Stanfield Legislation Requiring BPU to Open Electrical Grid to New Energy Sources Advances
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that requires the Board of Public Utilities to conduct a study on short-term solutions that would allow additional energy sources to connect to the electrical grid was approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
Sen. Stanfield’s bill requiring the BPU to find solutions that would allow additional energy sources to connect to the electrical grid was approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. (Pixabay)
“New Jersey has ambitious goals to promote and expand renewable energy projects, but the infrastructure must be in place for these initiatives to work,” said Stanfield (R-8). “Our legislation offers four potential solutions that could open segments of the electrical grid that are currently closed to new energy sources and instructs the BPU to identify alternative solutions as well.”
Bucco Comments on Oroho’s Decision to Not Run Again
Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) issued the following statement following Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho’s announcement that he will not seek re-election:
Statement from Sen. Anthony Bucco on Sen. Steven Oroho’s decision not to seek re-election. (SenateNJ.com)
“I am saddened by Senator Oroho’s decision to not run again, but I understand his desire to focus on his family and grandchildren.
“He is a great leader for our caucus and party, and a great friend to me personally. I wish him the best.”
Committee Clears Stanfield/Bucco Resolution Designating April 14 as “Military Child Appreciation Day”
Legislation sponsored by Sens. Jean Stanfield and Anthony Bucco designating April 14 of each year as “Military Child Appreciation Day” was approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sens. Jean Stanfield and Anthony Bucco designating April 14 of each year as “Military Child Appreciation Day” was approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (©iStock)
“Children of military service members face many unique responsibilities during their school years,” said Senator Stanfield (R-8). “Between K-12, military children can move to different locations six to nine times, which separates them from family and friends as well as familiar social environments. My legislation will formally recognize these young American heroes for their daily sacrifices and the distinctive challenges they must overcome.”
Committee Approves Corrado Bill Honoring Deceased Veterans
Legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado that would require funeral directors to report possession of unclaimed veteran cremains was advanced today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Kristin Corrado that would require funeral directors to report possession of unclaimed veteran cremains was advanced today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“I am proud that this legislation was approved by committee today. All veterans deserve to be laid to rest with dignity,” said Corrado (R-40). “Knowing that there are unclaimed remains of deceased veterans is heartbreaking. This bill will help ensure that the remains are properly logged and tracked so that these veterans can be laid to rest in a more timely manner with the honor and respect that they deserve.”
Singer Bill that Would Increase Career Opportunities for Military Spouses Advances
Senator Robert Singer’s legislation that would waive occupational licensing fees for active-duty military spouses was approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation that would waive occupational licensing fees for active-duty military spouses was approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (Wikimedia Commons)
“The transient nature of military life creates many career-building obstacles for active-duty spouses,” said Singer (R-30). “Licensing costs alone can be a barrier to job entry, especially for spouses who are repeatedly relocated between duty stations across the nation and across the world. Waiving fees for occupational licensure will help spouses secure meaningful employment and make life a little easier for military families in New Jersey.”
Oroho Will Not Seek Re-election to New Jersey Senate
Statement from Senator Steve Oroho (R-24) announcing that he will not be a candidate for re-election to the state Senate:
I recently announced my intention to seek reelection to the New Jersey State Senate, but circumstances have changed and I’ve made a personally difficult decision that I will not be a candidate for re-election. However, I am comfortable that I am making the right decision for my family and me.
Sen. Steve Oroho announced that he will not be a candidate for re-election to the state Senate. (SenateNJ.com)
It is hard for me to believe that I am now in my 16th year in the New Jersey Legislature, an honor I never anticipated, and my 22nd year in elected office. It is truly humbling.
I am also very much aware that when I first ran for the state Senate, if successful, I expected that I would serve no more than ten years, mainly because I believed in some sort of term limits. Having now served in different legislative roles, I have come to appreciate and understand that the opportunities and strategic knowledge that comes with legislative experience is very valuable.
Editorial: We Can’t Let China Buy Up New Jersey Farmland
The following editorial by Senator Doug Steinhardt (R-23) on his legislation to ban foreign ownership of New Jersey farmland amid rising threats from China was published by NJ.com on January 29, 2023:
It may be China’s intent to dominate the world and impose its will on other nations, but that doesn’t mean we have to help them do it. Here in New Jersey, we should learn from what’s happening in other states and stop the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from establishing strategic control over sprawling tracts of our farmland.
This editorial by Sen. Doug Steinhardt on his legislation to ban foreign ownership of New Jersey farms amid rising threats from China was published by NJ.com on January 29, 2023. (SenateNJ.com)
That’s why I’ve introduced a bill in the state legislature, S-3534, that would prohibit foreign ownership of New Jersey agricultural lands. When you recognize that food security is national security, it quickly becomes clear that we must protect our farms from falling under the control of foreign governments – especially ones that are hostile to our own national interests.
Steinhardt Introduces Bill to Help Make Traffic Stops Safer for Drivers with Autism
Legislation Requires MVC to Create Special Blue Envelopes to Hold License, Registration & Insurance of People with Autism
Senator Doug Steinhardt has introduced legislation that would help police know during a traffic stop that a driver with autism may have communication difficulties.
Sen. Doug Steinhardt has introduced legislation that would help police know during a traffic stop that a driver with autism may have communication difficulties. (Flickr)
“People with an autism spectrum disorder often have a difficult time communicating with others,” said Steinhardt (R-23). “That could lead to unnecessary confusion and escalation during a traffic stop if a driver with autism doesn’t respond to an officer’s commands or answer their questions as expected. Thankfully, this is something we can help prevent.”
Committee Advances Singer Bill that Would Exempt Certain Customers from Early Termination Fees
Individuals preparing to enter long-term care facilities may no longer have to pay a termination fee for their cable, phone, or internet services thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer and approved today by the Senate Commerce Committee.
Individuals preparing to enter long-term care facilities may no longer have to pay a termination fee for their cable, phone, or internet services thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer and approved today by the Senate Commerce Committee. (Pixabay)
“Some cable, phone, and internet providers lock customers into a one- or two-year contract and breaking that contract can result in an early termination fee that can cost a customer up to $300,” said Singer (R-30). “My legislation will eliminate these fees for individuals who become ill or disabled and must immediately enter a long-term care facility. Companies should not be charging these people fees, who, under no fault of their own, must leave their home to get the medical and personal care they need.”
Bramnick Bill Forcing Telemarketers to Identify Themselves within 30 Seconds Advances
Senator Jon Bramnick’s bill requiring telemarketers to identify themselves and what they’re selling within the first 30 seconds of a call has passed the Senate Commerce Committee.
Sen. Jon Bramnick’s bill requiring telemarketers to identify themselves and what they’re selling within the first 30 seconds of a call has advanced. (Pixabay)
“New Jerseyans should know who they’re talking to on the phone and what’s being sold to them by telemarketers,” said Bramnick (R-21). “My legislation requires more transparency from telemarketers and punishes those who lie and misrepresent information on sales calls. If you’re on the up and up, you should have no problem with this bill if you’re a telemarketer.”
