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Garden State Times

Saturday, November 23, 2024

News from February 2024

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Amato, Rumpf & Myhre Provide Update on Senior Freeze Program

By Garden State Times | Feb 16, 2024

Senator Carmen Amato, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Greg Myhre of the 9th District recently shared important updates on the Senior Freeze property tax reimbursement program in New Jersey.According to a recent announcement, "The New Jersey Division of Taxation began mailing Senior Freeze applications on February 12, 2024 for 2023 applications. The deadline for the 2023 application is October 31, 2024." This information is crucial for residents who are looking to benefit from the program.In addition, it was highlighted that "2023 payments will be issued to...

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VA Purchase Loans in New Jersey average $440,151 for Q4 2023

By Garden State Times | Feb 15, 2024

The average VA Purchase Loan amount for New Jersey in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023 was $440,151, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

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VA issues fewer Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in New Jersey in 2023 vs. 2022

By Garden State Times | Feb 15, 2024

The VA issued 3,599 Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in New Jersey during the 2023 fiscal year, totaling $1.4 billion, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

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New Jersey ranked 27th among U.S. states in total VA home loans during 2023

By Garden State Times | Feb 15, 2024

New Jersey ranked 27th in VA home loans in 2023 with 3,599 loans issued, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

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VA provides 27.4% fewer purchase loans in New Jersey for 2023 vs. 2022

By Garden State Times | Feb 15, 2024

The number of VA purchase loans in New Jersey for 2023 was 2,557 and totaled $1.1 billion, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

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Bucco Bill Establishing Pilot Program for Therapy Dogs in Schools Advances

By Garden State Times | Feb 15, 2024

The Senate Education Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco that would establish a pilot program to use therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs."Research suggests that interacting with therapy dogs can help relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety that often impact students’ mental health throughout the school year," said Sen. Bucco (R-25). "This bipartisan bill would establish a pilot program to assess the academic and health benefits associated with integrating therapy dogs into public elementary school...

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District 9 Legislators Urge BPU to Reject 24% Natural Gas Rate Increase

By Garden State Times | Feb 14, 2024

Senator Carmen Amato and Assemblymen Brian Rumpf and Greg Myhre have jointly penned a letter to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) urging them to dismiss a petition by New Jersey Natural Gas for a significant 24% hike in heating bills for utility customers. The Delegation emphasized that approving such an increase would go against the Board's mission to provide affordable rates to the public.In the letter addressed to BPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy, the Delegation stated, "Approving the rate increase would blatantly deviate from the Board's Mission Statement to...

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Pennacchio: The Time Has Come for New Jersey to Place Slot Machines at Racetracks

By Garden State Times | Feb 13, 2024

State Senator Joe Pennacchio has renewed his call for New Jersey to place slot machine gambling at horse racetracks. Pennacchio's legislation, SCR14, proposes the formation of a consortium of Atlantic City's casinos to operate the machines, with a significantly higher tax rate than what is currently imposed on Atlantic City casinos."We are leaving untapped money on the table," expressed Pennacchio, emphasizing the potential financial benefits of implementing slot machines at racetracks. He further outlined that the generated revenues would be allocated to various sectors,...

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Polistina Introduces Bill to Suspend Tolls for Motorists Impacted by Road Closure

By Garden State Times | Feb 13, 2024

Senator Vince Polistina recently introduced a bill aimed at providing relief to motorists affected by road closures in New Jersey. The legislation, titled S-2780, is designed to suspend tolls for motorists who are diverted to the Atlantic City Expressway when U.S. Route 40 is closed."This bill would provide financial relief for motorists who must use the Atlantic City Expressway when U.S. Route 40 is closed," stated Sen. Polistina (R-2). He further explained, "By suspending toll collections east of the Garden State Parkway, motorists diverted by floods or closures can...

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Senate Advances Corrado Bill to Help Women Receive Postpartum Care

By Garden State Times | Feb 12, 2024

The New Jersey Senate has approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado aimed at helping pregnant women receive postpartum care. Senator Corrado emphasized the importance of addressing postpartum challenges, stating, "Women face unique challenges during pregnancy and postpartum that can significantly impact their body and overall health." She further highlighted the potential risks of untreated postpartum symptoms, noting that they could lead to complications or worse.The bill, known as S-912, includes crucial provisions such as requiring health...

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Senate Approves Corrado bill that Would Help Veterans Reenter College

By Garden State Times | Feb 12, 2024

The New Jersey Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado that aims to assist veterans in reentering college after serving in the military. The bill, known as S-1445, mandates public universities to readmit undergraduate students who had to leave their studies due to military service without any changes to their academic standing.Senator Corrado, speaking on the importance of the bill, stated, “All veterans in New Jersey deserve the opportunity to pursue their higher education goals.” She further emphasized, “This legislation will make sure that...

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Senate Clears Singer Bill Exempting Certain Customers from Early Termination Fees

By Garden State Times | Feb 12, 2024

The New Jersey Senate has moved forward with legislation proposed by Senator Robert Singer aimed at assisting individuals entering long-term care facilities in terminating their cable, phone, and internet services without facing early termination fees.Speaking on the matter, Sen. Singer (R-30) expressed his satisfaction with the Senate's approval of the bill, stating, "Individuals who require medical attention at long-term care facilities shouldn't be burdened with the expense of early termination fees from their cable, phone, and internet providers." He emphasized the...

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O'Scanlon Bill Expanding Victims' Rights Advances

By Garden State Times | Feb 9, 2024

The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Declan O'Scanlon that aims to expand victims' rights and enhance their participation in the criminal justice process. Senator O'Scanlon emphasized the importance of allowing victims to have a stronger voice in plea negotiations, stating, "When victims share their perspectives with prosecutors near the conclusion of plea negotiations, critical and relevant information may be missed and impact the outcome of the case."The bill, known as S-1062, includes key components that amend the Crime...

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Senate Republicans Call for Virtual Hearings on NJT's Proposed Fare Hike

By Garden State Times | Feb 9, 2024

Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) has announced a petition to encourage virtual hearings for New Jersey Transit's proposed fare hike. Bucco emphasized the importance of allowing the public to express their concerns about the proposed rate increases without the constraints of in-person meetings."The public has a right to express their concerns about the Murphy administration's proposed 15% rate fare hikes on public transit riders. Unfortunately, people do not always have the ability or time to attend in-person meetings," said Bucco.New Jersey Transit...

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Corrado Bill Establishing Veteran Gravesite Maintenance Program Clears Committee

By Garden State Times | Feb 8, 2024

Legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado that would establish the New Jersey Veteran Gravesite Maintenance Grant Program in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) was approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.“Veterans' cemeteries throughout New Jersey require continual maintenance and care,” said Corrado (R-40). "This legislation will allow nonprofit veterans’ organizations to help maintain the gravesites of our nation’s heroes so that their final resting place is a place of respect and dignity."Corrado’s bill,...

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Senate Approves Space Bill that Would Protect Individuals with Disabilities

By Garden State Times | Feb 8, 2024

The New Jersey Senate has approved a bipartisan space bill that aims to protect individuals with disabilities, particularly focusing on providing legal support for children with developmental disabilities. Sponsored by Senator Parker Space, the legislation addresses the issue of guardianship for vulnerable individuals."A parent should not have to wait until their child with special needs turns 18 to file a complaint for guardianship. If there is a delay in court, it can lead to a gap in legal protections for vulnerable individuals," emphasized Senator Parker Space,...

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Singer Introduces Bill Allowing Veterinarians to Find Homes for Certain Animals

By Garden State Times | Feb 7, 2024

Senator Robert Singer has put forth a new bill that would enable veterinarians to rehome animals instead of euthanizing them, in specific circumstances. Singer, a member of the Republican party representing the 30th district, stated, “Pet ownership can provide a lifetime of love and companionship, but it comes with a lot of responsibility.” He emphasized the importance of providing alternatives to euthanasia for pets with correctable behavioral issues.According to the proposed legislation, veterinarians would be permitted to transfer ownership of animals to suitable homes...

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NJ Senate Republicans Unveil New Website, Logo

By Garden State Times | Feb 7, 2024

Today, the New Jersey Senate Republican Office unveiled their new website and logo for the 2024-2025 legislative session. Senate Republican Leader, Anthony Bucco (R-25), expressed that the changes are aimed at enhancing the interaction and engagement of constituents with the State Legislature.“Our new website and logo represent our outlook on governance and our focus on our constituents by providing them with all the information they need to be an active participant in our State Legislature,” stated Bucco. He further emphasized, "With a new look, easier ways to see what...

New Jersey continues to have 3 colleges that still mandate “COVID” mRNA injection

By Garden State Times | Feb 5, 2024

New Jersey still has three colleges that require students to have “COVID” mRNA injections to attend their classes.

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Bill Sponsored by Sen. Singer to Exempt Certain Customers from Early Termination Fees Moves Forward

By Garden State Times | Feb 5, 2024

The Senate Commerce Committee has advanced a bill sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that aims to assist individuals entering long-term care facilities in canceling their cable, phone, and internet services without facing early termination fees.Senator Singer, representing district 30, emphasized the importance of the legislation by stating, "Individuals who require medical attention at long-term care facilities shouldn't be burdened with the expense of early termination fees from their cable, phone, and internet providers." He added, "This legislation would eliminate...