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Testa: Murphy Should Now Abolish all Remaining COVID Mandates
Says Science and CDC Agree the Governor’s Restrictions are Unnecessary
A day after some unwarranted COVID testing rules for teachers and school workers were rescinded, and following a CDC report relaxing virus recommendations, Senator Michael Testa is calling on Governor Murphy to do more.
A day after some unwarranted COVID testing rules for teachers and school workers were rescinded, and following a CDC report relaxing virus recommendations, Sen. Michael Testa is calling on Governor Murphy to do more. (SenateNJ.com)
“Monday’s announcement was a start. Now it is time to lift outdated restrictions that could have been eliminated months ago,” said Testa (R-1). “The CDC and the science support easing these directives that provide little to no benefit, and residents are frustrated by confusing, inconsistent guidelines.”
Stanfield Bill that Would Provide Funding for Environmental Infrastructure Projects Signed into Law
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Jean Stanfield and Richard Codey that would allocate funds to the Department of Environmental Protection to support water infrastructure projects was signed into law by Governor Murphy on Friday, August 12.
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sens. Jean Stanfield and Richard Codey that would allocate funds to the Department of Environmental Protection to support water infrastructure projects was signed into law by Gov. Murphy on Friday, August 12. (Pixabay)
“I am pleased the Governor signed this legislation into law. Environmental infrastructure project loans include millions in funding for clean water projects for the Evesham MUA, Medford Lakes, and Pemberton Township in the 8th District,” said Stanfield (R-8). “The funds authorized by this bill, now law, will not only create jobs in New Jersey, but will preserve and protect the environment—which is so critical to our quality of life.”
Durr: Despite What NJEA Says, Parents Not “Extremists” for Expressing Concerns About Sex Education Mandates
Senator Ed Durr responded to an advertisement from the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) that labels parents extremists for expressing concerns about new curriculum and sex education mandates from Trenton.
Sen. Ed Durr responded to an advertisement from the NJEA that labels parents extremists for expressing concerns about new curriculum and sex education mandates from Trenton. (Screen capture from NJEA ad on YouTube)
“Despite what the NJEA says, parents are not extremists for expressing concerns about curriculum mandates or wanting to have a voice in their children’s education,” said Durr (R-3). “It’s another example of the NJEA being out of touch with parents and totally tone deaf to their concerns that sensitive topics such as sex education and gender identity are not appropriate for young kids. Frankly, the NJEA is taking an extreme position by attacking parents instead of listening to them.”
Testa Celebrates Murphy Retreat on Schools’ Covid Test Mandate as Win for Science & Freedom
Senator Michael Testa today welcomed an executive order signed by the Governor that closes the book on heavy-handed COVID mandates for teachers.
Sen. Michael Testa welcomed an executive order that closes the book on heavy-handed COVID mandates for teachers before schools resume in September. (Pixabay)
“It was never clear why it took so long, but educators no longer have to worry about unnecessary vaccination requirements and repetitive testing,” said Testa (R-1). “This is a victory for science and personal freedoms, and welcome news for teachers who have one less worry as they prepare to go back to school in the coming weeks.”
Legislative Leaders Announce Appointment of New OLS Executive Director & Legislative Counsel
The four leaders of the New Jersey Legislature announced the appointment of Maureen McMahon, Esq. as Executive Director and Gabriel R. Neville, Esq. as Legislative Counsel of the Office of Legislative Services (OLS).
The four leaders of the New Jersey Legislature announced the appointment of Maureen McMahon, Esq. as Executive Director and Gabriel R. Neville, Esq. as Legislative Counsel of the Office of Legislative Services. (SenateNJ.com)
“I am honored and humbled by the support of the Legislative Services Commission in my appointment as Executive Director of the Office of Legislative Services,” said McMahon. “I look forward to serving the Legislature in this capacity and continuing to work with the dedicated and talented staff at OLS.”
“I am fortunate to have spent many years working with the great people at OLS,” said Neville. “I thank the Legislative Services Commission for the opportunity to serve the Legislature in the role of Legislative Counsel.”
Pennacchio Recognizes the 75th Anniversary of Indian Independence
Calls for Passage of Legislative Resolution Urging U.N. to Give India Permanent Seat on Security Council
Senator Joe Pennacchio urged all New Jerseyans to join him in recognizing and celebrating the 75th anniversary of Indian independence on Monday, August 15.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio urged all New Jerseyans to join him in recognizing and celebrating the 75th anniversary of Indian independence on Monday, August 15. (Wikipedia)
“We would like to congratulate India as it celebrates 75 years of independence from colonial rule,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “We welcome our friendly relations with India, its support for democracy, and the role the nation has taken in urging peaceful solutions to conflict on the world stage.”
India became an independent nation on August 15, 1947 through the passage of the Indian Independence Act by the British Parliament.
Corrado Calls on Murphy to Immediately Lift COVID-19 Testing Mandate for Teachers & School Employees After CDC Changes Recommendations
Senator Kristin Corrado called on Governor Murphy to immediately lift his COVID-testing mandate for unvaccinated teachers and school employees after the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today that testing healthy students and employees is no longer recommended.
(Pixabay)
“It’s been clear for some time that forcing healthy teachers and school employees to submit to burdensome and expensive COVID testing was unnecessary,” said Corrado (R-40). “Now that the CDC has changed its guidance, Governor Murphy has absolutely no excuse to continue dragging his feet on lifting his testing mandate. He should do it today.”
Senator Polistina Introduces Bill to Increase Law Enforcement Presence in Schools
Bill Would Allow for County Sheriffs to Hire Class III Officers for School Security
Senator Vince Polistina introduced legislation this week that would allow County Sheriffs to hire and place Class III officers in schools to assist with security.
Sen. Vince Polistina introduced legislation this week that would allow County Sheriffs to hire and place Class III officers in schools to assist with security. (Pixabay)
“As our children prepare to return to the classroom, parents shouldn’t be losing sleep with concerns about the safety of their kids,” explained Polistina (R-Atlantic). “Many New Jersey towns do not have local police departments that can place an officer within their schools. Under this legislation, a County Sheriff could hire a retired police officer to work within the schools, during the class day and events, to ensure the highest quality of safety and security.”
Testa Introduces Breweries Bill to Allow Garden State Brewers Greater Freedom & More Control Over Their Business’ Future
Senator Michael Testa (R-1) introduced his breweries bill Monday in the State Senate to allow brewers more freedom and control over their small businesses which are growing jobs and opportunity across New Jersey.
Sen. Michael Testa introduced his breweries bill Monday in the State Senate to allow brewers more freedom and control over their small businesses which are growing jobs and opportunity across New Jersey. (©iStock)
“I believe that brewers building a business in our state deserve to have more say in how they run their operations because the term ‘free enterprise’ applies to them as well,” said Testa. “I look forward to working with my colleagues and with legislators across the aisle to ending these bureaucratic obstacles and fix a dysfunctional system.”
Senate Republicans Propose Special Committee to Investigate Massive Increase in Public Employee Health Benefit Costs
Proposed Premium Hikes Up to 24% Will Squeeze Local Budgets, Drive Property Taxes Higher
Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) and Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) have introduced legislation to form a special legislative committee with subpoena power to investigate massive proposed premium increases for the health plans that cover state government, local government, and school employees.
Sen. Steven Oroho and Sen. Declan O’Scanlon have introduced legislation to form a special legislative committee with subpoena power to investigate massive proposed premium increases for the health plans that cover state government, local government, and school employees. (©iStock)
“The proposed premium increases will impact hundreds of thousands of state and local government workers, teachers, and retirees who will see their health care costs soar if the proposal is adopted,” said Oroho, the Senate Republican Leader. “These higher premiums will also have a huge impact on school districts and local governments that pay a large portion of the total premiums for their employees. Any higher costs they pay will translate directly into higher property taxes for our families. We must investigate the failures that led to these catastrophic premium increases to develop an effective plan going forward.”
