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Garden State Times

Thursday, November 21, 2024

News from November 2023

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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...

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Singer Bill Establishing New Graduation Requirement for High School Students Clears Committee

By Garden State Times | Nov 27, 2023

Legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Singer that would require students to complete financial aid applications to receive their high school diploma was approved by the Senate Education Committee. The bill, A-1181/S-2054, mandates that students must submit a financial aid application as a prerequisite for graduation from a public and charter school.Senator Singer emphasized the importance of this legislation by stating, "The student financial aid crisis is growing by the minute and students applying to colleges need all the assistance they can get." He further explained,...

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Bucco Bill to Create Special License Plates for State Animal Clears Committee

By Garden State Times | Nov 27, 2023

Legislation sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco that would authorize the creation of specialized license plates for New Jersey’s State animal was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee.“Horses have played a vital role in shaping New Jersey’s rich history in farming, transportation, and sport,” said Bucco (R-25). “As portrayed on the seal of New Jersey, horses are a symbol of power and strength. This legislation would further honor our State Animal with a specialized license plate and provide residents with a unique way to celebrate and support...

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Pennacchio Bill to Credit Students for Completing Fire Academy Courses Clears Committee

By Garden State Times | Nov 27, 2023

Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio that would provide course credits for high school students who become volunteer firefighters was approved by the Senate Education Committee.“New Jersey is suffering from a severe shortage of first responders, and firefighters are no exception,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “By incentivizing high school students to become volunteer firefighters in their municipalities, students can earn credits to meet certain graduation requirements. This legislation provides an innovative solution to reduce New Jersey’s firefighter shortage and...

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Committee Advances Pennacchio Bill Allowing More Seniors to Qualify for Utility Rate Reductions

By Garden State Times | Nov 27, 2023

Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio that would grant municipal and county authorities greater flexibility to provide rate reductions to qualified senior citizens and individuals with disabilities was approved today by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee."Out-of-control inflation and run-away interest rates are hurting families throughout New Jersey, but the threatening fiscal environment is hitting seniors and individuals with disabilities particularly hard," said Pennacchio (R-26). "These New Jerseyans are desperate for some relief and this...

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Singer Bill that Would Create Fund for Volunteer Fire Companies Clears Committee

By Garden State Times | Nov 27, 2023

The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee approved legislation today sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that would establish the “Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program” along with a special non-lapsing State fund that would receive an appropriation of $10 million to support the operations of volunteer fire companies."Volunteer firefighters save local taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars every year by volunteering their time and expertise and are essential assets for our communities, especially in suburban and rural areas," said Singer (R-30)....

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Bucco Bill will Require Information on Pothole Data in Annual DOT Report

By Garden State Times | Nov 27, 2023

Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco's legislation, aimed at enhancing road safety and transparency, has gained approval from the Senate Transportation Committee. The bill, sponsored by Bucco (R-25), focuses on requiring the Department of Transportation to include information on potholes in their annual Roadway Pavement System report.In a statement, Bucco emphasized the importance of road maintenance for the safety of New Jersey commuters, stating, “Every day, New Jerseyans navigate a complex network of roadways to commute throughout our State. It is imperative that...

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Census Bureau: 6.7% of people in New Jersey identified as multiracial in 2021

By Garden State Times | Nov 24, 2023

Of the 9,234,024 citizens living in New Jersey in 2021, 93.3% said they were only one race, while 6.7% said they were two or more races, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained in June.

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Senator Testa Criticizes Governor Murphy's Electric Vehicle Mandate

By Garden State Times | Nov 21, 2023

Senator Michael Testa criticized Governor Murphy's administration for their proposed electric vehicle mandate in New Jersey, stating that it could have negative consequences for rural communities in the state. Testa expressed concerns about the impact of the mandate on various industries in the first legislative district, including farming, fishing, energy, and manufacturing.Speaking about the potential effects of the mandate, Senator Testa said, "Governor Murphy’s extreme electric vehicle mandate could disproportionately hurt rural New Jerseyans. The infrastructure...

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Polistina Statement on Atlantic City Electric and IBEW 210 Strike

By Garden State Times | Nov 21, 2023

Assemblyman Vince Polistina made a statement regarding the ongoing strike involving the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 210 and Atlantic City Electric, a subsidiary of Exelon. The strike commenced at 12:01AM on November 5, prompting Polistina to express his views on the matter.Polistina, who has joined the picket line in solidarity with the striking workers, emphasized the importance of security for the employees. He highlighted the critical role these workers play in safeguarding the power grid and stressed the significance of honoring their...

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Committee Clears Singer Bill that Would Preserve Privately-Owned Woodlands

By Garden State Times | Nov 20, 2023

Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that would establish a state program specifically for the acquisition of easements on privately-owned woodlands for preservation purposes was approved today by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.“In the most densely populated state in the country, it's critical to protect and preserve forested areas and to manage them sustainably,” said Singer (R-30). "Decreases in forest land cover can affect the amount of habitat available for plant and animal species, as well as the ability of various forest species to interact...

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Bucco Urges Governor Murphy to Let CBT Surtax Sunset

By Garden State Times | Nov 20, 2023

Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco has called on Governor Murphy to uphold his promise and allow the Corporate Business Tax (CBT) Surcharge to expire at the end of 2023. Bucco emphasized the importance of fulfilling this commitment, stating, "It is very important that Governor Murphy stays true to his word and allows the CBT surtax to finally expire."Bucco, a Republican representing the 25th district, expressed concerns about the negative impact of the CBT surtax on businesses in New Jersey. He highlighted the detrimental effects of the tax on the state's business...

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Corrado Measure that Would Cut Government Red Tape for Surviving Spouses Signed into Law

By Garden State Times | Nov 20, 2023

Governor Murphy signed legislation today sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado that allows the surviving spouse of a decedent to use their motor vehicle until the vehicle registration expires."I’m glad this bill was signed into law today. The last thing someone needs to worry about after the death of a loved one is a trip to the motor vehicle commission," said Corrado.Under previous law, a surviving spouse could operate a motor vehicle under a decedent’s registration certificate for 30 days. Corrado’s legislation, S-3424/A-1550, allows the surviving spouse, or other...

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Senator Bramnick Advocates for Constitutional Amendment to Protect Students' Right to Attend Local School

By Garden State Times | Nov 20, 2023

Senator Bramnick (R-21) has voiced his strong support for a constitutional amendment aimed at safeguarding students' right to attend their local schools. In a recent statement, Bramnick emphasized the importance of passing the proposed amendment, SCR-67, to ensure that New Jersey families retain this fundamental right.According to Bramnick, "Students must be allowed to attend their local schools. It is very important that the Legislature pass my constitutional amendment, SCR-67, to protect this right for New Jersey families." He further stressed that "Mediators working on...

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Committee Advances Bucco Bill that Would Restore Dams and Inland Waters Projects

By Garden State Times | Nov 20, 2023

The Senate Environment and Energy Committee has approved legislation sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco that will allocate funds for the restoration and repair of seventeen dams and inland waters projects. In a statement, Bucco expressed his satisfaction with the decision, saying, “I’m glad that over $28M will be invested to fund projects in these municipalities. These critical dam repairs will preserve and protect our local environment, which is critical to our quality of life.” He emphasized the importance of the funding in ensuring the flow of clean...

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Bucco: IRS Adjusts Federal Tax Brackets for Inflation as NJ Hesitates

By Garden State Times | Nov 16, 2023

Senator Anthony M. Bucco has urged New Jersey lawmakers to take action following the Internal Revenue Service's announcement of changes to federal income tax brackets to counter inflation. Bucco emphasized the importance of addressing tax bracket creep at the state level in New Jersey, as reported by NJ Spotlight.In a statement, Bucco highlighted the disparity between federal and state tax bracket adjustments, stating, "The action by the IRS to raise the income thresholds for federal tax brackets was a reminder that New Jersey is one of just a few states that doesn’t...

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VA Purchase Loans in New Jersey average $419,956 for Q3 2023

By Garden State Times | Nov 15, 2023

The average VA Purchase Loan amount for New Jersey in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023 was $419,956, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.