Now Law: Singer Bill to Fund $11.5 Million of NJEIT Clean Water Projects in Sea Girt & South Monmouth
Legislation co-sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) to provide $411 million for environmental infrastructure projects across New Jersey has been signed into law by Governor Chris Christie. Nearly $12 million will fund projects to repair infrastructure and protect clean water in Sea Girt and South Monmouth.
Nearly $12 million will fund projects to repair infrastructure and protect clean water in Sea Girt and South Monmouth under a new law that was co-sponsored by Sen. Bob Singer. (Pixabay)
“Storm infrastructure in Sea Girt and Southern Monmouth County sustained serious damage in Superstorm Sandy,” Senator Singer said. “Without the $11.6 million awarded to this community, it is likely that the pumping stations and drainage systems damaged during Sandy would continue to go unrepaired. This legislation will ensure that municipalities are better prepared for future storms, while protecting clean drinking water for residents statewide.”
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Oppose Regressive Gas Tax Increase
Seeing right through the political rhetoric and special interest gamesmanship, Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove oppose the regressive and unconscionable 23 cent per gallon increase in the state gas tax.
Connors, Rumpf and Gove oppose the proposed 23 cent/gallon gas tax increase. (SenateNJ.com)
Connors, Rumpf and Gove made the following remarks regarding their opposition to the proposed gas tax increase:
“Simply stated, the majority of our constituents cannot afford an excessive gas tax increase and still pay their bills. They’ve seen enough of Trenton shell games to know when the state is trying to sell them snake oil, even when it’s a gas tax increase. The whole situation just doesn’t pass the smell test.
Now Law: Pennacchio Bill Protecting NJ Transit Riders with Service Dogs from Discrimination
Governor Chris Christie has signed legislation sponsored by Senator Joseph Pennacchio (R-Morris, Essex, Passaic) to prevent New Jersey Transit from denying a person with a service dog access to any vehicle.
Sen. Joseph Pennacchio’s anti-discrimination bill prevents NJ Transit from denying a person with a service dog access to any vehicle. (Flickr)
“We have a responsibility to remove any obstacle that could prevent people with service dogs from accessing public transportation,” Senator Pennacchio said. “This is a commonsense update to existing law that will ensure people with service animals have the same quality access to the buses and trains utilized by thousands of NJ Transit commuters every day.”
Oroho Bill Allowing Local Govt. & Schools to Use Electronic Transfer Payments Signed into Law
Governor Christie has signed Senator Steven Oroho’s (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) bill to allow local governments, county colleges and school districts to pay their bills by using electronic transfer fund technologies.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s bill, now law, allows local governments, county colleges and school districts to pay their bills by using electronic transfer fund technologies.
“Allowing schools and local government entities to use electronic transfers instead of paper checks will generate cost savings at the local and county level,” Senator Oroho said. “By passing this law, we are taking a strong step forward in our ongoing effort to make government operate more efficiently and better serve the needs of every New Jersey taxpayer.”
Singer Editorial: Fairness in School Funding
The following editorial by Senator Robert Singer (R-30) on reforming the state’s flawed school funding formula was published by the Asbury Park Press on August 18, 2016:
The proposed “Fairness Formula” to reform school funding would result in property tax savings for 75 percent of homeowners. (SenateNJ.com)
A recent Asbury Park Press article on Governor Christie’s proposed “Fairness Formula” questioned if his plan to treat all New Jersey students equally would hurt New Jersey.
As proof that it would, a professor from the University of Nevada pointed to other states that are attempting to make their school funding systems more like ours.
Such comparisons are unwise, as are attempts by those states to replicate the flawed school funding logic that the New Jersey Supreme Court has forced upon Garden State taxpayers and students for the past 30 years.
Oroho Resolution Calls for Congress to Fund Fight Against Zika
Senator Steven Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) plans to introduce a resolution urging congress to reconvene in order to fully fund efforts to combat the Zika virus.
Sen. Steven Oroho introduced a resolution urging congress to reconvene in order to fully fund efforts to combat the Zika virus. (CDC/James Gathany)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that women infected with Zika during pregnancy are at risk of having children born with microcephaly and other severe birth defects. Oroho is asking for federal funding to be made available to fight the virus before it becomes rampant in the United States.
“Zika poses a very clear and present health risk even within our own borders. We are already starting to see cases of Zika and Zika-related birth defects occurring throughout the country,” Senator Oroho said. “Federal inaction is not acceptable as our communities need the requisite tools to help fight the spread of this disease.”
Senate Passes Bucco/Pennacchio Bill Expanding Access to Veteran ID Cards
The New Jersey Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senators Anthony Bucco and Joseph Pennacchio allowing veterans to use alternative forms to apply for a county veteran identification card. The bill also expands access to members of the National Guard who have served outside of New Jersey.
Senators’ Anthony Bucco and Joseph Pennacchio’s bill simplifies the process of accessing a county veteran ID card; expands access for National Guard members.
“All veterans, including those who have served nationwide in the National Guard, should be able to easily access the benefits they have earned,” Senator Bucco (R-Morris) said. “Thousands have already gone through the process of receiving a veteran ID card from their county. Allowing service members to supply approved separation forms other than a DD-214 will encourage more veterans to participate in programs for the military throughout the state.”
Senate Passes Connors-Rumpf-Gove Supported Bill Requiring Turnpike Meetings in South Jersey
The New Jersey Senate overwhelming passed legislation (S-1675) sponsored by Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove that would require at least two regular meetings each year of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to be held on a rotating basis in Ocean County, Atlantic County, and Cape May County.
Legislation by Connors, Rumpf and Gove would require at least two regular meetings each year of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority in South Jersey. (Wikimedia Commons)
The 9th District legislators issued the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the legislation:
“Holding meetings in the southern end of the state will allow the Turnpike Authority the opportunity to get a better understanding of local residents’ concerns with respect to the transportation projects. Residents who use the Garden State Parkway, especially those with long commutes, want to ensure that the hard-earned money they pay in tolls is not only being effectively utilized but that their area of the state is getting its fair share of funding for needed infrastructure improvements.
Oroho Calls for Congressional Effort to Fully Fund Fight Against Zika Virus
Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) has sent letters to every member of New Jersey’s congressional delegation urging their efforts to help advance a full federal funding solution to combat the Zika virus.
Sen. Steven Oroho urged New Jersey’s congressional delegation to help advance a full federal funding solution to combat the Zika virus. (CDC/James Gathany)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other severe birth defects in infants, and is responsible for miscarriages and still births.
“The Zika virus poses a serious threat to women who are pregnant and their unborn children,” said Oroho. “It’s imperative that Congress put aside politics and approve the funding that national health experts say is needed to prevent the Zika virus from becoming a national public health crisis. With the impact of Zika already being felt here in New Jersey, I urge our state’s congressional delegation to take the lead in this effort.”
Advanced: Bucco/Pennacchio Bill Easing Access to Veteran Identification Cards
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco and Senator Joe Pennacchio simplifying the process to obtain a county veteran identification card has cleared the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. S-1771 also expands access to veterans who have served in the National Guard in other states.
Senators Anthony Bucco and Joe Pennacchio’s bill simplifies the process to obtain a county veteran identification card; expands access to National Guard members who have served in any state. (DVIDS)
“Simplifying this process will ensure more veterans have access to the discounts and services provided to veterans returning home to New Jersey,” Senator Bucco (R-Morris) said. “Having a county ID card proving veteran status is more than just a convenience – it is a special designation that recognizes the heroic sacrifices made by the thousands of brave service men and women across New Jersey.”
