Singer Resolution Establishing “Economic Development Day” Passes Committee
A resolution by Senator Robert Singer that designates the second Monday of May of each year as “New Jersey Economic Development Day” has passed the Senate Economic Growth Committee. Duvi Honig, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber Of Commerce, championed the effort.
Sen. Robert Singer’s resolution designating the second Monday of May of each year as “New Jersey Economic Development Day” has passed the Senate Economic Growth Committee. (Pixabay)
“New Jersey is blessed with strong human capital, a prime location, robust transportation infrastructure, and the best public schools in the county,” Singer (R-30) said. “Still, more can be done to increase New Jersey’s economic competitiveness. I am proud to work with Duvi Honig and the Orthodox Jewish Chamber Of Commerce to help enhance New Jersey’s business development efforts. Boosting business and economic growth through ‘New Jersey Economic Development Day’ will show the world that the Garden State is open and ready for business.”
Thompson Says Murphy’s STEM Loan Forgiveness Program Unlikely to Help NJ Economy Despite Cost to Taxpayers
New Proposal Comes as Governor Fails to Implement Already Funded Law Creating STEM Fellowship Program
Senator Sam Thompson said a student loan forgiveness program recently announced by Governor Phil Murphy is unlikely to boost New Jersey’s innovation economy despite the cost to taxpayers.
Sen. Sam Thompson said a student loan forgiveness program recently announced by Gov. Phil Murphy is unlikely to boost New Jersey’s innovation economy despite the cost to taxpayers. (Pixabay)
“There are major problems with Governor Murphy’s loan forgiveness plan that ensure it will fail to meet expectations despite significant cost,” said Thompson (R-12). “It’s structured in a way that provides little incentive for recent STEM field graduates who are in high demand nationwide to stay in New Jersey.”
Oroho Bill Providing Opportunities to Farmers by Establishing NJ “Food Hubs” Advances
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho (R-24) that would support small businesses by establishing New Jersey “Food Hub” opportunities for local farmers was passed by the Senate Economic Growth Committee.
Sen. Steve Oroho’s bill supports small business by establishing NJ “Food Hub” opportunities for local farmers. (SenateNJ.com)
“Many of New Jersey’s small to mid-size farms lack the capacity to access larger markets, placing our farmers at a disadvantage,” Oroho stated. “The creation of ‘food hubs’ will provide opportunities for our farmers to access new markets and help more locally grown produce to reach our neighborhoods.”
O’Scanlon Driver’s Responsibilities & Safety Bill Clears Committee
Legislation sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) designed to increase awareness of driver’s responsibilities and the “Move Over” law today cleared the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
Sen. Declan O’Scanlon’s bill is designed to increase driver awareness of New Jersey’s “Move Over” law. (Wikimedia Commons)
“The best way to keep our citizens and law enforcement safe is to make sure that everyone is clearly informed of the process and their responsibilities. Many drivers might not realize they need to fully turn off the engine and radio, avoid sudden movements, and keep their hands in plain view of the officer,” O’Scanlon stated. “Furthermore people should know that a police officer is required to obtain certain documents and explain why you’ve been stopped.”
O’Scanlon Legislation Improving Asset Forfeiture Transparency Passes Committee
Senator Declan O’Scanlon’s legislation expanding transparency and reporting requirements of assets seized by law enforcement has been approved by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
Sen. Declan O’Scanlon’s legislation expanding transparency and reporting requirements of assets seized by law enforcement has advanced. (SenateNJ.com)
“Accountability is paramount when law enforcement agencies seize assets from people, including homes and cars, which may have been utilized in illegal activity,” O’Scanlon (R-13) said. “We need to balance efforts to remove instruments employed in criminal activity with the property rights of owners. It can be extremely difficult for the owner to regain possession of a seized asset, even if no wrongdoing has been proven. Requiring the regular reporting of seized assets will improve transparency to ensure that the process of asset forfeiture isn’t abused.”
Corrado Legislation Combating Chronic School Absenteeism Now Law
Senator Kristin Corrado’s legislation to track and combat chronic absenteeism in New Jersey’s public schools was signed into law.
Sen. Kristin Corrado’s legislation to track and combat chronic absenteeism in New Jersey’s public schools was signed into law. (Flickr)
“Chronic absenteeism is a growing crisis in over 215 school districts in New Jersey,” Corrado (R-40) said. “The consequences are clear – kids who don’t regularly attend school are prone to fall behind their peers, leading to dropping out of high school. Tracking and combating the downward spiral of prolonged absenteeism will ensure kids are in school, providing them with the best tools for a successful future and life.”
Pennacchio Praises Valve for Blocking “Active Shooter” Video Game
Advises Parents to Review the Games Their Children Have Downloaded
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) praised Valve Software for blocking the release of the “Active Shooter” video game on its Steam online gaming platform. The game, produced by an independent developer, allows players to simulate a school shooting with digital counters tracking the number of victims.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio praised Valve for blocking the release of the ‘Active Shooter’ video game which simulates a school shooting, and encouraged parents to review the games their children have downloaded. (Pixabay)
“Valve Software did the right thing by preventing the release of the ‘Active Shooter’ game, which would train children in the digital world how to commit horrific acts of violence in real schools that target real students, teachers, and law enforcement officers,” said Pennacchio. “There’s a genuine concern that children have a hard time differentiating between ultra-realistic first person shooter games and the real world. We shouldn’t condition our kids to carry out the next Parkland or Sandy Hook.”
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Oppose Creation of New Fee-Imposing Government Entities
Consistent with their longstanding record of protecting ratepayers, the 9th District legislative delegation intends to vote against legislation to permit municipalities and counties to finance the creation, operation, and maintenance of stormwater utilities through the imposition of user fees and the issuance of bonds.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove said they will vote against legislation permitting local governments to finance stormwater utilities through new user fees and debt. (Pixabay)
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove are resolutely opposed to the companion legislation, S-1073 and A-2694, and in an effort to bring constituents up to speed issued the following statement:
“Ratepayers are looking for relief, not another government bureaucracy that will charge them more fees and cost them more money they don’t have or need to pay other taxes.
Thompson Says Action Likely on School Bus Seat Belt Legislation
New NTSB Report Recommends New Jersey to Require Lap & Shoulder Belts on School Buses
Senator Sam Thompson said action may finally be taken on legislation he sponsors to require all new school buses to be equipped with three-point lap and shoulder seat belts.
Sen. Sam Thompson said action may finally be taken on his legislation requiring all new school buses to be equipped with three-point lap and shoulder seat belts. (SenateNJ.com)
“I’ve been trying for four years to pass common-sense legislation to protect students on school buses with three-point seat belts,” said Thompson (R-12). “It appears likely that upcoming legislative hearings on school bus safety will consider my proposal to give kids the same protections on a school bus that they have in their parent’s car. That’s the indication I’ve received from Senate leadership. It’s a welcome development.”
Advanced: Oroho Bill to Expand Coverage for First Responders after Traumatic Events
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) to expand workers’ compensation coverage for volunteer first responders who suffer injury or death due to the stresses of responding to traumatic events has passed the Senate Labor Committee.
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho would expand workers’ compensation coverage for first responders. (Wikimedia Commons)
“After responding to a traumatic event, such as a car crash, our heroic public safety officials may suffer their own health emergencies due to the overwhelming stress of their jobs,” Oroho stated. “When an EMT, firefighter, or police officer leaves the scene of an emergency, they may be at increased risk of a heart attack or cardiac arrest until they have time to decompress. It’s important that we recognize the many dangers and stresses that impact the health of our first responders, and structure our Workers’ Compensation benefits to match their needs.”
