10th District Lawmakers Sponsor Bill Requiring Board of Education Meetings to be Accessible Virtually and in Person
In response to yet another attempt by the New Jersey Board of Education to avoid public comment, District 10 lawmakers—Senator Jim Holzapfel, Assemblyman Greg McGuckin, and Assemblyman John Catalano—have co-sponsored a bill that would increase transparency by requiring all public meetings to be accessible online and in person.
In response to yet another attempt by the New Jersey Board of Education to avoid public comment, District 10 lawmakers have co-sponsored a bill that would require all public meetings to be accessible online and in person. (Pixabay)
The State Board of Education has announced that they will be holding their December 7th meeting virtually and no public testimony is allowed.
“It’s a disturbing pattern and one that should concern all of us,” said Senator Holzapfel. “We can agree or disagree with their decisions, but there is no excuse for not allowing the public to comment on controversial policies that will impact their children’s’ education.”
Oroho Bill Freeing Raw Honey from Cottage Food Regulations Signed into Law
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho that would exempt raw, unprocessed honey from Department of Health cottage food regulations was signed into law.
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Steven Oroho that would exempt raw, unprocessed honey from Department of Health cottage food regulations was signed into law. (Pixabay)
“I am pleased that Acting Governor Scutari signed this bill into law. For far too long, beekeepers have been subject to unnecessary government red tape that prevents them from easily distributing fresh, unprocessed honey,” said Oroho (R-24). “This legislation will exempt raw honey from these needless Department of Health regulations so that beekeepers and farmers can get their product to the public in an efficient manner.”
Durr: Proposed Route for Glassboro-Camden Line is a Patchwork Approach to South Jersey Rail Service
Senator Edward Durr slammed the proposed route for the Glassboro-Camden Line, calling the 18-mile commuter rail project in its current form a patchwork approach that will divide smaller towns, increase traffic, and endanger the safety of residents.
Sen. Ed Durr slammed the proposed route for the Glassboro-Camden Line, calling the commuter rail project in its current form a patchwork approach that will divide smaller towns, increase traffic, and endanger the safety of residents. (Pixabay)
“I do not oppose a new rail system to help commuters and residents, but the current route being put forward for the Glassboro-Camden rail line will hurt more than it will help South Jersey,” said Durr (R-3). “This project has been in the works on and off since the 1990s, and at one point, was planned to run on the Route 55 median—which was, and still is, a sensible solution because it would not impact smaller towns. The route that is being suggested now cuts directly through the heart of 12 different municipalities with little regard for traffic, parking, and noise from a diesel-electric train running every 10 minutes.”
Committee Approves Corrado Bill that Would Increase Safeguards for Rideshare Customers
Ridesharing companies may soon be required to share information about sexual misconduct investigations of drivers thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado and advanced today the Senate Transportation Committee.
Ridesharing companies may soon be required to share information about sexual misconduct investigations of drivers thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Kristin Corrado and approved today the Senate Transportation Committee. (Flickr)
“Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft provide a valuable service for millions of Americans, but sexual misconduct reports still number in the thousands, and additional safeguards must be implemented,” said Corrado (R-40). “My legislation will help provide additional protections for passengers, as well as more transparency for the public, so that we can help prevent these crimes from occurring in the future.”
Oroho/Stanfield: State Board of Education Must Stop Hiding Behind Pandemic to Deny Parents Access to Important Meetings
Senate Republicans Call for State Board to Resume Meeting In Person and Allow Public Attendance, Comments
Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho and Senator Jean Stanfield blasted the State Board of Education for continuing to deny the public direct access to its meetings under the guise of “ongoing public health concerns.”
Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho and Senator Jean Stanfield blasted the State Board of Education for continuing to deny the public direct access to its meetings under the guise of ‘ongoing public health concerns.’ (©iStock)
“While the Legislature, local boards of education, and town councils are all back to regular in-person meetings without issue, the State Board of Education continues to use the pandemic as an excuse to meet virtually and limit public access,” said Oroho (R-24). “Parents want and deserve the opportunity to attend and participate in State Board of Education meetings where controversial policies that impact every student across New Jersey are considered and adopted. The only reason for the State Board to keep meeting virtually is to prevent parents from having a strong voice in the process.”
Singer Bill that Would Protect Buyers of Homes with Solar Panels Clears Committee
The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee advanced legislation today sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that would require sellers of single-family homes with solar panels to disclose the contact information for the business that installed the solar panels.
The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer that would require sellers of single-family homes with solar panels to disclose the contact information for the business responsible for the installation. (SenateNJ.com)
“It is not uncommon for the buyer of a property with solar panels to have trouble finding out how to contact the installer,” said Singer (R-30). “This bill would require the seller to disclose the contact information for the installer of the solar panels, which would make it easier for the buyer to contact the installer as needed in the future. It would also help protect a buyer from unknowingly assuming responsibility for a lease agreement related to solar panels installed on the property.”
Stanfield Bill Honoring Combat Veterans Earns Support
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that would launch a special license plate recognizing the sacrifices of military members who served in combat was endorsed today by the Senate Transportation Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that would launch a special license plate recognizing the sacrifices of military members who served in combat was endorsed by the Senate Transportation Committee. (Flickr)
“These plates are a very respectful way of honoring the brave men and women who volunteered to serve our nation and risked their lives in combat action,” said Stanfield (R-8). “The freedoms we all enjoy as Americans depend on the contributions of courageous service members who answer the call when trouble breaks out around the globe. The special plates will serve as public reminders that many of our nation’s heroes reside in our hometowns here in New Jersey.”
Panel Advances Oroho Measure Easing Burden on Small Towns
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho that would make it easier for small municipalities to fill seats on government boards passed the Senate Community and Affairs Committee today.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho that would make it easier for small municipalities to fill seats on government boards passed the Senate Community and Affairs Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
By law, every municipality is required to have a board of health. New Jersey towns with 20,000 residents or less are permitted by law to fill the board with members of the township committee.
“It can be difficult, if not impossible, for small towns to come up with enough volunteers to sit on the board,” said Oroho (R-24). “This legislation (S-652) builds on a sensible and efficient solution that has worked in the State’s smallest towns and expands the law to include municipalities with populations of 30,000 or less.”
Stanfield, Torrissi & Umba Collecting Christmas Candy Bags for Foster Children
Senator Jean Stanfield and assembly members Michael Torrissi and Brandon Umba are aiming to brighten the holiday season for foster children for their District Day of Service in December.
Sen. Jean Stanfield, Asm. Michael Torrissi, and Asm. Brandon Umba are collecting candy that they will put in holiday bags to support Foster the Family’s yearly ‘Breakfast with Santa’ Christmas Party. (Pixabay)
The 8th District Legislators are collecting candy that they will put in holiday bags to support nonprofit Foster the Family’s yearly ‘Breakfast with Santa’ Christmas Party.
“Every kid deserves to have a special Christmas. Foster the Family makes sure that happens for children who are in disadvantaged and difficult situations. We’re honored to be in a situation where we can help them give back,” Stanfield said.
Senator Pennacchio’s 2022 Holiday Toy Drive Collecting Gifts for Children Through December 14
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) announced that his legislative office will again collect toy donations this holiday season to be shared with families in need. Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Senator’s legislative office in Montville.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio announced that his legislative office will again collect toy donations this holiday season to be shared with families in need. (SenateNJ.com)
The Senator is looking to help individual families in need of toys. Please contact his office to discuss any specific needs.
A family looking for toys must contact Senator Pennacchio’s office to make an appointment for Thursday, December 15. Continue Reading…
