Oroho to Murphy: Failure to Open Adult Day Care Programs is Harming NJ’s Most Vulnerable Residents
The lack of access to full adult day care programs is taking a growing toll on thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and today Senator Steve Oroho called on the Governor to authorize the reopening of facilities statewide, including congregate day programs.
Senator Steve Oroho called on Governor Murphy to authorize the reopening of adult day care facilities statewide, including congregate day programs. (SenateNJ.com)
“The young men and women who rely on these programs in their everyday lives have suffered greatly during the pandemic,” said Oroho. “The inability to participate in comfortable, calming activities and to interact daily with others in a productive environment has done unimaginable harm to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The sooner we can open these vital facilities, the better. I hope the Governor understands how important this is.”
Kean Names Testa Co-Chair of Legislative Manufacturing Caucus
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean has appointed Senator Michael Testa (R-1) to serve as co-chair of the bipartisan legislative manufacturing caucus.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean has appointed Sen. Michael Testa to serve as co-chair of the bipartisan legislative manufacturing caucus. (Pixabay)
“Senator Testa has been a leader on the legislative manufacturing caucus as it works to secure New Jersey’s future as the go-to destination for high-tech manufacturing,” said Kean (R-21). “He’s worked closely with Senator Oroho, who will continue to play an active role in the work of the caucus after serving honorably as co-chair. I’m proud that Senate Republicans have such a skilled and dedicated team that’s focused on improving the Garden State’s economy.”
Statement from Oroho, Space, & Wirths on Biden’s Gun Control Proposals & Nominee to Be Head of the ATF
Senator Steve Oroho and Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) issued the following statement in response to President Joe Biden’s press conference on gun control proposals and announcing his nominee to be the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms:
Senator Steve Oroho and Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths blasted President Joe Biden’s gun control proposals and denounced his nomination for Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. (Wikipedia Commons)
“We believe that President Biden overstepped his executive authority and the Second Amendment with his gun control proposals. We are hopeful that Republican Attorneys General across the country will bring legal action against the administration. As we have fought the Murphy Administration’s and Democrat legislative leadership’s gun control proposals in New Jersey, we will oppose the President and Congressional Democrats on their gun control schemes.
Corrado & Schepisi: It’s Time for Hicks to Pay Price for Rampant Atrocities at Edna Mahan Facility
After testimony and comments from Department of Corrections Commissioner Marcus Hicks and other stakeholders during Thursday’s eight-hour Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing on the conditions at the state’s only women’s prison, Senator Kristin Corrado and Senator Holly Schepisi are demanding Hicks’ ouster.
Senator Kristin Corrado and Senator Holly Schepisi called for the removal of Department of Corrections Commissioner Marcus Hicks to restore public confidence after multiple reports of physical and sexual abuse of inmates at the state’s women’s prison. (SenateNJ.com)
The resignation of the ombudsman responsible for investigating problems in the state prison system was reported today, one day after the often contentious hearing.
Corrado to DOT: Hit the Brakes at Dangerous Intersection
Seeks Measures to Improve Traffic Safety on High-Accident Stretch of Roadway
Growing concern over a dangerous stretch of roadway in Riverdale, Morris County prompted Senator Kristin Corrado to seek help from the Department of Transportation.
‘Low Gear’ signs at the top of the hill haven’t helped enough, so Sen. Kristin Corrado is urging the Department of Transportation to improve safety at a dangerous local intersection. (Pixabay)
In a letter sent Friday, the Senator asked the Transportation Commissioner to take proactive steps to calm traffic at the infamous “Kill Hill” before there is another tragic accident. The danger zone is located at the intersection of New Jersey Route 23 and Windbeam Road.
Republican Budget Members Outline Responsible Plan for $6.5 Billion of ARP Federal Relief Funds
The Republican members of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee outlined a proposed framework for the State of New Jersey to responsibly utilize $6.5 billion in new federal relief funds with legislative approval.
The Republican members of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee outlined a proposed framework for the State of New Jersey to responsibly utilize $6.5 billion in new federal relief funds with legislative approval. (Pixabay)
With more than $3 billion of the funds to be received by the State in the next 30 days, the legislators challenged the Murphy Administration and Democratic legislative majorities to propose their own plans, debate them publicly, and appropriate the funds in a transparent and open process that gives the public a chance to be heard.
“The Murphy Administration dropped the ball in its handling of the $2.4 billion of CARES Act funds that came to New Jersey last April,” said Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13). “He sat on the money for months and then used it to pay for ordinary government expenses rather than helping people. With another $6.5 billion in federal relief coming to New Jersey, we can’t afford to let him make the same mistake on an even bigger scale. Our plan is the first step in reasserting the Legislature and public into the appropriations process.”
Holzapfel, McGuckin and Catalano: Governor Needs to Clearly Define Reopening Plans for Senior Community Clubhouses and Pools
The 10th District Legislators have received numerous requests from residents of age-restricted communities who want to know when their community clubhouses and pools can reopen. Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano are urging the Governor’s Administration to clarify the guidelines for opening these facilities before the summer season begins.
Sen. Holzapfel, Asm. McGuckin and Asm. Catalano want the Governor to clarify the guidelines for reopening clubhouses and pools in age-restricted communities before the summer season begins. (Pixabay)
“According to the Governor’s office, clubhouses fall under social clubs, however, the language in the Executive Order does not include clubhouses. This has created confusion about whether or not these facilities have the ability to lawfully reopen,” said Senator Holzapfel. “Without any guidance from the Governor, communities remain in limbo on how to properly and safely reopen.”
Oroho Urges Education Commissioner to Support Plan to Prevent State School Aid Cuts
Says Districts Shouldn’t Contend With Funding Losses While Impacted by Pandemic
During a budget hearing today, Senator Steven Oroho urged Acting Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan to support his plan to use federal stimulus funds to prevent funding cuts to 200 school districts that have been proposed as part of the Murphy Administration’s FY 2021 State Budget.
Sen. Steven Oroho urged Acting Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan during a budget hearing to support his plan to use federal stimulus funds to prevent funding cuts to 200 school districts that have been proposed as part of the Murphy Administration’s FY 2021 State Budget. (©iStock)
“Every school district across New Jersey is struggling with the financial challenges associated with remote education and ensuring a safe reopening of our children’s classrooms,” said Oroho (R-24). “The public deserves to know if the NJDOE supports the governor’s proposal to cut school aid during this difficult time or if they will support our responsible plan to maintain funding using a small portion of the billions in federal relief coming to New Jersey.”
Testa/Simonsen/McClellan Demand Prompt Reopening of Schools, Businesses; Cite Failure of Lockdowns to Tame Virus
New Jersey continues to rank among the states reporting the most new COVID cases, and the LD1 lawmakers say the statistics prove that economy-killing lockdowns and quarantines are not the answer.
The LD1 lawmakers say statistics prove that economy-killing lockdowns and quarantines are not the answer, and renewed calls for Murphy to lift restrictions on business. (Pixabay)
“Enough businesses have been destroyed, enough jobs have been lost by the Governor’s defenseless edicts, and continuing on that same path only ensures more economic and emotional pain,” said Senator Michael Testa. “We must end the failed policies that have suppressed life in the state. It’s about time to learn from the Administration’s mistakes and open up the economy.
Corrado: Body Cameras on Corrections Officers Not Necessary to Show Commissioner’s Failings
Senator Kristin Corrado responded to news today that Department of Corrections officers at the state’s trouble-plagued Edna Mahan women’s facility will soon be wearing body cameras.
Sen. Kristin Corrado criticized the Department of Corrections’ decision to give body cameras to officers at the Edna Mahan women’s facility, saying abuse victims there deserve a more aggressive response. (SenateNJ.com)
“This is a Band-Aid, a token reaction to a distressingly long string of atrocities at the prison,” said Corrado (R-40). “Dozens of helpless female inmates were assaulted, more than 30 guards and employees were suspended, the feds are investigating, and the best the DOC can come up with are some body cameras. The Corrections Commissioner dropped the ball and he must be held accountable.
