Kean Statement on Passing of Superior Court Judge Peter Barnes
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean issued the following statement on the passing of Superior Court Judge Peter J. Barnes III:
Statement from Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean on the passing of Superior Court Judge Peter J. Barnes III. (CC0 Public Domain)
“For the past 25 years, Judge Barnes has honorably served New Jersey. From his time as a councilman in Edison to his recent service on the bench, Peter lived up to the family tradition of public service exemplified by his father and brother.
Kean Statement on the Passing of Sen. Gerald Cardinale
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean issued the following statement on the passing of Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-39):
Sen. Gerry Cardinale passed away this morning at age 86. Click for high resolution. (SenateNJ.com)
“Our Senate Republican family is deeply saddened by the passing of our longest serving member, Senator Gerald Cardinale.
“Gerry, the dean of our caucus, was a trusted voice in the Senate for nearly four decades. Generations of Republicans and Democrats who served alongside him in the Legislature were guided by his sage advice. We are all better legislators for having served with him.
“Please join us today in praying for Gerry and his family. Rest in peace, Senator, and thank you for everything you have done for New Jersey.”
Kean Legislation Helping Underrepresented Students in STEM Programs Clears Senate
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation requiring new guidance in the recruitment of underrepresented students for STEM programs was approved by the New Jersey Senate.
Sen. Kean’s legislation requiring new guidance in the recruitment of underrepresented students for STEM programs was approved by the New Jersey Senate. (Pixabay)
“STEM fields are some of the fastest-growing in the country and students who would like to pursue a STEM career should be able to do so regardless of their gender or ethnicity,” said Kean (R-21). “My legislation will make certain that colleges and universities focus on ways to recruit historically underrepresented students in STEM programs.”
Bipartisan Bill Unveiled to Provide $300 Million in EDA Grants, Loans to Small Businesses, Nonprofits to Spur Economic Recovery, Job Growth in Wake of COVID-19
Addiego, Sweeney, Gopal, O’Scanlon, Testa and Kean Team Up to Sponsor Legislation Expanding EDA Capacity to Help Small Business Bounce Back
Bipartisan legislation providing the state Economic Development Authority with $300 million for grants and loans to help small businesses and nonprofits rebound from the COVID-19 crisis was introduced today by Senator Dawn Addiego, Senate President Steve Sweeney, Senators Vin Gopal, Declan O’Scanlon, and Michael Testa, and Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean.
Bipartisan legislation providing the NJEDA with $300 million for grants and loans to help small businesses and nonprofits rebound from the COVID-19 crisis has been introduced. (Pixabay)
The bill would provide aid not only to small businesses and nonprofits that lost revenue during the economic shutdowns and slowdowns caused by the coronavirus crisis, but also to those whose business opening plans were disrupted by COVID-19 and those who fill vacant storefronts or under-utilized space with new operations.
Panel Approves Kean/Corrado Bill to Address Shortage of Election Poll Workers
Measure Would Exempt Wages from Affecting Unemployment Compensation
Poll workers are essential to the in-person voting that exemplifies the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans, and legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Senator Kristin Corrado would help ensure an adequate supply of election-day help.
Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Sen. Kristin Corrado would help ensure an adequate supply of election-day help by preventing the compensation from impacting unemployment benefits. (©iStock)
The bill, S-3054, approved by the Senate Labor Committee today, would exempt the wages earned by poll workers from affecting an individual’s unemployment compensation.
Panel Approves Kean Bill Creating Advisory Council to Protect Patients of Rare Diseases
Medical Conditions Can Increase Vulnerability to COVID
There are more than 7,000 relatively unknown and difficult to diagnose rare diseases, and there is growing concern that many of these relatively unknown illnesses can make victims more susceptible to the coronavirus.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s bill, advanced today by a Senate committee, would ensure those suffering from more than 7,000 rare diseases receive suitable care by establishing the New Jersey Rare Disease Advisory Council. (©iStock)
Legislation (S-2682) sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and approved today by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee would ensure those suffering from unusual conditions receive suitable care by establishing the New Jersey Rare Disease Advisory Council.
Senate Republicans to Launch Independent Hearings on Murphy Administration’s Flawed COVID-19 Response
Hearings Will Focus on Nursing & Veterans Home Deaths, MVC & Unemployment Failures, Destruction of Small Businesses
Senate Republicans will hold independent hearings into the Murphy Administration’s flawed response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide impacted residents and families the opportunity to share their stories and ongoing concerns.
Senate Republicans will hold independent hearings into the Murphy Administration’s flawed response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (SenateNJ.com)
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean has appointed Sen. Joe Pennacchio (R-26) to lead the hearings, alongside Sen. Kristin Corrado (R-40), Sen. Declan O’Scanlon (R-13), and Sen. Michael Testa (R-1).
“Since May, Senate Republicans have sought a bipartisan investigation to understand the policy and management failures of the Murphy Administration that led to preventable deaths, destroyed businesses and jobs, and left millions of New Jerseyans without access to important services and support,” said Kean (R-21). “While the Senate Democratic Majority has blocked our efforts to form a select committee to investigate these failures using the full oversight powers of the Legislature, we will move forward with independent hearings to provide people the opportunity to tell their stories and share their concerns about the State’s failed response to COVID-19.”
Senator Tom Kean Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. has announced that he will not seek re-election to the State Senate. Kean will serve out his term in the 21st legislative district as Leader of the Senate Republican caucus.
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. has announced that he will not seek re-election to the State Senate. (SenateNJ.com)
“Public service will always be a part of who I am and how I live my life, but after thoughtful discussion with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election for the State Senate in the 21st legislative district,” said Kean. “It has been an honor to serve these communities and I will always cherish the countless friendships and memories we have made together. I am committed to continuing a bipartisan approach as a leader throughout the remainder of this term and will work every day to deliver solutions for my constituents.”
Kean Legislation to Help Fight Human Trafficking Signed into Law
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation requiring new posters to be developed and displayed in various places to raise awareness of human trafficking was signed today by Governor Murphy.
Sen. Tom Kean’s bill requiring new posters to be developed and posted to raise awareness of human trafficking was signed into law today. (National Human Trafficking Hotline)
“I am proud that this legislation will be enacted today, especially during Human Trafficking Awareness Month,” said Kean (R-21). “The more we raise awareness of human trafficking, including what it looks like and where it happens, the harder it will be for traffickers to get away with their despicable crimes.”
Kean Bill Targeting Non-Functioning Government Bodies Gains Senate Approval
To Remain Active, Authorities, Boards and Commissions Would Be Required to Meet at Least Once Annually
Legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. that would shut down do-nothing advisory groups was approved today by the Senate.
The Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean that would shut down do-nothing advisory groups. (SenateNJ.com)
“Dormant boards and authorities are useless to the State and the taxpayers,” said Kean (R-21). “If a government-established body doesn’t conduct business, fails to accomplish anything, and hides in the shadows, there is no need to retain it. We can eliminate these fruitless entities and reduce bureaucratic paralysis.”
