Senator Michael Testa’s Statement on the Passing of Buena Vista Mayor Chuck Chiarello
Senator Michael Testa (R-1) issued the following statement in response to the passing of Buena Vista Mayor Chuck Chiarello:
Sen. Michael Testa issued a statement in response to the passing of Buena Vista Mayor Chuck Chiarello. (SenateNJ.com)
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Mayor Chuck Chiarello. A dedicated public servant for more than twenty-eight years, Mayor Chiarello continuously prioritized the residents of Buena Vista over himself. As his health declined, he continued to diligently serve his township from his hospital bed. His unwavering dedication to his constituents is a testament to his life’s legacy. I feel a close connection to Buena Vista as my parents live there. My thoughts and prayers are with Mayor Chiarello’s family during this difficult time.”
Testa Votes Against $9.5 Million for Family Planning Services
Senator Michael Testa voted against spending $9.5 million for family planning services in one of his first votes after being sworn into office.
Sen. Michael Testa voted against spending $9.5 million for family planning services in one of his first votes after being sworn into office. (Pixabay)
“As the father of three young children, I’m proudly pro-life and don’t believe our tax dollars should be used to support organizations whose primary focus is providing abortions,” said Testa (R-1). “Presumably Planned Parenthood would be one of the largest recipients of this funding. While Planned Parenthood doesn’t have any locations in our district, we do have FQHCs that serve our residents which would not be impacted by this legislation.”
Oroho Bill to Create Office of Labor Law Enforcement Advances
Cracking Down on Illegal Labor Practices will Protect Workers and Taxpayers
Senator Steven Oroho and Senator Troy Singleton’s legislation to protect workers, law-abiding businesses, and taxpayers from the far-reaching effects of unethical labor practices has advanced in the Senate Labor Committee.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s legislation to protect workers, law-abiding businesses, and taxpayers from the far-reaching effects of unethical labor practices has advanced. (Pixabay)
“Businesses who play by the book struggle to compete with shady employers who skirt the rules,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “When bad actors implement fraudulent labor practices, their employees, New Jersey taxpayers, and the overall economy suffers. Establishing this office will level the playing field, ensuring equitable treatment for all workers.”
9th District Delegation Testifies Against Common Interest Community Bill S-2425
Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove (both R-9) testified against common interest community legislation (S-2425) during a hearing of the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee.
Assemblyman Brian Rumpf testifying against common interest community legislation (S-2425) during a hearing of the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee in Trenton on Dec. 5, 2019. (NJ Assembly GOP)
The 9th District assemblypersons told the members of the committee that petitions with more than 9,000 signatures of residents opposed to the legislation had been submitted for entry into the official record of testimony. The legislators urged the committee to respect the will of the people by holding S-2425 from any further consideration by the Legislature.
Kean Bill Would Ensure Behavior Analysts Properly Trained
Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean to ensure professionals engaged in behavioral analysis are properly trained and licensed was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today.
Sen. Tom Kean sponsors legislation requiring proper training and licensing of behavior analysts. (SenateNJ.com)
“When a professional is not skilled in behavior analysis, they can do more harm than good,” said Kean (R-21). “My measure addresses growing concerns about unlicensed, untrained, and unqualified practitioners attempting behavioral interventions and behavior modification.”
Kean Legislation to Lower Prescription Costs Advances
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation to limit out-of-pocket prescription costs was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Sen. Tom Kean’s legislation to limit out-of-pocket prescription costs was approved by the Senate Budget Committee. (Wikimedia Commons)
“Patients battling cancer and other chronic diseases have a tough enough time before they face the challenge of paying for expensive treatments and prescriptions, which can cost thousands of dollars a month or more,” said Kean (R-21). “Many other states have succeeded in limiting these outrageous fees for necessary prescriptions. Our efforts to make co-pays more affordable for life-saving prescriptions is the right thing to do.”
Corrado Bill to Ease Court Backlog of Special Education Cases Advances
Backlogs in New Jersey’s often-criticized system for resolving special education disputes between families and school districts would be eased by legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado that was advanced by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Sen. Kristin Corrado’s bill would establish a unit within the Office of Administrative Law dedicated to special education cases to ease backlogs in the courts. (©iStock)
Corrado’s bill (S-3759) would establish a unit within the Office of Administrative Law dedicated to special education cases. The Senate Education Committee passed the bill in June.
Singer Bill Protecting Families from Toxic Mold Advances
Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that would establish consistent procedures for mold remediation in schools and apartments was approved today by the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee.
Sen. Bob Singer’s measure to establish standards for mold remediation work will protect students from moldy classrooms. (Wikipedia)
Singer’s bill (S2897) would set statewide standards for mold remediation work – from inspection and identification to abatement. The measure would build on industry standards and guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Kean Bill to Require Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Advances
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation requiring all infants to be screened for spinal muscular atrophy has advanced in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is caused by abnormally functioning motor neurons that control voluntary movement, such as walking, talking, and swallowing.
Sen. Tom Kean’s legislation requiring all infants to be screened for spinal muscular atrophy has advanced. (©iStock)
“SMA is the number-one genetic cause of death in infants and toddlers in the United States,” said Kean (R-21). “It makes sense to test babies at birth for SMA, which will help infants access treatment as soon as possible, leading to better outcomes with potential life-saving results.”
Senator Michael L. Testa, Jr. Takes Oath of Office
Michael L. Testa, Jr. took the oath of office today to become the new Senator for New Jersey’s 1st Legislative District.
Michael L. Testa, Jr. taking the oath of office to become the Senator for New Jersey’s 1st Legislative District at the New Jersey State House in Trenton on Dec. 5, 2019. (Full Size)
“The residents of the 1st Legislative District sent a message when they elected a real conservative to represent them in Trenton,” said Testa. “I’ll fight for the property tax relief and school funding that our overlooked towns in South Jersey deserve, and against the extreme spending, tax, and sanctuary state policies that our hard-working families can’t afford.”
