Kean’s Floor Remarks in Opposition to FY 2021 State Budget
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean delivered the following remarks during today’s Senate session in opposition to the FY 2021 State Budget:
I rise today in opposition to the budget as presented today. Sadly, this budget is a wasted opportunity to restructure our State’s finances in a way that will responsibly and safely rebuild our economy, an economy truly ravaged over the past several months by the ongoing pandemic.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean speaking in opposition to the FY 2021 State Budget at the New Jersey State House on September 24, 2020. (SenateNJ.com)
As you know, the Republican members of the Senate Budget Committee offered a number of suggestions that would have put us back on a thoughtful, reasonable fiscal course, including spending the CARES Act money earlier and more fully. There are billions still not spent months after it could have helped families and businesses across the state.
Kean Resolution Urging IRS to Relax FSA Rules for Health & Child Care Expenses During Pandemic Passes Senate
A measure sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean to encouraging the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to relax the rules of flexible spending accounts (FSAs) used to pay for medical and childcare expenses throughout the COVID crisis has unanimously passed the New Jersey Senate.
Sen. Tom Kean’s resolution encouraging the IRS to relax the rules of FSAs used to pay for medical and childcare expenses during the COVID pandemic has passed the Senate. (SenateNJ.com)
“New Jersey parents need more support as they balance raising their children and running a household while working from home during these unprecedented times,” said Kean (R-21). “On the same note, many with postponed elective surgeries want to ensure they can use their funds for said procedures or be refunded at the end of the year rather than be held to the ‘use it or lose it’ rule. Making healthcare and childcare FSAs more flexible during this difficult time will lighten the load and better help New Jersey families survive this pandemic.”
Senate Republicans Launch Online Petition Urging Bipartisan Investigation of 7,000+ Deaths at Nursing & Veterans Homes, LTC Facilities
Special Investigative Committee Would Hold Those Responsible Accountable, Develop Effective Reforms, Keep Resident Safe
Senate Republicans launched an online petition to enlist the public’s support to convince legislative leaders to allow a special bipartisan committee with subpoena power to investigate the massive loss of life in New Jersey’s nursing homes, veterans homes, and long-term care (LTC) facilities due to COVID-19.
The online petition can be signed at https://www.senatenj.com/petitions/nursinghomes/.
Senate Republicans launched an online petition to convince legislative leaders to allow a special bipartisan committee with subpoena power to investigate the massive loss of life in New Jersey’s nursing homes, veterans homes, and long-term care facilities due to COVID-19. (Flickr)
“Since May, Senate Republicans have called for a thorough, bipartisan, and transparent investigation into the massive loss of life at our long-term care facilities,” said Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-21). “We believe the families and loved ones of victims deserve to hear the truth and to know that those responsible will be held accountable. Current residents deserve to know that the failures that led to thousands of deaths have been thoroughly investigated and understood, and that effective reforms have been developed and implemented to keep them safe. Unfortunately, our repeated calls for the Legislature to form a special committee with subpoena power to perform this legitimate oversight of the executive branch have been ignored. Our online petition will give the public the opportunity to send the message that the Legislature shouldn’t shirk its responsibility to protect New Jerseyans.”
Kean Statement on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-21) issued the following statement regarding the passing of United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:
Sen. Tom Kean issued the following statement regarding the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg. (SenateNJ.com)
“Rhonda and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
“An admirable and accomplished trailblazer for women’s rights, Justice Ginsburg will be remembered for her landmark efforts to promote gender equality, and here in New Jersey, for her work shaping future law students at Rutgers.”
Senate Approves Kean Measure to Study ‘Brain Drain’ of NJ High School Grads Attending Out-of-State Colleges
More College-Bound Students Leave New Jersey than Any Other State
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean sponsors legislation, approved today by the Senate, to study why so many New Jersey high school graduates choose to attend college out of state.
More high school graduates leave New Jersey to attend college than any other state, and Senator Kean’s bill would create a study to help retain talent we are losing. (Pixabay)
“Too many of our bright and talented high school graduates are deciding to pursue college degrees in other states,” said Kean (R-21). “The ‘brain drain’ hurts our state. Most of them never return to their home state to help bolster our workforce, contribute to communities, and help support their families. This study will help us better understand what we can do to reverse the trend.”
Kean: Governor Must Help Small Businesses Get Back to Work
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean said helping New Jerseyans get back to work would give a major boost to the Garden State’s economy and further improve the State’s finances. He pointed to other nearby states where small businesses have demonstrated that it’s possible to operate safely with fewer restrictions.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (center), Senate Republican Budget Officer Steven Oroho (left), and Sen. Sam Thompson (right) waiting for the start of Gov. Phil Murphy’s FY 2021 Budget Message at SHI Stadium at Rutgers University on August 25, 2020. (SenateNJ.com)
“The State’s revenue picture is rapidly improving, even while our New Jersey economy still has one arm tied behind its back,” said Kean (R-21). “We have watched as other states, including New York and Pennsylvania, have allowed more of their small businesses, including restaurants, to resume operations safely. Governor Murphy should follow their proven model and allow our New Jersey economy to begin growing again. That would further improve the State’s finances and support the State budget in a fiscally responsible manner without the unnecessary taxes or debt the governor has proposed.”
Kean Bill to Study Outmigration ‘Brain Drain’ of NJ High School Grads to Out-of-State Colleges Advances
New Jersey Exports More College-Bound Students than Any Other State
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation to study why so many New Jersey high school graduates choose to attend college in other states has advanced in the Senate Higher Education committee.
Sen. Tom Kean’s legislation to study why so many New Jersey high school graduates choose to attend college in other states has advanced. (Pixabay)
“Many of New Jersey’s bright and talented high school graduates are choosing to attend college out of state, with a good portion never returning to help build our workforce, support their families, or contribute to our communities,” said Kean (R-21). This ‘brain drain’ really hurts our state, and it’s something we must understand better if we are to counter it successfully.”
Kean Statement on the Passing of Shirley Rice
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-21) released the following statement on the passing of Shirley Rice:
Sen. Tom Kean released the following statement on the passing of Shirley Rice. (SenateNJ.com)
“Rhonda and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Shirley Rice, the beloved wife of long-time colleague, friend, and confidant Senator Ron Rice. A dedicated mother, kind friend, and passionate advocate for students, Shirley’s loss will be felt by all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rice family during this difficult time.”
Kean Measure Creating Student Advisory Commission for Higher Education Earns Senate Support
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean sponsors legislation establishing the Senate Higher Education Student Advisory Commission. The measure was approved today by the Senate.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Kean establishing the Senate Higher Education Student Advisory Commission cleared the Senate today. (SenateNJ.com)
“College students will have more influence on higher education policy under the bill,” said Kean (R-21). “Students selected to the commission can share valuable insight into the challenges and concerns facing young scholars on college campuses in a rapidly changing world.”
Senate Clears Kean Bill Assisting College Students with Dependent Children Advances
Legislation sponsored by Senator Tom Kean that would help college students with children with the cost of education passed the Senate today.
Sen. Kean’s legislation will help college students with dependent children find scholarship and grant money they may be eligible to receive. (Pixabay)
“The skyrocketing cost of a college is a challenge for the majority of students, but for parents juggling childcare expenses and the cost of school, the burden can be overwhelming,” said Kean (R-21). “This measure can help lighten the load for parents seeking to provide more opportunities and better futures for themselves and their children, allowing them to qualify for more financial aid.”
