Bucco Bill Acknowledging Role of 9-1-1 Dispatchers Advances
When a call for help comes in to 9-1-1, the dispatcher becomes the lifeline between those in distress and the first responders who will answer the call.
A Senate panel approved Sen. Anthony M. Bucco’s bipartisan legislation designating emergency dispatchers as 9-1-1 first responder dispatchers. (Flickr)
Bipartisan legislation (S-1590) sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco and approved by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee would reclassify those critical professionals as 9-1-1 first responder dispatchers.
Pennacchio Bill to Help Towns Manage Successful Property Assessment Appeals Clears Committee
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio that would ease the burden on municipalities faced with refunding excess property taxes was approved by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio that would ease the burden on municipalities faced with refunding excess property taxes was approved by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee. (Pixabay)
Pennacchio’s bill, S-926, permits towns to issue a property tax credit to homeowners who successfully appeal their assessments rather than issuing cash payments that can create financial pressures on cash-strapped towns.
Panel Clears Kean Resolution Seeking Commissioning of U.S.S. New Jersey Submarine on the Camden Waterfront
A resolution sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean calling for the commissioning of the new U.S.S. New Jersey fast-attack nuclear submarine to be held in New Jersey was endorsed by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee today.
A resolution sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean calls for the U.S. Navy to commissions the new U.S.S. New Jersey fast-attack nuclear submarine here in New Jersey.
“It is more than appropriate that the historic commissioning of this state-of-the-art vessel be conducted right here in this state, and more specifically in view of the retired Battleship New Jersey on the Camden waterfront,” said Kean (R-21).
A Step Forward for Black Heritage Trail as Testa Bill Clears Senate Panel
Senator Mike Testa’s legislation to promote awareness and appreciation of Black history in the state was endorsed today by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.
Senator Mike Testa’s legislation that would establish a New Jersey Black Heritage Trail and create the New Jersey Black Cultural Heritage Trail and a Black Heritage Commission was advanced by committee. The trail would feature historic sites like the Harriet Tubman Museum in Cape May. (Wikimedia Commons)
Under Testa’s bill, S-3727, the Division of Travel and Tourism would be required to establish a Black Heritage Trail and create the New Jersey Black Cultural Heritage Commission.
Bateman and Corrado Bills to Improve and Expand Funding for Environmental Infrastructure Projects Clears Committee
Bill Package Modifies Existing Law to Include Additional Projects
Legislation sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) and Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40) that would approve and provide affordable loans to local governments and public water utilities for environmental infrastructure projects through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank was approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
Sens. Kip Bateman and Kristin Corrado’s legislation that would approve and provide affordable loans to local governments and public water utilities for environmental infrastructure projects through the NJ Infrastructure Bank cleared the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. (Pixabay)
“This legislation is crucial for approving and financing important environmental infrastructure projects that protect our state’s drinking water and waterways,” said Bateman. “In fact, the low interest loans authorized by this package of bills will not only create jobs in New Jersey, but will preserve and protect the environment—which is so critical to our quality of life. Ultimately, providing an affordable financial strategy to upgrade critical infrastructure throughout the state will protect the public health of all New Jerseyans.”
Oroho Statement on Senate President Sweeney’s Concession
Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) issued the following statement in response to Senate President Steve Sweeney’s concession today:
Statement from Sen. Steven Oroho in response to Senate President Steve Sweeney’s concession. (SenateNJ.com)
“When I first came to Trenton, I immediately struck up a rapport with Steve Sweeney because our districts are very similar and we shared a focus on making New Jersey more competitive. Our working relationship has been an active one and I have been proud to work with Steve on many important issues. But what I’m even more proud of is just being able to call him a friend.”
After Court Overturns School Mask Rule in PA, Pennacchio Says NJ Should Be Next
Says Masking Decisions Should Be Made by Parents, Not Government
After a court struck down Governor Tom Wolf’s school mask mandate in Pennsylvania today, Senator Joe Pennacchio urged Governor Phil Murphy to lift his mask orders for New Jersey’s schools and children.
After a court struck down Gov. Tom Wolf’s school mask mandate in Pennsylvania, Sen. Joe Pennacchio urged Gov. Phil Murphy to lift his mask order for New Jersey’s schools and children. (©iStock)
“I think Pennsylvania courts made the right decision in striking down the Wolf administration’s school mask mandate after taking the time to conduct a thorough legal review,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Hopefully the Pennsylvania ruling will put more scrutiny on Governor Murphy’s mask mandates here in New Jersey and lead to their repeal. We believe masking decisions should be made by parents, not government.”
Bucco Honored with “Legislative Champion Award” by NJ Commission on Cancer Research
NJCCR Highlighted Bucco’s Efforts to Secure Millions in Funding for Pediatric Cancer Research
Senator Anthony M. Bucco was honored this morning with the “Legislative Champion Award” by the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research (NJCCR).
Sen. Tony Bucco and Grace Eline, both pediatric cancer survivors, vote “YES” to fund vital pediatric cancer research in New Jersey during a Senate session on June 21, 2021. (SenateNJ.com)
“It’s an honor to be recognized by the commission for our legislative efforts to ensure the proper funding of cancer research in New Jersey, but the recognition should not be mine alone,” said Bucco (R-25). “It was a team effort that succeeded due to the bipartisan support of my colleagues and the strong advocacy of Grace Eline, a pediatric cancer survivor whose testimony was compelling.”
Kean Measure Designating April of Each Year as ‘Educational Opportunity Fund Month’ Signed into Law
A joint resolution sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean that designates April of each year as “Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Month” was signed into law yesterday by Governor Murphy.
A joint resolution sponsored by Sen. Tom Kean that designates April of each year as “Educational Opportunity Fund Month” was signed into law by Gov. Murphy. (Pixabay)
“This is an important piece of legislation and I am pleased that it has finally been signed into law. Since 1968, the Educational Opportunity Fund has provided critical services and support for hundreds of thousands of students, including counseling, tutoring, and developmental course work,” said Kean (R-21). “By designating the month of April as ‘Educational Opportunity Fund Month,’ we will help bring awareness to this important program that continues to make college more attainable for students facing academic and financial challenges.”
Oroho & O’Scanlon: Why Did Murphy Administration Cede $1 Billion of Federal Transportation Money to NY?
Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) and Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) questioned why the Murphy administration would agree to give New York $1 billion of federal transportation aid that should have gone to New Jersey Transit.
Sen. Steven Oroho and Sen. Declan O’Scanlon questioned why the Murphy administration would agree to give New York $1 billion of federal transportation aid that should have gone to NJ Transit. (©iStock)
“How did the Murphy administration get bowled over so badly by our neighbor across the Hudson?” said Oroho, the Senate Republican Budget Officer and incoming Republican Leader. “Instead of refusing the premise of an outrageous proposal, the Murphy administration folded and agreed to give New York everything it wanted and more. NJ Transit farepayers and New Jersey taxpayers will suffer as a result.”
