Kean Says Treasury Announcement on Ben & Jerry’s Shows Success of Law Prohibiting State Investment in Companies that Boycott Israel
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-21) said an announcement by the New Jersey Department of Treasury today demonstrates the success of a 2016 law which prohibits the investment of state public employee retirement funds in companies that boycott Israel.
Sen. Tom Kean said an announcement by the Treasury Department demonstrates the success of a 2016 law which prohibits the investment of New Jersey public employee retirement funds in companies that boycott Israel. (Pixabay)
“Our anti-BDS law was one of the first in the nation to use the power of state investment decisions to remove support for businesses that boycott Israel,” said Kean. “The announcement by Treasury that state investment will be prohibited in the parent company of Ben & Jerry’s following a review we requested pursuant to the law we enacted is yet another example that the process works as intended.”
Kean Urges President Biden to Add Union & Morris Counties as Declared Major Disaster Area
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean urged President Joseph Biden to add Union and Morris counties to the list of New Jersey counties that have been declared major disaster areas following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ida:
Sen. Tom Kean urged President Biden to add Union and Morris counties to the list of New Jersey counties that have been declared major disaster areas following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ida. (SenateNJ.com)
“I’ve been touring Morris and Union counties and meeting with homeowners and business owners who suffered devastating flood damage as a result of Ida,” said Kean (R-Union/Morris/Somerset). “It’s clear they have the same urgent need for federal support as the six New Jersey counties that have already been declared major disaster areas. I urge President Biden to extend the major disaster declaration to Union and Morris counties to ensure that all of our communities get the help they will need for a full and successful recovery.”
Senate Republican Leadership Calls on Senate President Sweeney to Recognize Sen. Vince Polistina
Say Atlantic County Families Can’t Afford to Wait Months for Help
The Senate Republican leadership team called for Senate President Stephen Sweeney to recognize the swearing-in of Senator Vince Polistina (R-2) that occurred on Monday, August 23.
The Senate Republican leadership team called for Senate President Stephen Sweeney to recognize the swearing-in of Senator Vince Polistina (R-2) that occurred on Monday, August 23. (SenateNJ.com)
The following joint statement was issued by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-21), Deputy Leader Bob Singer (R-30), Conference Leader Kristin Corrado (R-40), Whip Joe Pennacchio (R-26), Deputy Whip Kip Bateman (R-16), and Budget Officer Steven Oroho (R-24):
“We are deeply concerned that Senate President Sweeney will not recognize the swearing-in of Senator Polistina. We believe the families of the 2nd Legislative District deserve the representation and support that a sitting senator can provide during this extremely difficult time.
Kean Statement on Swearing-in of Senator Vince Polistina
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-21) issued the following statement on the swearing-in of Senator Vince Polistina (R-2) on Monday:
Statement from Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean on the swearing-in of Senator Vince Polistina. (SenateNJ.com)
“It’s imperative that the residents of Atlantic County and the 2nd Legislative District have a sitting senator who is actively fighting to resolve their problems with Governor Murphy’s broken unemployment system, motor vehicles, and the many other important challenges that have arisen during the pandemic.
In Memory of Timothy Piazza: Bateman/Kean Measure to Combat Hazing Signed into Law
Senator Kip Bateman and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation to increase penalties for hazing has been signed into law by Governor Murphy.
Senator Kip Bateman and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation to increase penalties for hazing has been signed into law. (The Timothy J. Piazza Memorial Foundation)
Timothy Piazza of Readington, a 19-year-old Penn State University student, died in February 2017 during a fraternity hazing ritual.
“Shortly after Timothy’s death, I received a letter from Matthew Prager, a 12-year-old student who was Timothy’s friend and neighbor, asking that I introduce anti-hazing legislation in Timothy’s name,” said Bateman. “To this day, I am grateful to Matthew for sending me that letter. No student deserves to go through the ritual humiliation that 19-year-old Timothy Piazza experienced. With the signing of this bill, hazing will no longer be tolerated in New Jersey.”
Kean Bill Requiring Civics Classes in Middle School Signed by Governor
Civics must be included in middle school curriculums under legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and signed into law today.
Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean mandating the teaching of civics in middle school is now law. (Pixabay)
“A well-rounded education in civics is essential for creating knowledgeable, engaged citizens who understand the sacrifices and hardships made on behalf of our democracy,” said Kean (R-21). “The law signed today will help provide students with the skills and background necessary for them to actively participate in democratic society. Every student in our public schools will have the opportunity to learn about how our government functions, the rights of citizens, and the values our nation was built on.”
Kean Bill Assisting Service Members and Veterans Seeking College Education Becomes Law
Legislation that will help service members and veterans continue their education and attend college classes, sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, was signed into law today.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s bill helping service members and veterans continue their education and attend college classes was signed by the Governor. (Flickr)
“New Jersey is becoming more accommodating to the brave men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms,” said Kean (R-21). “It is challenging enough to work and attend classes, but for those in the military, juggling schedules and managing deadlines is even more cumbersome. The new law will ease some of the burden of earning college credits for members of the military by offering them the flexibility when registering for classes or when military obligations conflict with course schedules.”
Kean Praises Brown’s Legislative Service & Commitment to Atlantic County
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean praised the legislative career of Senator Chris Brown (R-2) following the Atlantic County senator’s announcement that he will resign from the New Jersey Legislature to take on a new role serving Atlantic City:
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean praised the legislative career of Sen. Chris Brown following the Atlantic County senator’s announcement that he will resign from the New Jersey Legislature to take on a new role serving Atlantic City. (SenateNJ.com)
“Chris has been a valued member of our caucus, a trusted voice in the State House, and a fighter for all of the people of Atlantic County during his decade of service in the Legislature.
Kean Bill Protecting Patients of Rare Diseases Signed by Governor
Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean establishing the New Jersey Rare Disease Advisory Council to ensure those suffering from unusual conditions receive suitable care was signed into law today.
The Governor signed legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean that would establish the New Jersey Rare Disease Advisory Council to ensure those suffering from unusual conditions receive suitable care. (©iStock)
The new law (S-2682) will assist residents living with any of more than 7,000 relatively unknown and difficult to diagnose rare diseases.
Kean Bill Strengthening ‘Shore Protection Fund’ Clears Senate
Coastal municipalities would get more help from the state for projects protecting the beaches and property from storm damage under legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and cleared today by the New Jersey Senate.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tom Kean that increases the funding for the “Shore Protection Fund” has been approved by the NJ Senate. (Bing Maps)
Kean’s bill, S-1071, increases from $25 million to $50 million the amount that is annually credited to the “Shore Protection Fund” from the collection of realty transfer fees (RTFs).
“This is an investment in the Jersey Shore that serves as an anchor to the state’s vital tourism economy,” said Kean. “Our boardwalks and coastal attractions are threatened by the growing severity of storms that erode the protective sand dunes. The additional funding will help with beach replenishment, and the construction of bulkheads, jetties and seawalls that provide our best defense against rising tides and storm-driven waves.”
