Testa: Change of Command at 11th Hour Indicates Broader COVID Issues at Veterans, Nursing Homes
Senator Michael Testa reiterated his concerns with Governor Phil Murphy’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in veterans homes, nursing homes, and correctional facilities.
Sen. Michael Testa reiterated his concerns with Governor Phil Murphy’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in veterans homes, nursing homes, and correctional facilities. (Flickr)
“The Murphy administration’s Friday afternoon leadership shakeup confirms our concerns about the ongoing problems at our State-run veterans homes, and beyond,” said Testa (R-1). “It’s tantamount to an admission by the administration that it has handled COVID-19 poorly and needlessly caused the deaths of thousands, including nursing home residents, veterans, DOC employees, and inmates. We need a full bipartisan investigation into these untimely deaths to fully understand what happened and prevent similar tragedies from reoccurring.”
Pennacchio: ‘Now We’re Talking About a Second Wave. I’d Really Be Interested to Find Out What Happened with the First Wave.’
Senator’s Words Challenged Senate Veterans Committee to Unearth to Truth
Senator Joe Pennacchio before voting on a Senate Joint Resolution (SJR-80) calling on Congress to release funds to offset COVID-19 related losses to New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs-run veteran memorial homes.
Senator Pennacchio renewed his call for a Senate Select Committee with subpoena powers to investigate the COVID tragedy within the walls of veterans and nursing homes. (Pixabay)
“One has to ask why we’re asking for money from the federal government when our veterans’ homes are all state run. Why are we not using the more than $2 billion of CARES funds the state received? Why didn’t we utilize the USS Comfort, the Javits Center, field hospitals, or at least their staffs and the personal protective equipment when they were here? Why did we send them away?
“The state, by its own admissions, says 7,100 dead seniors in long-term nursing facilities. One out of every 10 long-term nursing facilities residents are dead. Continue Reading…
Oroho Urges Murphy to Dedicate More CARES Act Funds to Support Small Businesses
Warns that Using CARES Act Funds to Pay for Existing State Employees Could Be Problematic & Require Return of Money to Federal Government
Senate Republican Budget Officer Steven Oroho (R-24) sent a letter today to Governor Phil Murphy warning that the administration’s plans to use $450 million of CARES Act funds to pay for existing State employees could be problematic.
Sen. Steven Oroho warned Gov. Phil Murphy that plans to use $450 million of CARES Act funds to pay for existing State employees could be problematic, and urged those funds to be reallocated to boost underfunded grant programs that support small businesses and nonprofits. (©iStock)
He urged those funds to be reallocated to support struggling small businesses and nonprofits that are engines of the Garden State economy and provide critical social services to local communities.
Bucco Encourages Small Businesses to Register for NJEDA Grant Program Today
Senator Anthony M. Bucco today issued a reminder to businesses that have been hard-hit by the pandemic and plan to apply for Phase 3 of New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Small Business Emergency Grant Program that they must first pre-register for the program.
The next round of CARES Act funding for small business will fall short of the demand for help, and Senator Bucco said this should prompt businesses to register for the grant program today. (Pixabay)
The pre-registration window opened today at 9:30 a.m. and runs through 5 p.m. next Tuesday, Oct. 27.
“Small businesses across the state are struggling every day to survive the COVID economy. Today, I encourage them to take the time to register for the emergency assistance program,” said Bucco (R-25). “It’s important for businesses to register now so they can be considered when the program opens. The money ran out quickly during the first two phases of the emergency grant programs and this time will be no different as there is nowhere near enough money being allocated. If a business fails to pre-register, they will not be eligible to apply for help later.”
Corrado Bill Creating Grant Program for Homeless Veterans Shelters Advances
Senator Kristin Corrado’s measure to provide additional support to homeless veterans in counties lacking veterans homeless shelters has been advanced by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Sen. Kristin Corrado’s measure to provide additional support to homeless veterans in counties lacking veterans homeless shelters has advanced. (SenateNJ.com)
“No United States 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 and sacrifices.”
Bateman Bill Helping Public Libraries Reduce Cost and Improve Services Advances
Libraries would be able to dispose of outdated material without going out to bid under legislation sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman and advanced today by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.
Senator Bateman sponsors legislation that would help public libraries operate more efficiently and save money disposing of books and periodicals. (SenateNJ.com)
“The funding to operate public libraries remains a critical issue in this state, where the demand for, and utilization of library services continues to escalate,” said Bateman (R-16). “This practical measure would allow library administrators to reduce costs on a necessary task, and put that money to work providing better resources for patrons.”
Corrado Measure to Establish College Mental Health Services Grant Program Advances
Senator Kristin Corrado’s legislation to improve access to mental health services on college campuses has been advanced by the Senate Higher Education Committee.
Sen. Kristin Corrado’s legislation to improve access to mental health services on college campuses has advanced. (SenateNJ.com)
“Now more than ever, we need to empower New Jersey’s colleges and universities with the tools to protect the mental health and well-being of every student,” said Corrado (R-40). “The demand and necessity for mental health services and support for students on college campuses have increased significantly in recent years. Whether it’s stress due to a big exam, dealing with family issues at home, or anxiety over the job hunt due to the pandemic, boosting mental healthcare services will help students continue their education while working through their struggles.”
Kean Bill Offering Vets Free Admission to State Parks on Veterans Day Advances
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s measure to provide free admission to State parks and forests and certain historic sites for veterans on Veterans Day has been advanced by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Sen. Tom Kean’s measure to provide free admission to State parks and forests and certain historic sites for veterans on Veterans Day has advanced. (©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,” said Kean (R-21). “It’s a small way to honor our country’s military personnel and show our appreciation for their service and patriotism. We hope that this measure will help them enjoy the tranquility that the great outdoors offers in their home State.”
Committee Approves Bucco Bill to Assist Veterans with PTSD or Brain Injury
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco that would make it easier for veterans to get treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder or total brain injury was approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Bucco requires the Adjutant General of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to develop a program to help veterans access evaluation and treatment for PTSD or total brain injury diagnosis related to military service. (SenateNJ.com)
Bucco’s bill, S-2821, requires the Adjutant General of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) to develop a program to help veterans access evaluation and treatment for PTSD or total brain injury diagnosis related to military service.
More Veterans Would Qualify for NJ Civil Service Job Preferences Under Corrado Bill
Veterans qualify for hiring preferences for civil service jobs in New Jersey, and bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado clarifying eligibility requirements was advanced today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Senator Corrado’s bill amends the definition of veteran for civil service preferences, paving the way for more former service members to qualify for jobs. (©iStock)
The bill, S-2968, amends the definition of veteran for the civil service hiring preferences by removing the requirement of specific lengths of service time, and broadens the locations designated for eligibility.
