Bergen Young Republicans

Legislation, S-2003, sponsored by Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman that would fund clean water projects throughout the state was signed into law by the governor today. Senator Bateman is the senior Republican member of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

“New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the union,” Bateman stated. “It is very important, because of this density, that the state take all possible measures to ensure that our drinking water is safe.”

The bill would appropriate money from a variety of federal and state funds including the; Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Traditional financing Program. The various projects are funded by a mix of grants and market rate loans.

“Even in these difficult economic times we must be vigilant about the quality of our drinking water,” Bateman continued. “This bill because it utilizes funds that were appropriated years ago, fulfils our need for clean water while honoring our commitment to sound fiscal practices.”

Senator Joe Pennacchio, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the silence of New Jersey’s two United States Senators and yesterday’s “Race to the Top” announcement:

“New Jersey already receives far less money from the federal government than it sends to Washington in taxes, less than any other state in the Union. So I guess the finger pointing by Senator Lautenberg is not surprising. He should want to obfuscate his abysmal record. I would hope in the future, New Jersey’s two U.S. Senators would concentrate more on making their home state more affordable than toeing the party line in Washington D.C.

Read the rest of Pennacchio: Lautenberg & Menendez MIA in “Race to the Top” Question (46 words)

Today the State of New Jersey commemorates the 90th anniversary of the ratification of one of the most influential amendments on our society: the 19th Amendment, by celebrating Women’s Equality Day.

This amendment changed not only how women participated in our elections, but how they are viewed as members of society. With an equal vote, women were given the same tools as men to make their voices heard as they cast their ballots on issues that directly affect them, both as women and as members of the community.

Read the rest of 12th District Legislators Reflect on Strides in Women’s Equality (163 words)

Three legislative measures directed at improving veterans’ services that were supported by Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove have been signed into law by Governor Chris Christie.

The first measure, A-515, will expand “Operation Recognition,” a program which offers state-endorsed high school diplomas to veterans who left high school prior to graduation to serve in the military, to include veterans of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.

Read the rest of Governor Signs Into Law Veterans Measures Supported by Connors, Rumpf & Gove (362 words)

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean issued the following statement regarding the decision by the Obama Administration to disqualify New Jersey’s “Race to the Top” application over a clerical error:

“I was disappointed to learn today that the Obama Administration found an easily corrected, clerical error more important than the substantive education reforms outlined in New Jersey’s ‘Race to the Top’ application. I trust the Obama Administration will explain to the people of New Jersey why form is more important than substance.

Read the rest of Republican Leader Kean: Federal Government Chooses Form Over Substance (177 words)

With the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) Commission scheduled to convene on Wednesday to follow up on issues not addressed in its meeting last week, New Jersey Assemblyman Domenick DiCicco (R-Gloucester and Camden) and Pennsylvania Representative Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) said a primary topic for discussion should be the proposed toll and fare increase which both legislators oppose.

Assemblyman Robert Schroeder (R-Bergen) released the following statement this morning regarding the Senate’s passage of A-2740:

Goodwin Makes Motion to Repeal Decal Requirement During Voting Session

Senator Tom Goodwin (R-14) introduced an amendment during the Senate voting session on Monday August 23, 2010 to immediately remove the decal requirement for provisional drivers. The amendment, which was offered during the Senate’s consideration of Assembly Bill 2740, would have removed the requirement that the Attorney General study and report on the graduated driver’s license program. Senator Goodwin’s motion was tabled by the Senate.

“While the goal of the decals was to keep young drivers safe, they have actually put our children at greater risk,” stated Goodwin. “It is clear that we cannot wait for a study commission’s report while our kids remain open to predators. We must repeal the decals before they result in a preventable tragedy.”

Read the rest of Senate Misses Opportunity to Repeal Teen Driver Decals (137 words)

Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen John Amodeo and Vince Polistina, both R-Atlantic, which expands the “Operation Recognition” program to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts, was signed into law today by Governor Christie in Haddon Heights.

Senator Jennifer Beck (R-12) expressed disappointment that an effort to amend A-2740 to include the immediate repeal of teen driver decals was blocked by the Senate Democratic majority. The amendment, offered by Senator Tom Goodwin (R-14), was blocked in an 18-17 vote.

“I have heard repeatedly from my constituents that they do not support the teen driver decal requirement that was implemented as part of Kyleigh’s Law,” said Beck. “While the law was meant to keep young drivers safe, many teens and their parents feel like it puts them at increased risk.”

Read the rest of Beck Disappointed Effort to Repeal Kyleigh’s Law Decals Blocked Again (183 words)