Governor Signs Kean Bill to Expedite Coronavirus Testing
Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean that will help more people get tested for the coronavirus was signed into law today by Governor Phil Murphy.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s bill significantly increasing available facilities for coronavirus testing was signed into law. (©iStock)
“Our state is working very hard to process COVID-19 tests, but bottlenecks at the facilities where healthcare workers are collecting samples has resulted in long lines and frustration,” said Kean (R-21). “It’s just not a good idea to have people who are may be infected with the virus waiting in lines for hours with dozens or hundreds of other people. This new law signed today will make the process simpler, faster, and more convenient.”
Kean/Bucco Bill to Aid Employers Impacted by COVID-19 Outbreak Signed by Governor
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Senator Anthony M. Bucco that would authorize the Economic Development Authority to issue emergency grants for businesses suffering from the COVID-19 crisis was signed into law today by the Governor.
The Governor signed legislation sponsored by Senator Republican Leader Tom Kean and Senator Anthony M. Bucco that will provide assistance to businesses suffering from the COVID-19 breakout. (SenateNJ.com)
The bill (A-3845/S-32284) was one of a large package of coronavirus relief measures fast-tracked through the Legislature and approved by the Senate during the session on Thursday.
Senate Clears Bill Package to Combat the COVID-19 Crisis
In a major bipartisan effort, the Senate overwhelmingly cleared 27 bills today that will help the state address the COVID-19 crisis now, and in the months ahead.
In a major bipartisan effort, the Senate overwhelmingly cleared 27 bills that will help the state address the COVID-19 crisis now, and in the months ahead. (SenateNJ.com)
“This is an international health care crisis that will have consequences that extend to many other aspects of our lives in New Jersey. The immediate threat is to the health and safety of residents in communities throughout the state, but it also threatens to have an impact on everything from education, medical care, public services, jobs, the economy and the finances of individuals and families. This is a time when government is needed more than ever,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “We won’t be able to solve it overnight and we can’t prevent all the negative effects from happening, but there are actions we can take to contain the spread of the virus, to care for those who become infected and to help those who are impacted. These bills will help.”
“Our society is facing an unprecedented challenge from COVID-19 that requires a coordinated response by all levels and branches of government,” said Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-Morris/Somerset/Union). “Republicans and Democrats in both houses of the New Jersey Legislature are working together to advance legislation that is critical to the well-being of the Garden State. The critical measures we advanced today will help governments and schools to continue serving people and support the many needs of families and employers during this difficult time. As more concerns are identified, we will continue to address them together.”
Senate Revises Proceedings to Protect Public Health
Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean issued the following joint statement today announcing revisions to the Senate’s scheduled proceedings in response to the coronavirus pandemic:
Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean issued a joint statement announcing revisions to the Senate’s scheduled proceedings in response to the coronavirus pandemic. (SenateNJ.com)
“This is a rapidly-expanding public health crisis unlike any we have experienced that presents unique challenges for public health professionals, the medical community, government leaders, local communities and the public. We must work together to protect the health and safety of the people of New Jersey, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and to minimize the impact and the consequences of the pandemic.
“There are policy actions we can take in the Legislature but it is our responsibility to move forward on these initiatives in ways that protect the public, legislators and staff. We have work to do, but we must safeguard the workplace as we do it.
Meeting the COVID-19 Challenge: Caution, Compassion, Cooperation
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean issued the following statement regarding COVID-19:
Sen. Republican Leader Tom Kean issued the following statement regarding COVID-19. (CDC)
The announcement of more COVID-19 cases in New Jersey, including one in my own legislative district, has reminded many New Jerseyans of the uncertainties we face as a result of this emergent public health emergency. It also a good time to remind ourselves that New Jersey has the heart, the talent and the spirit to rise above the confusion and concerns, just as we did post-Superstorm Sandy.
Kean Resolution to Bring Global Business Investment to the State Clears Senate
Measure Calls on Senate to Lead Efforts to Recruit Global Corporations
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s resolution seeking direct investment in the State by global corporations was approved by the Senate.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean will encourage global investment in New Jersey’s economy under his legislation advanced today by the Senate. (Pixabay)
“Business investment can revitalize communities, boost local tax revenue, strengthen real estate markets, and provide jobs and careers for New Jersey workers,” said Kean (R-21). “Everybody wins when employers from around the globe open facilities in in our state. International-based companies benefit from our highly educated, skilled and diverse workforce. It will be easier for employers to find the talent they need to fill vital jobs.”
Kean Bill Supporting Veterans Seeking College Education Passes Senate
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation to help veterans further their education while serving their country has passed the State Senate.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation to help veterans further their education while serving their country has passed the State Senate. (©iStock)
“Going to school while serving is a difficult undertaking in itself, let alone trying to manage the traditional college semester timeline around deployment dates and other military obligations,” said Kean (R-21). “New Jersey should do everything in its power to be more accommodating to the brave men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms. Offering military members the flexibility to register late for classes and refunding tuition when courses conflict with deployments is a sensible way to ease the burden of earning college credits.”
Cardinale/Beach/Kean Introduce Bill to Allow Remote Education During Emergency School Closures
With Growing Coronavirus Concerns, Legislation Allows Virtual or Remote Instruction to Count Towards 180-Day School Requirement During Certain Emergencies
Bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Gerry Cardinale (R-39), Senator Jim Beach (D-6) and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-21) would allow school districts to continue educating students remotely in emergency situations that require school facilities to be closed for more than three days.
Bipartisan legislation introduced by Sen. Gerry Cardinale, Sen. Jim Beach and Sen. Tom Kean would allow school districts to continue educating students remotely in emergency situations that require school facilities to be closed for more than three days. (Pixabay)
“Given current concerns about the coronavirus and extended school closures that have occurred in other places around the world, it makes sense for New Jersey to update our plans to ensure that education can continue in the event of a disruption to the regular school schedule,” said Senator Cardinale (R-Bergen/Passaic). “Many of our schools have some level of ability to offer remote learning, which many utilize during the occasional snow day. What we don’t have, however, is a clear authorization for e-learning days to count towards the 180-day school requirement. It’s something we must address proactively before it becomes a necessity.”
Kean Bill Targeting Non-Functioning Government Bodies Clears Committee
To Remain Active, Authorities, Boards and Commissions Would Be Required to Meet at Least Once Annually
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s bipartisan legislation that would shut down do-nothing advisory groups was approved unanimously by the Senate State Government Committee.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s bill will reduce the size of state government by deactivating boards and authorities that fail to conduct business at least once every year. (Wikimedia)
“Dormant boards and authorities are useless to the State and the taxpayers,” said Kean (R-21). “If a government-established entity doesn’t conduct business, fails to accomplish anything, and hides in the shadows, there is no need to retain it. We can eliminate these useless bodies and reduce bureaucratic paralysis.”
Panel Approves Pennacchio/Kean Legislation to Monitor Effectiveness of Programs to Help Minority and Women Owned Business
Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senator Republican Leader Tom Kean sponsor legislation, approved today by the State Government Committee, to track the performance of State programs to strengthen women- and minority-owned companies.
Sen. Pennacchio and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean sponsor legislation to track the benefits of State programs designed to help businesses owned by women and minorities. (©iStock)
“How can we make decisions about public policy that impact the economy if we don’t have the numbers?” said Pennacchio (R-26). “This bill will help us calculate information so we can see the trends and understand which programs are effective, and which aren’t. Growing women- and minority-owned employers are crucial to a strong economy.”
