O’Scanlon: Data Demonstrates Governor Can & Should Increase Indoor Dining Capacity to 50% and End Curfew
Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) today renewed his call for Governor Phil Murphy to remove the 10 p.m. indoor dining curfew.
Sen. Declan O’Scanlon renewed his call for Gov. Phil Murphy to remove the 10 p.m. indoor dining curfew. (Pixabay)
“Our restaurants have been suffering massive economic hits since March with seemingly no end in sight to 25% capacity restrictions and the 10 p.m. indoor dining curfew. But time and again the industry has proven that they are not the nexus for new COVID-19 outbreaks,” said O’Scanlon. “Restaurants as a whole have followed the rules and restrictions laid out for them, they’ve endeavored to make their establishments as safe as possible to protect their patrons and staff. They deserve an increase in capacity to 50% (at 25% now) and the removal of the curfew evidenced by the lack of outbreaks traced back to restaurants.”
Pennacchio to Murphy: Bring Our Guard Members Home Now
Says the Troops Should Not be Used as Pawns in Washington’s Political Games
Senator Joe Pennacchio called on Governor Murphy to bring the New Jersey National Guard home from Washington, D.C. after reports that military personnel deployed in the capital to provide security for the inauguration of President Joe Biden had been relegated to sleeping on the floors of parking garages.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio called on Governor Murphy to bring the New Jersey National Guard home from Washington after reports that troops deployed in the capital had been relegated to sleeping on the floors of parking garages. (©iStock)
“Our New Jersey troops have done their job and served the state and the nation proudly after one of the darker incidents in our history. Now, it’s time to bring them home – immediately,” Pennacchio said. “These men and women left their homes, jobs and families to ensure the peaceful transition of government, only to be utilized as pawns by political ideologues.”
Oroho/Smith Bill to Provide Relief to Businesses that Fortified Buildings Against COVID-19 Advances
In an effort to provide relief to businesses that made structural improvements to reduce the spread of COVID-19, legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho and Senator Bob Smith would establish a gross income tax credit for certain improvements made on nonresidential buildings during the tax years of 2020, 2021 and 2022. The bill was released from the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today.
Sen. Steve Oroho sponsors bipartisan legislation to provide gross income tax credits for the owners of nonresidential buildings who invest in projects to combat the spread of COVID-19. (Pixabay)
“Owners are not likely to commit to these beneficial projects without some encouragement,” said Senator Oroho (R-Morris/Sussex/Warren). “The temporary credits in this bill will make it more appealing to do the right thing to keep people safe during the pandemic.”
Weinberg, Kean, Diegnan, Benson Laud Port Authority for Advancing Plan for New Bus Terminal
NJ legislators who served on Bi-State PA Bus Terminal Workgroup endorse decision to build on current site convenient to major subway lines
Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, and Senate and Assembly Transportation Committee Chairs Patrick Diegnan and Dan Benson today backed the decision to move forward with plans to build a new, enlarged Port Authority Bus Terminal on the current site adjacent to major subway lines.
New Jersey legislators who served on the Bi-State PA Bus Terminal Workgroup backed the decision to move forward with plans to build a new, enlarged bus terminal on the current site adjacent to major subway lines. (Flickr)
“I’m glad our bipartisan efforts on both sides of the Hudson have resulted in this plan to ‘build in place’ the new Port Authority Bus Terminal,” said Senator Kean (R-Union). “This has long been our preferred option as it maintains a one-seat ride for New Jersey commuters while preserving convenient access to local subway and bus lines. The new facility will ensure that the Port Authority has the extra capacity it needs to meet growing demand while vastly improving the customer experience.”
Bucco Bill Easing Tax Burden on Small Business Advances
The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco to ensure that PPP loans that are forgiven by the Federal Government are exempt from New Jersey’s gross income tax.
The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Anthony Bucco to ensure that PPP loans that are forgiven by the Federal Government are exempt from New Jersey’s gross income tax. (©iStock)
“As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted small businesses in New Jersey. I can name dozens of family restaurants, small retail stores, and other establishments that have either closed their doors forever or are struggling everyday to stay open,” said Bucco (R-25). “During this incredibly difficult time, small business owners should not have to worry about additional taxes. My legislation will eliminate the State tax and keep the State from profiting off the backs of businesses that continue to struggle during the pandemic.”
Panel Approves Bucco Bill Assisting Drivers Facing MVC Document Expiration Deadlines
New Jersey drivers will have more time to renew Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) documents during the pandemic under legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco and approved today by the Senate Transportation Committee.
New Jersey drivers will have more time to renew MVC documents during the pandemic under legislation sponsored by Sen. Anthony Bucco and approved today by the Transportation Committee. (Wikimedia)
Under the bill, S-3330, during a state of emergency declared by the governor, a customer who is required to schedule an appointment to renew a document would have the expiration date extended automatically to the date of the appointment, allowing the driver to remain on the road.
Bateman Bill Enhancing the NJ Infrastructure Bank’s Influence Advances
Bipartisan Legislation that would expand the authority of the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) to issue loans or grants for infrastructure projects cleared the Senate Transportation Committee today.
The New Jersey Infrastructure Bank would be able to issue grants and loans for projects related to the COVID emergency under legislation sponsored by Sen. Kip Bateman and advanced by the Senate Transportation Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) sponsors the bill, S-3190, along with Senator Bob Smith, the Democrat chair of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
Bipartisan Bill Requiring Notation on Automobile Registration Indicating Driver’s Hearing Impairment Advances
Oroho/Greenstein Measure Would Help Improve Communication During a Car Stop or Emergency
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho and Senator Linda Greenstein to help eliminate possible confusion and tension when a deaf motorist is pulled over by police for a traffic violation was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho and Sen. Linda Greenstein would require a notation on a vehicle’s registration certificate indicating the registrant is deaf to help eliminate confusion and tension during an interaction with the police. (Flickr)
“If a driver with a hearing issue has difficulty conversing with law enforcement, it can lead to a situation that is unpredictable and potentially dangerous,” said Oroho (R-24). “The last thing we want is the lack of communication to cause an escalation of tensions. We want to relieve stress for both the driver and the police, and this bill will accomplish that intention.”
Kean Bill Requiring Civics Classes in Middle School Advances
Legislation sponsored by Senator Tom Kean that requires civics instruction in middle school has been approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tom Kean that requires civics instruction in middle school was advanced by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. (Pixabay)
“Civics education helps foster an understanding and appreciation of our democracy,” said Senator Kean (R-21). “All students should have the opportunity to learn about the rights of citizens, the function of government, and the values that underpin American democracy. This legislation will give students the skills and knowledge they need to actively participate in a democratic society.”
Kean Bill Establishing Crime of Trunk Fighting Clears Senate Budget Committee
The Legislation Protects Dogs from Inhumane Torture
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation strengthening New Jersey’s laws against animal cruelty advanced today with approval from the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
The Senate budget committee approved Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s bill to make trunk fighting an animal cruelty offense and a crime of the third degree. (Flickr)
Kean’s bill, S-975, establishes the contemptible act of “trunk fighting” as an animal cruelty offense and a crime of the third degree. As defined by the measure, trunk fighting is the barbaric practice of enclosing two or more dogs in the trunk of a motor vehicle and instigating them to fight to the death.
