Committee Advances Connors-Rumpf-Gove Superstorm Sandy Victim Clawback Bill
The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee advanced legislation (S-1700), introduced by Senate Christopher Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove to assist Superstorm Sandy victims with the hardships of the “clawback” process.
The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee advanced legislation introduced by Sen. Christopher Connors, Asm. Brian Rumpf and Asw. DiAnne Gove to assist Superstorm Sandy victims with the hardships of the ‘clawback’ process. (U.S. Air Force/Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen)
Specifically, the 9th District Delegation’s initiative would establish specific procedures to be used by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) to recover overpayments of Superstorm Sandy relief funds awarded through the RREM and the LMI programs, with the purpose of better informing homeowners of their rights and responsibilities while also providing more flexible repayment options.
Bramnick: It’s Sad NJ Supreme Court Granted Parole to Murderer of State Trooper
Senator Jon Bramnick said it’s sad the New Jersey Supreme Court granted parole to Sundiata Acoli, the convicted murderer of State Trooper Werner Foerster:
Sen. Jon Bramnick said it’s sad the New Jersey Supreme Court granted parole to the convicted murderer of State Trooper Werner Foerster. (©iStock)
“The decision by the Supreme Court to allow a murderer of a State Trooper to have any freedom at all is very sad. Society needs to hold cop killers totally responsible for their horrific acts.”
Matsikoudis and Corrado Seek Evidence Rules Changes to Help Assault, Discrimination Survivors
Conversations with close confidants following a sexual assault or employment discrimination should be admissible evidence in civil cases, Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis says. On Monday she, along with Senator Kristin Corrado, introduced a joint resolution (SJR-82/AJR-163) urging the N.J. Supreme Court to adopt those rule changes.
Sen. Kristin Corrado and Asw. Michele Matsikoudis introduced a resolution seeking to make conversations with close confidants following a sexual assault or employment discrimination admissible evidence in civil cases. (SenateNJ.com)
Under current court rules, such conversations are inadmissible in civil cases as hearsay, or out-of-court statements made to prove the truth of a claim, and can include oral, written, or even photographed statements.
“Victims often turn to close family or friends after an assault or being discriminated against, because they’re looking for comfort, and are unsure if they will be believed if they report it, or have a job should they file a complaint,” Matsikoudis (R-21) said. “Senator Corrado and I believe a jury should be allowed to hear that witness testify to that conversation as supporting evidence of a victim’s complaint. It’s allowed in criminal trials in New Jersey and should be allowed in civil cases as well.”
Oroho Outraged by Supreme Court’s Parole of State Trooper’s Killer
Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho expressed outrage at the New Jersey Supreme Court’s decision to grant parole to Sundiata Acoli, the murderer of State Trooper Werner Foerster.
Sen Steven Oroho expressed outrage at the New Jersey Supreme Court’s decision to grant parole to Sundiata Acoli, the murderer of State Trooper Werner Foerster. (Flickr)
“The New Jersey Supreme Court made an outrageous mistake in granting parole to this notorious cop-killer,” said Oroho (R-24). “Sundiata Acoli murdered a New Jersey State Trooper and he should spend the rest of his life in jail, just like today’s law requires.”
Republican Budget Members Call for Murphy to Dedicate Billions for Tax Relief as State Revenues Soar
Senate Republicans Have Already Proposed “Give It Back” Tax Rebates to Provide $4.5 Billion of Direct, Immediate Relief — More Planned
The Republican members of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee called on Governor Phil Murphy to commit to expanding tax relief in the upcoming State Budget in advance of a revenue update from the Treasurer that is expected to show soaring tax collections that are $5 billion higher than the administration projected just two months ago.
The Republican members of the Senate Budget Committee called on Gov. Phil Murphy to expand tax relief in the upcoming State Budget as tax overcollection soar by billions. (©iStock)
“Tax collection reports make it clear that the Murphy administration must acknowledge on Thursday that his tax policies are taking at least $5 billion more out of the pockets of taxpayers than the governor projected in March, and possibly billions more,” said Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho (R-24). “When New Jersey families are struggling with soaring prices and inflation, we believe Governor Murphy must commit to giving back these overcollections immediately to families that are suffering today. We plan on expanding the ‘Give It Back’ rebates that Senate Republicans have already proposed.”
Families Asking: What Effect Did State Policies Have on Nursing Home Deaths
Pennacchio: Power to Subpoena Witnesses and Compel Testimony is Vital
With the State facing at least two new lawsuits for the deaths of elderly residents in nursing homes during the pandemic, Senator Joe Pennacchio today denounced the Legislature for failing to investigate the loss of almost 10,000 lives in senior facilities.
With the State facing at least two new lawsuits for the deaths of elderly residents in nursing homes during the pandemic, Sen. Joe Pennacchio today denounced the Legislature for failing to investigate the loss of almost 10,000 lives in senior facilities. (SenateNJ.com)
According to a report published on NewJerseyMonitor.com, lawsuits filed by the families of two nursing home residents who died from the virus blame the Administration for “violating nursing home residents’ civil rights and creating dangerous conditions.”
“The legal filings cite many of the concerns we’ve been voicing since early in the pandemic,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Two years after first calling on the Senate to look into COVID’s devastating impact on long-term care facilities, the fog of reticence continues to obscure any hint of transparency or accountability.
Durr Introduces Mega-Bundle of Bills Protecting Gun Rights of Law-Abiding NJ Citizens
Senator Ed Durr introduced a bundle of five gun rights bills this week, the first installment of his 15-bill package to advance safe, responsible firearm ownership for law abiding citizens.
Sen. Ed Durr introduced a bundle of five gun rights bills this week, the first installment of his 15-bill package to advance safe, responsible firearm ownership for law abiding citizens. (Wikimedia Commons)
“With some of the most rigid gun laws in the nation, New Jersey aggressively prevents innocent residents from protecting themselves, but fails miserably when it comes to controlling illegal arms and locking up predators who commit crimes with firearms,” said Durr (R-3). “These bills will help save the lives, families and constitutional rights of New Jerseyans who have been forsaken by Trenton bureaucrats committed to releasing convicts and weakening the criminal justice system.”
Singer: Manhattan Museum of Jewish Heritage Wrong to Cancel Event Featuring Gov. DeSantis
Senator Robert Singer said Manhattan’s Museum of Jewish Heritage was wrong to cancel a planned Jewish Leadership Conference event after the museum learned that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was an invited speaker.
Sen. Robert Singer said Manhattan’s Museum of Jewish Heritage was wrong to cancel a planned Jewish Leadership Conference event after the museum learned that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was an invited speaker. (©iStock)
“It’s absolutely appalling that Governor DeSantis, who has been among our nation’s greatest defenders of Jewish families, has been cancelled by the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Manhattan,” said Singer (R-Ocean). “When New York City did nothing to address rampant violence against Jews on the streets, DeSantis welcomed a flood of Jewish families that moved to Florida seeking safety. An institution whose mission is to remember the Holocaust should welcome a leader who strongly protects people of the Jewish faith who are under assault today.”
Doherty: It’s Crazy to Require Feminine Hygiene Products in Boys’ Bathrooms in New Jersey Schools
Calls on Democrats to Amend Legislation Approved by Senate Education Committee Today
Senator Michael Doherty called for amendments to clarify that legislation approved by the Senate Education Committee today would not require feminine hygiene products to be made available in boys’ bathrooms in New Jersey schools.
Sen. Michael Doherty called for amendments to clarify that legislation approved by the Senate Education Committee would not require feminine hygiene products to be made available in boys’ bathrooms in New Jersey schools. (©iStock)
“It’s absolutely nuts that nobody could tell us in committee today if the proposed bill applies only to girls’ bathrooms,” said Doherty (R-23). “It would be completely and utterly ridiculous to force New Jersey schools to make tampons and sanitary napkins available in boys’ bathrooms. It would be an immense waste of money and is almost certain to lead to vandalism that could be quite costly to repair. The sponsors should accept reasonable amendments to make clear that the legislation applies to girls’ rooms only.”
Stanfield’s Bill Fighting Human Trafficking Becomes Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield to combat human trafficking was signed into law today.
Sen. Jean Stanfield’s bill to disqualify any person convicted of human trafficking from operating a commercial motor vehicle was signed into law. (Pixabay)
The new law disqualifies any person convicted of human trafficking from operating a commercial motor vehicle. The bipartisan measure, S-356/A3089, also sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal, S-356/A3089, passed the Senate with a 39-0 vote on March 3, and the Assembly approved it 77-0 on March 24.
