committee.
Sen. Bob Singer’s bill that would require students to complete financial aid applications to receive their high school diploma was approved by the Senate Education Committee. (Pixabay)
“The student financial aid crisis is growing by the minute and students applying to colleges need all the assistance they can get,” said Singer (R-30).”Requiring students to complete financial aid applications as a prerequisite for graduation could make students more knowledgeable about their financial aid options. This legislation could make applying to colleges less strenuous for students, and their families, and could help applicants secure additional grants and scholarships.”
Singer Bill that Would Create Fund for Volunteer Fire Companies Clears Committee
The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee approved legislation today sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that would establish the “Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program” along with a special non-lapsing State fund that would receive an appropriation of $10 million to support the operations of volunteer fire companies.
The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee approved legislation today sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer that would establish the “Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program” to support the operations of volunteer fire companies. (SenateNJ.com)
“Volunteer firefighters save local taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars every year by volunteering their time and expertise and are essential assets for our communities, especially in suburban and rural areas,” said Singer (R-30). “Unfortunately, financial strains can limit the ability of some municipalities to provide additional funding to volunteer fire companies. Given the public safety issues at play, it’s time for the state to step up with a dedicated funding source to ensure that these fire companies are properly equipped to effectively carry out their duties.”
Bucco Bill to Create Special License Plates for State Animal Clears Committee
Legislation sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco that would authorize the creation of specialized license plates for New Jersey’s State animal was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee.
Sen. Anthony Bucco’s bill that would authorize the creation of specialized license plates for New Jersey’s State animal was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. (Pixabay)
“Horses have played a vital role in shaping New Jersey’s rich history in farming, transportation, and sport,” said Bucco (R-25). “As portrayed on the seal of New Jersey, horses are a symbol of power and strength. This legislation would further honor our State Animal with a specialized license plate and provide residents with a unique way to celebrate and support their ongoing contributions to the Garden State.”
Committee Advances Pennacchio Bill Allowing More Seniors to Qualify for Utility Rate Reductions
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio that would grant municipal and county authorities greater flexibility to provide rate reductions to qualified senior citizens and individuals with disabilities was approved today by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio that would grant municipal authorities greater flexibility to provide rate reductions to qualified senior citizens was approved today by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee. (Pixabay)
“Out-of-control inflation and run-away interest rates are hurting families throughout New Jersey, but the threatening fiscal environment is hitting seniors and individuals with disabilities particularly hard,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “These New Jerseyans are desperate for some relief and this legislation is a step in the right direction. By allowing more people to qualify for utility rate discounts, we can help more residents keep their lights on and heat their homes.”
Committee Clears Stanfield Bill that Would Help Local Governments Enforce Animal Cruelty Laws
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that would transfer excess animal control funds to municipalities for enforcement of animal cruelty laws was approved today by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jean Stanfield that would transfer excess animal control funds to municipalities for enforcement of animal cruelty laws was approved today by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“Despite New Jersey’s tough animal cruelty laws, a major concern is that local governments are not being provided with the funding necessary to effectively enforce them,” said Stanfield (R-8). “This legislation will not only provide that additional funding, but will send a strong message to abusive pet owners and anyone else who mistreats animals that their behavior will not be tolerated.”
Bucco Bill will Require Information on Pothole Data in Annual DOT Report
Legislation sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco that would require the Department of Transportation to begin providing information about potholes on State roads in their annual Roadway Pavement System report was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee.
Sen. Anthony Bucco’s bill that would require the DOT to begin providing information about potholes on State roads in their annual Roadway Pavement System report was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. (Pixabay)
“Every day, New Jerseyans navigate a complex network of roadways to commute throughout our State. It is imperative that our roads are maintained for the safety of our commuters,” said Bucco (R-25). “Unfortunately, New Jersey faces a significant problem with potholes along our State roads. My legislation would help improve State road maintenance by requiring the DOT to begin providing information about pothole repairs and pothole damage claims in their annual report to the Legislature.”
Testa: Governor Murphy’s Extreme EV Mandate Could Disproportionately Hurt Rural New Jerseyans
Senator Michael Testa criticized the Murphy administration for filing a series of misguided electric vehicle regulations that bans the sale of gas-powered vehicles. The proposed transition to all-electric vehicles by 2035 could have devastating effects on the farming, fishing, energy, and manufacturing industries in the first legislative district, said the senator.
Sen. Michael Testa criticized the Murphy administration for filing a series of misguided electric vehicle regulations that bans the sale of gas-powered vehicles. (SenateNJ.com)
“Governor Murphy’s extreme electric vehicle mandate could disproportionately hurt rural New Jerseyans. The infrastructure needed to support charging electric vehicles is not evenly distributed throughout the State and it is not easily accessible in most rural communities in South Jersey,” said Testa (R-1). “Forcing this foolish transition to all-electric vehicles could not only lead to job losses and economic instability, but it also jeopardizes the job security of mechanics and auto shops, local gas stations, and the used car market. Not to mention the older residents and businesses that live and operate in my district that may have difficulty trying to adapt to the new regulations if certain shops or gas stations go out of business.”
Polistina Statement on Atlantic City Electric and IBEW 210 Strike
Senator Vince Polistina (R-2) issued the following statement regarding the ongoing Atlantic City Electric and IBEW Local 210 strike:
Sen. Vince Polistina standing on the picket line on November 6, 2023. (SenateNJ.com)
“Beginning at 12:01AM on November 5, the men and women of IBEW Local 210 have been on strike from their employment with Atlantic City Electric, and it’s parent company Exelon. From the time I have spent on the picket line, I learned that what they are looking for really comes down to security; the same security these men and women have ensured is protecting our power grid. Our great nation has been built on the backs of organized labor, and it’s high time that the executives at Atlantic City Electric recognize that.
Bucco: Governor Murphy Must Keep His Promise and Let CBT Surtax Sunset
Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco said Governor Murphy must keep his promise and allow the Corporate Business Tax (CBT) Surcharge to sunset at the end of 2023 as reports indicate some Democrats in the Legislature are pushing for another extension.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco said Governor Murphy must keep his promise and allow the Corporate Business Tax (CBT) Surcharge to sunset at the end of 2023. (Pixabay)
“It is very important that Governor Murphy stays true to his word and allows the CBT surtax to finally expire. This unnecessary tax has hurt businesses and contributed to New Jersey’s worst-in-the-nation business tax climate,” said Bucco (R-25). “At this point, businesses are operating under the expectation that this surtax will expire at the end of this year. It would be extremely irresponsible for Governor Murphy to break his promise.”
