Connors, Rumpf & Gove Support New Anti-Corruption Law Targeting Public Pensions
Senator Christopher Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove praised the recent signing of legislation (A-3766) expanding the scope of state anti-corruption laws.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove praised the recent signing of legislation expanding the scope of State anti-corruption laws. (©iStock)
Any person who holds or has held any public office, position, or employment will forfeit their pension or retirement benefit if convicted of sexual contact, lewdness, or sexual assault when the offense is related directly to the person’s performance in, or circumstances flowing from, the specific public office or employment held by the person.
The law, authored by Assemblyman John Armato (D-2), would also require pension forfeiture if the person is convicted of the crime of corruption of public resources in the first degree.
10th District Legislators Urge Governor to Sign Bill to Provide Tax Relief on Jersey Shore Rentals
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and Dave Wolfe are calling on Governor Phil Murphy to sign legislation to fix a 2018 law that taxes homeowners and summer rentals. The bill (S-3158/A-4814) has been on the governor’s desk since June 27, but rather than signing it, he is vacationing in Italy with his family.
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Wolfe are calling on Gov. Murphy to sign legislation to fix a 2018 law that taxes homeowners and summer rentals. While the governor vacations in Italy, the bill still sits on his desk. (Wikimedia Commons)
“Governor Murphy should listen to the concerns of homeowners and small business owners along the Shore who are raising the alarm about the impacts of this tax increase on short-term beach rentals,” stated Holzapfel. “This bill must be signed immediately to eliminate this detrimental tax which impacts all aspects of the Jersey Shore economy.”
O’Scanlon & DiMaso: Focus on Power Restoration Now, Criticism Later
Senator Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso (both R-Monmouth) issued a statement following Monday night’s severe storm which caused widespread power outages for residents across Monmouth County:
Sen. Declan O’Scanlon and Asw. Serena DiMaso on widespread power outages across Monmouth County following severe storms Monday night. (Pixabay)
“We have had years of experience working closely with JCP&L on power restoration events between severe storms and following Sandy,” said O’Scanlon. “They have been extremely responsive to our office. We’ve visited their headquarters yesterday and we are at it again today on the ground working with residents and leadership.”
Oroho Bill Promoting NJ as Destination for Large Entertainment Events Signed
A new law sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho makes it easier for promoters to bring major sports and entertainment events to New Jersey, bolstering tourism and increasing revenue.
A new law sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho makes it easier for promoters to bring major sports and entertainment events to NJ, bolstering tourism and increasing revenue. (©iStock)
“Tourism is big business for this state, but cumbersome permitting and regulations sometimes make it challenging to bring major events here,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “We’ve seen the benefits of high-profile events like the Super Bowl and WrestleMania injecting millions of dollars into the economy. By cutting through the red tape, we can make New Jersey a go-to location for large-scale special events.”
Bateman Condemns Anti-Semitic Flyer in Hillsborough
Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) condemned an anti-Semitic flyer that was posted by an unknown person on the Peter J. Biondi Municipal Building in Hillsborough.
Sen. Kip Bateman condemned an anti-Semitic flyer that was posted by an unknown person on the municipal building in Hillsborough. (SenateNJ.com)
“New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in the nation, and we are stronger as a result,” said Bateman. “Our communities are filled with a rich tapestry of people who represent a variety of religious and spiritual beliefs and ethnic backgrounds from all over the world. All deserve to be respected and to feel safe here in the Garden State.”
Now Law: Kean Bill Creating ‘Gateway Development Corporation’ to Build New Rail Tunnels to Manhattan
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s bipartisan legislation to establish the ‘Gateway Development Corporation’ has been signed into law. The commission will oversee planning, funding and construction of new rail tunnels and other projects that will double trans-Hudson rail capacity and provide one-seat rides to Manhattan on all NJ Transit lines.
Sen. Tom Kean’s legislation to establish the ‘Gateway Development Corporation’ has been signed into law. (SenateNJ.com)
“Constructing the Gateway Tunnel is critical to serving the growing number of New Jersey commuters, as well as creating jobs and securing long-term economic growth,” said Kean (R-21). “The Gateway Program will increase NJ Transit rail capacity to and from New York Penn Station by 70,000 riders a day and enable NJ Transit to provide direct one-seat rides to Manhattan, including on the Raritan Valley Line. I will continue to be a vocal advocate to ensure New Jerseyans have a dependable, affordable, and safe mass-transit service.”
Republican Bill Removing Obstacles to Land Preservation Becomes Law
Municipalities can preserve land they acquire through tax foreclosures under a new law signed today by Gov. Phil Murphy.
Sen. Steve Oroho and Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths sponsor the legislation (S1707/A2534) exempting towns from community fees on land acquired for open space.
Municipalities can preserve land they acquire through tax foreclosures under a newly enacted law sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho and Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths. (SenateNJ.com)
“Municipalities that own foreclosed land, like Sandyston Township in our district, can protect open space and save money for property taxpayers under this new law,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “We always look to work cooperatively with our towns when help is needed, and were pleased to do so again in getting this latest bill enacted into law.”
Bucco’s “Erin’s Law” Signed Requiring Child Sex Abuse Prevention Education in Every NJ Classroom
“Erin’s Law,” legislation (S-1130/A-769) long-sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco to require all school districts to incorporate age-appropriate sexual abuse prevention and awareness education into the NJ Student Learning Standards, formerly known as the core curriculum, for students in grades Pre-K through 12, has been signed into law.
Today’s enactment of the legislation follows a years-long effort by Senator Bucco, Erin Merryn – the survivor for whom the bill is named– and a number of other local advocates, who have worked together to ensure every child in New Jersey has the tools they need to recognize and report sexual abuse.
Erin’s Law, sponsored by Sen. Bucco, requires NJ schools to teach kids in grades Pre-k through 12 about sexual assault. The bill is named for Erin Merryn, a survivor and national advocate. (Photo Courtesy of Erin Merryn)
“Every child should understand how to recognize and report sexual abuse. Teaching kids not to talk to strangers isn’t enough when their abuser could be hiding in plain sight. 93 percent of kids know their attacker. They need age-appropriate safe-touch education,” Senator Bucco said. “We have spent years fighting for Erin’s Law to ensure that every child, in every New Jersey classroom, has access to this lifesaving information.”
Some private schools in New Jersey are already voluntarily providing safe-touch educational resources that are similar to those that would be mandatory under Senator Bucco’s Erin’s Law. In one New Jersey case, the availability of this critically-important knowledge is already having an impact.
“What makes me feel good about this law getting passed is that other kids, like me, can speak up about what is happening to them by any unsafe adult, or anyone. This law being passed will allow all children in New Jersey to see, and more likely to help them understand the importance of where it is safe & unsafe to touch. This will help kids going through abuse not be afraid to say something about it. Thank you Senator Bucco for helping all New Jersey children,” a child, who after receiving a “safe-touch” lesson at a New Jersey private school subsequently reported her abuser, said. (The child is choosing to remain anonymous in this statement, due to their status as a minor and a survivor of sexual assault.)
NOW LAW: Corrado Bill Requiring Public Employees Convicted of Sex Offenses to Forfeit Pensions
Any public employee or elected official who is convicted of committing a sex offense while on the job will be required to forfeit their state pension, under a newly enacted law that was sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado.
Any public employee or elected official who is convicted of committing a sex offense while on the job will be required to forfeit their state pension under a newly enacted law sponsored by Sen. Kristin Corrado. (©iStock)
“Anyone who has the audacity to use their taxpayer-funded position of power to assault a coworker doesn’t deserve a state pension,” Corrado (R-40) said. “Public service is about helping people and making the state you work for a better, safer place for all. Anyone who commits a crime that is contrary to that mission, whether it’s an ethics violation or a sex offense, shouldn’t be paid by the state for life. We need to confront this crisis head-on and ensure that people know there are real consequences for committing crimes in the workplace.”
Pennacchio: Murphy’s Frivolous SALT Lawsuit Is a Waste of Taxpayer Dollars
Senator Joe Pennacchio criticized Governor Murphy’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, claiming it is a waste of state resources and taxpayer money.
Sen.Joe Pennacchio criticized Gov. Murphy’s lawsuit against the IRS, claiming it is a waste of state resources and taxpayer money. (Flickr)
“The Murphy Administration is lawsuit happy,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “The Governor should not be using New Jersey taxpayer dollars to play politics. Rather than fighting with the federal government, I urge Governor Murphy to focus on genuine and immediate tax solutions that we have the power as state lawmakers to advance.”
