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Garden State Times

Thursday, November 21, 2024

News from 2023

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New Jersey ranks 16th in average VA home loan amount in 2022

By Garden State Times | Dec 31, 2023

With $356,731 in issued loans, New Jersey ranked 16th for the average amount of a VA home loan in 2022, according to figures provided by the Veteran Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Average VA home loan amount in New Jersey increases in Q3 2023

By Garden State Times | Dec 31, 2023

The average VA home loan amount in New Jersey during the third quarter of the fiscal year 2023 was $401,970, a 8.1% increase over the previous quarter, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Average VA home loan amount in New Jersey increase from 2021 to 2022

By Garden State Times | Dec 31, 2023

The average VA loan amount for New Jersey in the fiscal year 2022 was $356,731, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Individual income tax puts $3.1 billion into New Jersey's revenue in Q3, 2023

By Garden State Times | Dec 31, 2023

Individual income taxes in New Jersey reached $3.1 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

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Bucco Introduces OPRA Reform Bill to Counter the Exploitation of Young New Jerseyans

By Garden State Times | Dec 28, 2023

Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) has taken a stand against the exploitation of young individuals in New Jersey by introducing a bill aimed at reforming the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). The bill specifically targets bad-faith OPRA requests involving young individuals who are subjects of body-worn camera (BWC) footage.In a statement, Senator Bucco emphasized the importance of protecting the privacy and dignity of young New Jerseyans captured in BWC footage. He stated, “Body-worn cameras have revolutionized police transparency but unfortunately, there are some bad actors who...

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Census Bureau: 77.9% of people in New Jersey were old enough to vote in 2021

By Garden State Times | Dec 27, 2023

Of the 9,234,024 citizens living in New Jersey in 2021, 77.9% were old enough to vote, equating to 7,193,582 individuals, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained on Oct. 26.

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Senate Approves Bucco Bill to Require Pothole Data in Annual DOT Report

By Garden State Times | Dec 21, 2023

The New Jersey Senate has given the green light to a bill introduced by Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco that mandates the Department of Transportation (DOT) to incorporate information about potholes in their yearly report to the Legislature.“Every day, New Jerseyans navigate a complex network of roadways to commute throughout our State. The Senate’s approval of my legislation takes an important step towards improving road safety and transportation transparency for New Jersey,” stated Sen. Bucco (R-25). “This legislation would require the DOT to start providing...

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Senate Clears Bucco Resolution Recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the State of Israel

By Garden State Times | Dec 21, 2023

The New Jersey Senate has approved a bipartisan resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. Sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco, the resolution highlights the significant achievements of Israel in building a democratic society in the Middle East.Senator Bucco expressed, "With this resolution, New Jersey commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East." He also emphasized the longstanding friendship between New Jersey and Israel,...

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Senate Clears Singer Bill to Protect New Jerseyans from Predatory Contractors

By Garden State Times | Dec 21, 2023

The New Jersey Senate has approved a bill sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-30) aimed at creating a professional board to oversee home improvement and home elevation contractors in the state.Senator Singer expressed his satisfaction with the Senate's decision, stating, "For too long New Jerseyans have worried about the legitimacy of their contractor. Today's Senate vote takes another step in the right director to give us all the confidence to make decisions that best improve our quality of life."The legislation, known as A-2138/S-1890, seeks to repeal the current...

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Corrado Calls on Murphy to Declare State of Emergency After Historic Flooding

By Garden State Times | Dec 21, 2023

Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40) has urged Governor Murphy to declare a State of Emergency for areas in North Jersey that have been severely affected by life-threatening floods. In a statement, Sen. Corrado expressed her disappointment with the lack of response from the Governor's office during this crisis."The number of roads that are closed due to this historic flooding have doubled since yesterday and the water simply has nowhere to go," Sen. Corrado emphasized, highlighting the urgent need for action. She added, "North Jersey residents and local officials are calling on...

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Senator Bramnick’s Bill Aims to Teach Grief and Loss to High School Students

By Garden State Times | Dec 19, 2023

Senator Bramnick (R-21) has introduced a bill that aims to address the mental health crisis by educating high school students about grief and loss. The legislation, developed in collaboration with Imagine, a Center for Coping with Loss, is set to be voted on by the New Jersey Assembly on Thursday, December 21.According to Sen. Bramnick, "Mental health has become a crisis in our nation. This legislation may be helpful when explaining the effects of loss to high school students."If approved by the Assembly, the bill, known as S-3330/A-5015, will require public school...

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O’Scanlon Bill to Reduce Vehicle Registration Burden for New Jerseyans Clears Committee

By Garden State Times | Dec 14, 2023

Legislation sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon that would permit New Jersey drivers to renew their vehicle’s registration on a bi-annual basis was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee.“Registering your car should be convenient and drivers should have the flexibility to renew their registration on a multi-year basis. There is absolutely no reason for the wasteful, yearly renewal policy,” said O’Scanlon (R-13). “I’m hoping to eventually give even more flexibility, but giving drivers the option of extending their vehicle’s registration for two years is a good...

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Polistina Doubles Down on Protecting Casino Workers from Secondhand Smoke

By Garden State Times | Dec 13, 2023

Senator Vince Polistina (R-02) has reiterated his commitment to protecting casino workers from secondhand smoke exposure by proposing a new bill, following the removal of S-264 from the Senate Health Committee agenda for Thursday, December 14."It is disappointing that after two years of advocating and building support with our colleagues, we still do not have the necessary support in the legislature to get a full smoking ban passed," expressed Sen. Polistina. He acknowledged the challenges faced in pushing for a smoking ban but emphasized the importance of addressing...

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Senator Pennacchio Criticizes Democrats’ Legislation on Mental Health Diversion Program

By Garden State Times | Dec 12, 2023

Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) criticized the newly approved legislation, S-524, by the New Jersey Senate, stating that it gives criminals a "Get Out of Jail Free" card. Pennacchio raised concerns about the bill's provisions that allow prosecutors to divert offenders into a Mental Health Diversion Program without judicial oversight.Pennacchio expressed his disapproval, saying, “Trenton Democrats just passed legislation that would give individual prosecutors the authority to divert almost any offender into a Mental Health Diversion Program prior to prosecution without the...

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Senate Advances Testa Bill Allowing Law Enforcement to use Forfeiture Funds for Community Outreach

By Garden State Times | Dec 11, 2023

Senator Michael Testa (R-1) expressed his satisfaction after the New Jersey Senate approved S-587, a bill that aims to provide law enforcement agencies with more flexibility in utilizing seized funds. Testa highlighted the significance of this legislation, stating, “This legislation will give New Jersey law enforcement agencies more flexibility with funds that are seized during an investigation—which is a crucial piece missing from existing civil asset forfeiture law. Under this bill, law enforcement can now use these funds to support important initiatives, such as...

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Joint Statement on the Passing of Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

By Garden State Times | Dec 1, 2023

Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40), Senator Holly Schepisi (R-39), and Senator Jean Stanfield (R-8) expressed their condolences on the passing of former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. In a joint statement, they highlighted Justice O'Connor's groundbreaking achievements, stating, "Justice O’Connor’s legacy as a trailblazer will shine for eternity and we are saddened by the news of her passing. She broke barriers while serving as the nation’s first female Supreme Court Justice and was a deciding voice in many landmark decisions that shaped the freedoms we all enjoy...

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Schepisi Re-ups Call to Establish Government Efficiency and Regulatory Review Commission

By Garden State Times | Nov 30, 2023

Senator Holly Schepisi (R-39) has reiterated her call for the establishment of a Government Efficiency and Regulatory Review Commission following recent events in Connecticut. The Senator expressed her concerns after Connecticut’s Governor withdrew a plan to mandate future electric vehicle purchases by 2035, citing bi-partisan pushback from Connecticut’s Legislative Regulation Review Committee.In a statement, Senator Schepisi criticized Governor Murphy's approach, stating, “While other Democrat governors come to their senses regarding unachievable mandates for electric...

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Senator Bramnick Supports Corrado Bill to Prohibit Deepfake Pornography

By Garden State Times | Nov 29, 2023

Senator Jon Bramnick expressed his support for Senator Corrado's bill to combat the spread of AI deepfake pornography, which has been used to target innocent students in local schools. Bramnick stated, “AI deepfake pornography is being used to harass, ridicule, and embarrass innocent students in our local schools. I’m joining as a sponsor of Senator Corrado’s legislation to increase penalties for bad actors who engage in the disgusting proliferation of deepfake pornography.” He emphasized the need for bipartisan collaboration to address the issue of AI crimes effectively....

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Governor Signs Corrado Bill Making Public Transportation Safer for People with Disabilities

By Garden State Times | Nov 28, 2023

Senator Kristin M. Corrado's bill aimed at making public transportation safer for people with disabilities has been signed into law by Governor Murphy. The legislation, sponsored by Corrado, is set to bring positive changes for individuals with disabilities who struggle with navigating the current public transit system in New Jersey.Corrado expressed her satisfaction with the bill being signed into law, stating, “I’m glad the Governor signed this bill into law. These new requirements for our transportation agencies have the potential to change the lives of people with...

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Signed into Law: Singer Bill Establishing Reimbursement Rate for Traumatic Brain Injury Nursing Facilities

By Garden State Times | Nov 27, 2023

Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that establishes a minimum NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rate for traumatic brain injury special care nursing facilities was signed into law today by Governor Murphy."I’m pleased that the Governor signed this bill into law. Reimbursement rates for brain injury services have remained static for far too long despite growing costs. This threatens the ability of providers to meet the complex needs of individuals with brain injuries and provide services within a safe and fulfilling community environment," said Singer.“This new law...