Bucco and Codey to Propose Stiffer Penalties to Stamp Out Car Theft Epidemic and Protect Juveniles
Senator Richard J. Codey and Senator Anthony M. Bucco today announced plans to introduce bipartisan legislation that would give law enforcement new tools to fight “an epidemic of car thefts, often organized by gangs that prey on at-risk juveniles.”
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco and Sen. Richard J. Codey announced plans to introduce bipartisan legislation that would give law enforcement new tools to fight “an epidemic of car thefts, often organized by gangs that prey on at-risk juveniles.” (Pixabay)
Citing data and discussions with local law enforcement officials over the past three months, the senators said brazen networks of car thieves and gangs have pushed New Jersey to the point of crisis. The state is on pace to see more than 17,000 vehicles stolen this year. Car thefts also have been increasing at least 20% annually since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, and they noted that one case involved a 14-year-old girl.
Singer Bill Protecting Health Services for Military Dependents Signed by Governor
New Law Ensures Family Members of Service Members Stationed in NJ Will Have Access to Care Through the Department of Human Services
Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer to ensure that dependents of military personnel assigned to duty stations in New Jersey qualify for home- and community-based services under the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services was signed today by the Governor.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer to ensure that dependents of military personnel assigned to duty stations in New Jersey qualify for home- and community-based services was signed into law. (SenateNJ.com)
“Military members who relocate their families here won’t have to struggle to get the assistance their children need and deserve. There will be no question about it,” said Singer (R-30). “When they are assigned here, they meet residency requirements as soon as they move in and will be treated like New Jerseyans.”
Harmful Health Impacts of Recreational Marijuana Has 10th District Legislators Saying “I Told You So” to Advocates
A recent report conducted on the potency of cannabis and the increased risk of psychosis and addiction has 10th District Legislators saying “I told you so” to marijuana advocates. Recreational sales of marijuana are now available statewide, however, Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano stand firmly in their opposition to this change.
A recent report conducted on the potency of cannabis and the increased risk of psychosis and addiction has 10th District Legislators saying “I told you so” to marijuana advocates. (CC0 Public Domain)
“For years, we have been warning the public and elected officials of the dangers associated with marijuana consumption,” said Senator Holzapfel. “We openly fought against and voted down any legislation aimed at a legalizing cannabis, urging our colleagues to see through the empty promises made by the Democrats. Now, recreational marijuana is stronger than ever, with no limit on the level of potency, leading to severe health issues for the general public.”
Oroho/Pennacchio/Corrado Chide Trenton Democrats for Muddled Priorities
Senator Steven Oroho, Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senator Kristin Corrado today blasted Democrat leadership in Trenton for their response to the price of concert tickets.
Sens. Oroho, Pennacchio and Corrado said the Legislature should be focused on more important issues than concert ticket prices. (Pixabay)
“The priorities in Trenton are off the rails,” said Oroho (R-24). “There is more interest in investigating the price of admission to a Bruce Springsteen concert than there has ever been for unraveling the bureaucratic confusion that led to the deaths of almost 10,000 people in nursing homes.”
Schepisi Bill that Would Help Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries Signed into Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Holly Schepisi that would establish minimum Medicaid reimbursement rates for brain injury services was signed into law today by Governor Murphy.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Holly Schepisi that would establish minimum Medicaid reimbursement rates for brain injury services was signed into law today by Gov. Murphy. (©iStock)
“I am pleased that the Governor signed this bill into law. Unlike other Medicaid community-based services, reimbursement rates for brain injury services have remained static in recent years despite growing costs. This threatens the ability of providers to meet the complex needs of individuals with these injuries and provide services within a safe and fulfilling community environment,” said Schepisi (R-39). “Despite the similar model of care, reimbursement rates for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities have not only increased, but have actually been restructured to account for inflationary trends. My legislation will align brain injury service rates with intellectual and developmental disabilities rates to ensure that people with brain injuries can continue to thrive and reach their optimal recoveries in community settings.”
Corrado to Murphy: End COVID Testing for School Employees
Senator Kristin Corrado today called on Governor Murphy to end his executive order that requires weekly testing of school employees who have not been vaccinated.
Sen. Kristin Corrado called on Governor Murphy to end his executive order that requires weekly testing of school employees who have not been vaccinated. (Pixabay)
“These tests are no longer necessary,” said Corrado (R-40) in a letter urging the immediate elimination of the policy. “Our society has changed because of COVID. We may have to live with the virus, but we no longer have to fear it.”
Editorial: Being Tough on Crime Means Helping Those Released from Prison to Move Forward
The following editorial by Senator Jean Stanfield (R-8) was published by NJ.com on July 28, 2022:
There’s an increasingly pervasive and inflexible thought process in our politics on crime these days, one that holds you’re only allowed to be tough on crime and sacrifice compassion or soft on crime and sacrifice safety. By failing to meet in the middle between those far-off stances, we not only fail to protect victims, but also the offenders who have a chance to be reformed.
In this NJ.com editorial, Sen. Jean Stanfield says reentry services and drug diversion programs can help reform offenders, prevent recidivism, and improve public safety. (Pixabay)
I’ve devoted my career to not only protecting people as the Sheriff of Burlington County but also working on getting people help once they do get caught up in the system. I currently serve roles on New Jersey’s Reentry program and the Supreme Court’s JOBS Committee, which help incarcerated people integrate back into society and help recovering drug offenders find careers, respectively.
Bucco Working with Law Enforcement to Control Rampant Car Thefts in New Jersey
The State Set a Record with More Than 14,300 Stolen Cars in 2021
With the frequency and severity of car thefts skyrocketing in New Jersey and across the nation, Senator Anthony M. Bucco is working with local law enforcement officials to strengthen laws and crack down on the theft rings and criminal organizers responsible.
With the frequency and severity of car thefts skyrocketing in New Jersey and across the nation, Sen. Anthony M. Bucco is working with local law enforcement officials to strengthen laws and crack down on the theft rings and criminal organizers responsible. (Pixabay)
In the state, a record 14,320 autos were heisted in 2021, a dramatic 22 percent increase in one year. The trend has continued to skyrocket this year when a new record is likely to be established.
“The numbers are disturbing, but more troubling is the way the thefts are occurring and the growing use of stolen cars in committing violent crimes,” said Bucco (R-25). “The methods and intentions of the criminals have evolved. Car thefts have expanded well beyond simple property crimes. Now the safety of our law abiding residents is at risk.”
Bucco Leads Disability Caucus Effort to Solve Critical Shortage of DSPs
Senator Anthony M. Bucco today led the New Jersey Disability Caucus’ hour-long roundtable discussion on the shortage of direct support professionals (DSPs) and its impact on the thousands of state residents who require assistance.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco led the New Jersey Disability Caucus’ hour-long roundtable discussion on the shortage of direct support professionals (DSPs) and its impact on the thousands of state residents who require assistance. (SenateNJ.com)
“The lack of DSPs is a crisis not only in our state but across the nation,” said Bucco (R-25). “The daily lives of New Jersey residents living with disabilities are impacted. Without visits from caring, trustworthy workers, many can struggle with even the simplest activities, and they are forced to do without one of their strongest advocates.”
MEDIA ADVISORY: Bucco, Dunn Set to Lead NJ Legislative Disability Caucus Roundtable on Critical Shortage of DSPs
The NJ Legislative Disability Caucus will hold a roundtable discussion Tuesday, seeking strategies and solutions for coping with the nationwide dearth of direct support professionals.
Sen. Anthony Bucco and Asw. Aura Dunn will lead a NJ Legislative Disability Caucus roundtable discussion seeking strategies for coping with the nationwide dearth of direct support professionals. (SenateNJ.com)
DSPs are essential workers providing in-home help to thousands of state residents who require assistance.
Senator Anthony M. Bucco and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, co-chairs of the bipartisan caucus along with Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, will spearhead Tuesday’s virtual roundtable.
WHO: New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus Virtual Roundtable
WHAT: Sen. Bucco and Asw. Dunn will lead a virtual caucus discussion on the critical shortage of direct support professionals (DSPs), and the need for effective strategies for attracting and retaining essential workers.
WHEN: Noon, Tuesday, July 26
WHERE: Click here to view the discussion on Zoom.
