Kean Statement on Senator Weinberg’s Pending Retirement
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean released the following statement on Senate Democrat Leader Loretta Weinberg’s decision not to run for reelection after nearly 30 years in the Legislature:
Senate Republic Leader Tom Kean responded to Senate Democrat Leader Loretta Weinberg’s announcement that she would retire at the end of this term. (SenateNJ.com)
“Loretta has been a good friend, a dedicated representative of her constituents, and at times, a worthy adversary. During her tenure in public office, the Senator’s steady, measured demeanor and thoughtful, authoritative voice helped her become an influential Democrat leader. I enjoyed working closely with her on several important bipartisan initiatives as her commitment to helping the people of New Jersey has always been undeniable. I look forward to continuing to work with her in the year ahead.”
Kean on the State of the State
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean issued the following statement on Governor Phil Murphy’s State of the State address:
Statement from Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean on Gov. Phil Murphy’s State of the State address. (SenateNJ.com)
“The people of New Jersey have shown great resilience and tenacity after a year that has been one of the most difficult in memory.
“Not only were they forced to cope with the impacts of a pandemic, but they also had to navigate a slew of arbitrary executive orders that only added to the burden of an already challenging situation.
“The total lack of transparency from the administration has made it difficult for people to see a light at the end of the tunnel. The people of New Jersey need to hear of the governor’s reopening strategies for schools and downtowns, and they want clarity on a schedule for vaccinations.
“The Governor needs to be willing to work in a bipartisan manner with the Legislature. We could have prevented the policy failures that led to unnecessary deaths in our nursing and veterans homes, the closure of nearly one-third of New Jersey’s small businesses, and the unemployment of nearly two-million New Jerseyans.
“If Governor Murphy truly wants to make New Jersey stronger in the year ahead, he should learn from the mistakes of 2020 and work to build consensus with other elected leaders. That’s how we’ll achieve the best outcome for all New Jerseyans.”
Kean Bill Updating Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council Advanced by Senate
Legislation sponsored by Senator Tom Kean that updates the membership and purpose of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council has been approved by the New Jersey Senate.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tom Kean that updates the membership and purpose of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council was advanced by the New Jersey Senate. (SenateNJ.com)
“This legislation will modernize the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council to reflect a more diverse audience—and more closely align the mission of the Council with the needs facing the deaf and hard of hearing community,” said Senator Kean (R-21). “By improving the membership and purpose of the Council, we will be able to more effectively assist individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing while enhancing public awareness of their needs.”
Kean Bill Informing People with Disabilities and Seniors of Public Transit Fare Discounts Becomes Law
Requires Advertising to Promote Availability of Discounted Fares and Accessibility
A state program providing discounted bus and rail transportation to seniors and those with disabilities will be promoted with advertising under legislation (S-1936) sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and signed into law today.
Sen. Tom Kean’s legislation requiring the the State to advertise its program for discounted bus and rail fares for seniors and those with disabilities is now law. (SenateNJ.com)
The new law requires the transportation commissioner to publicize the program, the reduced fare costs, and the hours when reduced fares may be used.
Kean & Weinberg Call for Capitol Protestors to Go Home
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg issued the following joint statement in response to the United States Capitol being breached by protestors this afternoon:
Joint statement from Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg in response to the United States Capitol being breached by protestors. (Wikimedia Commons)
“What we are witnessing in Washington is not how our democracy is supposed to function. The protestors who have breached the United States Capitol building illegally should go home immediately or face the full force of the law.”
Kean: Nursing Home Residents Failed Again by Murphy Administration
COVID-19 Vaccinations Delayed After Administration Misses Key Deadline
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean said the residents of New Jersey’s long-term care facilities will have to wait an extra week to start receiving COVID-19 vaccinations after the Murphy Administration missed a key deadline.
Sen. Tom Kean said the residents of New Jersey’s long-term care facilities will have to wait an extra week to start receiving COVID-19 vaccinations after the Murphy Administration missed a key deadline. (DoD via Flickr)
“After more than 7,100 lives were lost in New Jersey’s nursing homes and veterans homes, you would think the Murphy Administration would waste no effort to ensure that the remaining residents would be vaccinated as quickly as possible,” said Kean (R-21). “Instead, those vulnerable seniors, our parents and grandparents, will remain at risk even longer over the Administration’s failure to file simple paperwork on time. That’s unbelievable and totally unacceptable.”
Senate Passes Kean Legislation to Help Fight Human Trafficking
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation requiring new posters to be developed and displayed in various places to raise awareness of human trafficking has been approved by the New Jersey Senate.
Sen. Tom Kean’s bill requiring new posters to be developed and posted to raise awareness of human trafficking has passed the New Jersey Senate. (National Human Trafficking Hotline)
“Human trafficking occurs today across New Jersey in places where many of us would never suspect it, including our own communities,” said Kean (R-21). “Victims are often lured with the prospect of a job, and then have their passports, money, and identification stolen by their handlers. They’re moved around and forced to work for the benefit of others. It’s imperative that victims and those who may have witnessed exploitation know that help is just a phone call away.”
Kean Legislation to Help Fight Human Trafficking in NJ Advances
The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation requiring new posters to be developed and posted in various places to raise awareness of human trafficking and the help available to victims.
Sen. Tom Kean’s legislation requiring new posters to be developed and posted in various places to raise awareness of human trafficking and the help available to victims has advanced. (National Human Trafficking Hotline)
“Human trafficking occurs today across New Jersey in places where many of us would never suspect it, including our own communities,” said Kean (R-21). “Victims are often lured with the prospect of a job, and then have their passports, money, and identification stolen by their handlers. They’re moved around and forced to work for the benefit of others. It’s imperative that victims and those who may have witnessed exploitation know that help is just a phone call away.”
Kean Measure Allowing More Financial Flexibility for Nonprofits that Host Bingo & Raffles Advances
A constitutional amendment sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean that would allow more organizations to use the proceeds from conducting games of chance to support their organizations has advanced. The State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee approved the measure today.
A constitutional amendment sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean that would allow more organizations to use the proceeds from conducting games of chance to support their organizations has advanced. (SenateNJ.com)
“Many non-profits and charities have seen their primary revenue sources severely reduced because of the pandemic,” said Kean (R-21). “This resolution gives organizations that host bingo or raffles with additional financial flexibility in how the proceeds may be used. This common-sense measure will take the same benefits given to veterans and senior citizens groups, and afford them to other nonprofit organizations.”
Kean Bill to Keep Power Flowing to Hospitals, Nursing Homes Clears Panel
Power companies would be required to prioritize the restoration of electricity to hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities under legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and advanced today by the Economic Growth Committee.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation would require power companies to prioritize the restoration of electricity to hospitals, nursing homes, and other critical facilities. (Pixabay)
Kean’s bill, S-265, requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to adopt regulations obliging electric utilities to give preference to restoring power to critical facilities, including chronic or acute renal dialysis centers, and research labs or clinics that store human blood, tissue, or DNA.
