Singer & Sweeney Bill to Protect Developmentally Disabled From Dangerous Acts Goes to Governor
Legislation authored by Senator Robert Singer and Senate President Steve Sweeney that would upgrade current law to better protect those with developmental disabilities from being victimized by the acts of others that are dangerous and potentially deadly gained Assembly approval. The measure was approved with a vote of 65-1. Previously approved by the Senate, it now goes to the governor.
Legislation by Sen. Robert Singer and Senate President Steve Sweeney to better protect those with developmental disabilities was prompted by an incident that resulted in the near drowning of Parker Drake, a 19-year-old autistic man with diabetes. (Christine Marshall)
The bill, S-2940/A-4531, would better define reckless endangerment laws and increase punishment and penalties for putting others at risk, with the strongest penalties for those whose victims have cognitive impairments.
“Bullying or taking advantage of anyone, especially those who are less able to protect themselves, is not only wrong but can have life threatening consequences,” said Singer. “This legislation will make certain anyone who commits this type of troubling act is held responsible. I thank my colleagues for taking a stand to increase protections for those with disabilities and to make it clear this type of behavior won’t be tolerated in New Jersey.”
Senate Passes Oroho Bill to Ease Process of Transferring Estates
The Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho streamlining the process and reducing the financial burden of transferring the assets of modest estates to a surviving family member or partner.
Sen.Steven Oroho’s legislation streamlines the process and reduces the financial burden of transferring the assets of modest estates to a surviving family member or partner. (©iStock)
Under Senator Oroho’s S-2251 assets from an intestate estate, an estate where there is no will, valued up to $50,000 – as opposed to $20,000 under current law – could be transferred to a surviving spouse or partner without having to go through the process of administration.
“I have heard from the Sussex County Surrogate how burdensome it can be for families and counties to settle even modest estates when there is no will,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “Raising the threshold for when administration is required will ease what is often a costly and lengthy process for families already undergoing a very difficult time. Streamlining this process will also save time and resources at the county level.”
Oroho Legislation Fulfilling State’s BEIP Obligations to Businesses Passes Senate
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho to allow businesses that were due to receive grants under the state’s Business Employment Incentive Program to now receive an equal tax credit in value cleared the Senate with broad bipartisan support.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s legislation would allow businesses that were due to receive BEIP grants to instead receive a tax credit of equal value. (©iStock)
“It’s important the state stand true to its word and fulfill its commitment to businesses that signed deals with the state under BEIP to move to New Jersey or expand operations here,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “Fulfilling the state’s obligations through the use of tax credits will allow these businesses to continue to hire more workers and spur economic growth in communities across New Jersey.”
Oroho Legislation Aiding Service Members Return to NJ Advanced
The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho establishing a task force to identify and address issues facing service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s legislation establishes a task force to identify and address issues facing service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan. (Flickr)
“As many as 44 percent of veterans returning from wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have reported having trouble returning to civilian life,” said Oroho. “From PTSD, to dealing with other injuries or medical conditions to finding employment to simply relating to everyday life and family relations these men and women face an array of formidable and long-lasting challenges and demand a strong network of supports.
Committee Adopts Oroho Legislation Fulfilling State’s BEIP Obligations to Businesses
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho (R-24) to allow businesses that were due to receive grants under the state’s Business Employment Incentive Program to now receive an equal tax credit in value was advanced by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s legislation would allow businesses that were due to receive BEIP grants to instead receive a tax credit of equal value. (SenateNJ.com)
“Many businesses that signed deals with the state under BEIP to move to New Jersey or expand operations here have never received the full amount of incentives the State committed to provide in order to stimulate job growth,” said Oroho. “It’s critical for the continued operation of these businesses and the reputation of the state’s economic incentive programs that these obligations be fulfilled. As in any transaction, you’re only as good as your word.”
Connors, Rumpf & Gove on State Investigation of Towns for Violating State Property Tax Laws
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove of the 9th Legislative District remarked on the New Jersey Department of Treasury’s announcement that it will be conducting an investigation into municipalities which have been found to be “dramatically out of compliance” with required property tax assessments:
Connors, Rumpf and Gove respond to investigations of New Jersey towns that are ‘dramatically out of compliance’ with required property tax assessments. (SenateNJ.com)
“For decades, three municipalities in our state have been playing by their own set of rules by refusing to perform property reassessments while the rest of us have been required to pay their property taxes based on the current value of their homes.
“Property assessments and revaluations are politically unpopular and dreaded by both taxpayers and local officials. Neither wants to see property tax increases for homeowners. Moreover, the costs of performing the assessments can be expensive and the process arduous. Municipalities in our legislative district such as Little Egg Harbor, Lacey, Barnegat and Galloway have all gone through this difficult process over the last several years.
Singer Introduces Hospital Community Payment Legislation
Senator Robert Singer introduced bipartisan legislation that would have nonprofit hospitals with for-profit facilities make payments to host municipalities to compensate for blanket tax exemptions on their property. The bill is also sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Joseph Vitale.
Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation would have nonprofit hospitals with for-profit facilities make payments to host municipalities to compensate for property tax exemptions. (SenateNJ.com)
The bill, which would update tax laws that date back to 1913, would have acute-care hospitals make payments to their home communities to offset the cost of local services.
“These hospitals are an important part of the communities they serve, providing medical care, creating jobs and contributing to their local economies,” said Senator Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean). “We recognize and appreciate their value. These payments will help compensate for the services the hospitals receive from the municipalities, including law enforcement and firefighters. The hospitals have worked with us in a cooperative way to craft this legislation.”
Connors, Rumpf & Gove: Rutgers Sells Out Taxpayers in Million-Dollar Buyout of Football Coach
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove of New Jersey’s 9th Legislative District issued the following statement in response to expensive payouts that reportedly will be made by Rutgers University to its recently terminated head football coach and athletic director:
Connors, Rumpf & Gove responded to expensive payouts that reportedly will be made by Rutgers to its recently terminated head football coach and athletic director. (SenateNJ.com)
“Once again, New Jersey’s taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars are being wasted to pay for Rutgers University’s costly and highly publicized mistakes.
“Recently, the State University fired its football coach, Kyle Flood. For failing to meet Rutgers’ standards, the former coach will reportedly be rewarded with a whopping $1.4 million buyout. Mind you, this coach was given a two-year contract extension in September 2014. And there’s more. Rutgers highly controversial and highly compensated Athletic Director, Julie Hermann, was also fired on the same day. News outlets are reporting that she is owned $1.6 million on her $465,000 yearly salary contact that runs through 2018.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Call for End to Seismic Blasting Near Barnegat Bay
The New Jersey General Assembly passed a legislative resolution sponsored by Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove which urges the cancellation of seismic blasting plans in the Atlantic Ocean near Barnegat Bay. The resolution (AR-220) further urges the National Marine Fisheries Service to cancel any future plans relating to the performance of seismic testing in the Atlantic Ocean near Barnegat Bay.
A graphical depiction of a marine seismic testing array. (Hannes Grobe/Wikimedia Commons)
Assemblyman Rumpf, Assemblyman Gove and Senator Christopher J. Connors, representatives of the 9th Legislative District in the New Jersey Legislature, have vehemently opposed the seismic blasting program on account of environmental concerns raised by prominent environmental and fishing organizations.
Pennacchio Legislation to Prevent Students From Enrolling in NJ Schools Under Fake Addresses Now Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio to help prevent families from lying about a child’s address in order to enroll the child in an out-of-district New Jersey school is now law.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s legislation to prevent families from lying about a child’s address in order to enroll the child in an out-of-district New Jersey school is now law. (SenateNJ.com)
“It is estimated that thousands of students across New Jersey are illicitly enrolled in a New Jersey school outside their home district,” said Pennacchio (R-Morris, Passaic, Essex). “This type of “boundary hopping” comes at a significant cost to the receiving school and it takes away valuable resources and opportunities from the students and families who live in the district and pay taxes to fund their local schools. This legislation gives districts a valuable tool to help settle questions about where a student is really living when a residency dispute arises.”
