Kean Statement on Port Authority Bus Terminal Expansion Plans
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, a member of the Port Authority Bus Terminal Bi-State Elected Officials Working Group, released the following statement on today’s announcement regarding plans to expand the Port Authority Bus Terminal:
Sen. Tom Kean, a member of the Port Authority Bus Terminal Bi-State Elected Officials Working Group, reacts to news of plans to expand the terminal. (Flickr)
“After years of advocacy, I am relieved to finally see plans for an expansion of the Port Authority Bus Terminal move forward today. It’s the right and essential thing to do for the tens of thousands of commuters who rely on the terminal to get to and from work safely.
“We will continue to fight for the infrastructure upgrades that are critical to keeping our region a beacon of opportunity and a national engine of economic growth, including this long overdue expansion, and the Gateway Tunnel.
Senate Approves Sweeney/Kean Resolution Establishing Special Committee for Economic Growth
The Senate today approved a Senate resolution sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean establishing the “Senate Select Committee on Economic Growth Strategies” to identify the best strategies, policies and practices to create jobs, attract investments and generate long-term economic opportunities throughout the state.
The Senate approved a Sweeney/Kean resolution establishing the Senate Select Committee on Economic Growth Strategies to identify the best strategies, policies and practices to create jobs, attract investments and generate long-term economic opportunities throughout the state. (Pixabay)
The Senate Resolution, SR-139, creates a bipartisan, seven-member committee to evaluate the state’s economic development programs to ensure their continued effectiveness. The Senate President will appoint the committee members from the Senate, comprised of four Democrats and three Republicans.
“With a highly educated workforce and favorable location, there is no reason that New Jersey should struggle with economic development,” said Senator Kean. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many headlines of employers large and small leaving the Garden State for other places. It’s clear that we need to understand what the problems are if we are to offer effective and long-term fixes.”
Kean: SDA Questions Still Must Be Answered Following Delgado-Polanco’s Resignation
Says Murphy Administration Has Not Been Transparent on Employment Matters Preventing Critical Government Reforms
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean said representatives of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) should be prepared to answer questions about the agency’s operations and employment practices at upcoming Senate Budget Committee hearings following today’s resignation of chief executive officer Lizette Delgado-Polanco.
Sen. Tom Kean said representative of the Schools Development Authority should be prepared to answer outstanding questions about the agency’s employment practices at upcoming budget committee hearings following the resignation of the SDA’s chief executive officer. (SenateNJ.com)
“The resignation of Lizette Delgado-Polanco should not be viewed as a ‘get out of jail free’ card for either the SDA or the Murphy Administration,” said Kean. “The agency should be prepared to send someone to the Senate Budget Committee on Tuesday who is capable of answering the outstanding questions about patronage hires and firings and other important operational matters that Ms. Delgado-Polcanco refused to answer at previous hearings.”
Kean to Murphy: NJT Commuters on Raritan Valley Line Deserve to Know When Direct Service Will Be Restored
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean said Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Transit must give Raritan Valley Line commuters a solid timeline for the restoration of direct one-seat rail service to Manhattan.
Sen. Tom Kean said Gov. Phil Murphy and NJ Transit must give Raritan Valley Line commuters a timeline for the restoration of direct rail service to Manhattan. (SenateNJ.com)
“I’m extremely disappointed that Raritan Valley Line commuters have not been given any kind of update on the restoration of direct service to Manhattan,” said Kean. “After months of disruption to their lives and inadequate communication from both the Governor and New Jersey Transit, our commuters deserve solid answers on when they should expect to have their one-seat ride again.”
Kean Mourns Passing of Former Senate Minority Leader S. Thomas Gagliano
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean issued the following statement on the passing of former Senate Minority Leader S. Thomas Gagliano:
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s statement on the passing of former Senate Minority Leader S. Thomas Gagliano. (CC0 Public Domain)
“Senator Tom Gagliano exemplified public service throughout his distinguished career. From his days serving in local government in Oceanport to his leadership roles in the Senate and at NJ Transit, Tom will be remembered for his dedication to improving lives in his beloved Monmouth County community and all of New Jersey.”
Kean Legislation to Boost NJ’s Non-Profits Approved by Senate
Measure Creates State Income Tax Deduction for Charitable Giving
Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean that would provide a boost to state charities, offer relief to taxpayers, and increase support for communities in need has been approved by the New Jersey Senate.
Sen. Tom Kean was joined by advocates from the non-profit community for the Senate passage of legislation creating a state income tax deduction for certain charitable contributions. Pictured from left: Adam Perle, ArtPride; Jacob Toporek, NJ State Association of Jewish Federations; Samantha DeAlmeida, American Cancer Society; Sen. Tom Kean; and Linda Czipo, Center for Non-Profits. (SenateNJ.com)
The bill, S-2179, creates a state income tax deduction for contributions made to qualified New Jersey-based charities.
“This legislation will provide a significant boost to the non-profit charitable organizations that provide critical services to seniors, disabled residents, and families in need across New Jersey,” said Kean (R-21). “At the same time, we’re creating new opportunities for residents to obtain tax relief and for government to achieve savings. This legislation is long overdue.”
Kean Bill Putting Physical Healthcare and Behavioral Healthcare on Equal Footing Passes Senate
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-21) to enhance enforcement and oversight of behavioral health parity laws has passed the New Jersey Senate.
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Tom Kean to enhance enforcement and oversight of behavioral health parity laws has passed the New Jersey Senate. (Flickr)
“New Jerseyans should be able to access behavioral healthcare with the same ease as the treatment you would get for a physical illness or injury,” Kean said. “I am committed to improving access to behavioral healthcare throughout the Garden State. We will continue to fight to improve access to quality care for our residents.”
Now Law: Kean Bill Creates Driverless Car Task Force
Legislation Will Invigorate NJ’s Innovation Economy
Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean to establish an autonomous vehicle task force has been signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tom Kean to establish an autonomous vehicle task force has been signed into law on March 18, 2019. (WikiMedia)
“Driverless cars will be part of America’s transportation system future,” Kean (R-21) said. “Autonomous vehicle innovations are sparking a new career field with endless possibilities for our workforce. Establishing a multifaceted task force to study and recommend the best policies for driverless cars will lead to new jobs and high consumer safety standards, so that we can prevent injuries and save lives.”
Kean’s Resolution Honoring Doulas Passes Senate
The State Senate has passed Senator Republican Leader Tom Kean’s (R-21) legislation establishing “Doula Appreciation Week,” in recognition of the support and dedication these professionals provide for mothers and babies in New Jersey.
The State Senate has passed Sen. Tom Kean’s legislation establishing “Doula Appreciation Week,” in recognition of the support and dedication these professionals provide for mothers and babies. (©iStock)
“Doulas provide comfort and care to new moms and babies before, during, and after birth,” Kean said. “Studies show that working with a doula can prevent many labor complications, resulting in healthier and happier outcomes for both mother and child. These invaluable professionals are true lifesavers, whose compassion and expertise are leading to smoother progressions from pregnancy to parenthood.”
Kean/Cunningham Bill Investing in Student Innovators Advances
Creates ‘Supporting Educational and Entrepreneurial Development’ Program for NJ College Projects
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Senator Sandra Cunningham to establish the “Supporting Educational and Entrepreneurial Development” (S.E.E.D.) Program, to invest in innovative college student projects passed the Senate Higher Education Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tom Kean and Sen. Sandra Cunningham to establish the “Supporting Educational and Entrepreneurial Development” (S.E.E.D.) Program, to invest in innovative college student projects passed the Senate Higher Education Committee. (Pixabay)
“New Jersey’s college students are participating in truly groundbreaking research projects,” Kean (R-21) said. “We should encourage these pioneers to continue to partner with their college advisers – and we need to get our schools to create more opportunities for them as well. The S.E.E.D. program will attract prospective students from across the world, reinvigorating New Jersey’s reputation as the ‘Innovation State.”
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