Committee Approves Singer Bill that Would Increase Aid for Adult Day Care Services
Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that would increase the adult day care Medicaid per diem rate was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer that would increase the adult day care Medicaid per diem rate was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. (©iStock)
“This increase in funding will help providers better assist, protect, and support the elderly throughout our state,” said Singer (R-30). “Adult day health services are crucial to the physical and emotional well-being of New Jersey seniors. Bolstering these services is a win-win for both patients and their families.”
Oroho Statement on Partial Restoration of School Funding
Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho (R-24) issued the following statement in response to legislation that would partially restore school funding that’s being cut in Governor Phil Murphy’s FY 2024 State Budget proposal:

Statement from Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho on legislation that would partially restore school funding that’s being cut in Gov. Phil Murphy’s FY 2024 State Budget proposal. (©iStock)
“Senate Republicans continue to believe that there is no reason for the Murphy administration to cut funding to any school district when the state has a massive $10 billion budget surplus.
“We support the partial restoration of funding that has been proposed but remain concerned that it is a one-year solution to a long-term problem. Unless we change the school funding formula permanently, school districts will lose the temporarily restored money next year and face even deeper cuts in state aid. We need a school funding solution that looks further than Election Day this year.”
Steinhardt Bills Support Expansion of Rural Broadband Internet Services
Senator Doug Steinhardt is sponsoring legislation that would help support the expansion of broadband internet services in underserved rural communities.

Sen. Doug Steinhardt is sponsoring legislation that would help support the expansion of broadband internet services in underserved rural communities. (©iStock)
“Rural communities are often an afterthought for the big telecom companies, leaving homeowners and businesses with few options for broadband service and slower speeds,” said Steinhardt (R-23). “When so much of modern life is dependent on high-speed internet, we need to be proactive in ensuring that our communities have access to these critical services. The new grant and loan programs that I’m sponsoring will support the expansion of rural broadband services in small communities that are often overlooked.”
Committee Approves Polistina Bill Expanding Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids & Cochlear Implants
State-regulated health insurers may soon be required to cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for individuals under 21 years of age thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Vince Polistina and approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Health insurers may soon be required to cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for individuals under 21 years of age thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Vince Polistina and approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. (Pixabay)
“No child or young adult should be left without access to medically necessary hearing aids, or in certain cases, cochlear implants,” said Polistina (R-2). “These devices are critical in treating hearing loss, and are especially important during the formative years when young people are developing the skills to effectively communicate. My legislation will make sure that insurance companies provide proper benefits and coverage so that everyone under 21 can reach their full development and potential.”
Bucco Statement on the Death of Senator Ron Rice
Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) issued the following statement on the passing of former Senator Ron Rice:

Statement from Sen. Anthony M. Bucco on the passing of former Senator Ron Rice. (Pixabay)
“Many people don’t know that Senator Rice and my late father were very close. I learned from my dad that Ron was a gentleman and someone you could trust. He didn’t care if you were a Republican or a Democrat. If you were doing something good, he was always there to help. I learned that firsthand over and over again in our time working together in the Legislature. Ron was one of a kind, and he will be missed.”
Oroho Statement on the Passing of Senator Ron Rice
Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho (R-24) issued the following statement in response to the passing of former Senator Ron Rice:

Statement from Sen. Steven Oroho on the passing of former Senator Ron Rice. (CC0 Public Domain)
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Rice. He was a fierce advocate for his constituents and a colleague who was deeply respected on both sides of the aisle. When he believed you were doing the right thing, he would forget about party and lend his support. I can’t think of anyone who was better at speaking from the heart on the Senate floor than Ron. His passionate voice and his presence in our chamber will be sorely missed. On behalf of Senate Republicans, I offer our deepest condolences to Ron’s family and to all who knew and loved him.”
Corrado Bill Supporting Local Veteran Organizations Advances
Legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado that boosts funding for local veteran organizations was approved by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Sen. Kristin Corrado’s bill that boosts funding for local veteran organizations was approved by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (Pixabay)
“More than 400,000 veterans live in New Jersey, and many of them require some form of assistance,” said Corrado (R-40). “Fortunately, New Jersey is blessed with many organizations and charities that are dedicated to helping the brave men and women who served this great nation. This legislation supports these local organizations and provides additional funding so they can continue assisting veterans with important services.”
Committee Clears Bucco Bill Offering Veterans Free Admission to State Parks and Historic Sites
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco that would allow veterans to visit State parks and historic sites for free on certain holidays was approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tony Bucco that would allow veterans to visit State parks and historic sites for free on certain holidays was approved by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (©iStock)
“In recognition of our brave veterans who have protected our freedoms throughout war and peace, it is fitting to offer them complimentary admission to New Jersey’s beautiful State Parks on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and other notable days of remembrance,” said Bucco (R-25). “This is a small way to honor our country’s military personnel and show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice. I hope that this measure will help them enjoy the tranquility that the great outdoors offers in their home State.”
Committee Advances Corrado Bill Creating Grant Program for Homeless Veterans Shelters
The New Jersey Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee has approved Senator Kristin Corrado’s bipartisan legislation to provide additional support to homeless veterans in counties lacking veterans shelters.

The New Jersey Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee approved Sen. Kristin Corrado’s legislation to provide additional support to homeless veterans in counties lacking veterans shelters. (Flickr)
“No veteran, especially those who have fallen on hard times, deserve to sleep on the streets,” said Corrado (R-40). “I am committed to ensuring these brave men and women have the access to necessary support in counties that currently do not have structures in place to provide shelter. Helping our most vulnerable veterans get back on their feet is the least we can do to thank them for their service to our nation.”
Bramnick Bill Assisting Veterans Entering the Nursing Field Signed into Law
Senator Jon Bramnick’s legislation to help alleviate the nursing shortage in New Jersey has been signed into law.

Sen. Jon Bramnick’s legislation to help alleviate the nursing shortage in New Jersey has been signed into law. (©iStock)
“New Jersey desperately needs more nurses,” said Bramnick (R-21). “We can fill some of the void with trained, capable veterans who can quickly be educated, certified, and prepared to step in to help. This new law offers a perfect solution, fortifying the state’s health care industry that has been hard-hit by the exodus of crucial workers since the pandemic while providing an attractive career path for qualified veterans.”