Archive for Author: mriser

Dunn sounds alarm on NJ judge shortage’s impact on children

TRENTON, N.J. – Passaic County will soon pause civil and divorce trials like Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren counties because of a severe judge shortage that Assemblywoman Aura Dunn says is endangering children caught in limbo. She is calling on Gov. Phil Murphy and Senate leadership to prioritize the judicial...

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NJ closer to limiting lawsuits censoring free speech, deterring public debate

TRENTON, N.J. – The New Jersey Legislature last week advanced a measure, sponsored by Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney, to protect public discourse from frivolous lawsuits meant to silence critics through costly legal action. If the bill (A4393) is signed by the governor, New Jersey will become the 33rd state...

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Sawyer celebrates state funding to upgrade Salem County’s 911 system

TRENTON, N.J. – An outspoken advocate for upgrading Salem County’s antiquated emergency call center, Assemblywoman Beth Sawyer is celebrating the $2.5 million in the state budget to modernize the 911 system. “I have been fighting for this funding since I took office in January 2022,” Sawyer (R-Gloucester) said, “I promised...

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Assembly approves $2,000 income tax deduction for volunteer firefighters and first responders

TRENTON, N.J. – The Assembly on Friday passed a bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove and Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, providing a $2,000 income tax deduction for volunteer firefighters and first aid or rescue squad members who meet certain qualifications including hours worked and training participation. The bill (A757) delivers...

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Democrats pass different budget bills without amendments

TRENTON, N.J. – Democrats in the Assembly and Senate passed a $54.3 billion state budget Friday afternoon that differed from the one they passed late Wednesday night in their respective budget committees. Amendments were not offered to avoid a government shutdown. “The budget we are voting on today is...

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Assembly advances Kean and Matsikoudis measure protecting veterans seeking benefits from predatory business practices

TRENTON, N.J. – People seeking to profit from helping veterans find and receive their entitled benefits could soon face stiffer regulations under New Jersey law. The Assembly on Friday advanced a bill (A3286/S3292), sponsored by Assemblyman Sean Kean and Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis, prohibiting excessive fees for advising or assisting...

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Flynn and Thomson bill cracking down on repeat car thieves goes to governor’s desk

TRENTON, N.J. – Criminals charged with auto theft more than once during a 90-day period could soon await trial behind bars under a bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn and Assemblyman Ned Thomson and passed by the Assembly Friday. The bill (A5189) rolls back bail reform measures that have...

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Salem County legislator slams deal increasing Danish offshore wind developer’s earnings, consumer energy bills

TRENTON, N.J. – Salem County’s only assemblywoman, Bethanne McCarthy Patrick, said she is speaking up for her constituents by speaking out on a bill diverting money, meant to offset the offshore wind costs to electricity customers, to boost the profits of Danish offshore wind developer, Orsted. The bill (A5651)...

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Democrats adopt GOP amendment to drop criminal liability for cops investigating underage drinking

TRENTON, N.J. – A Republican amendment protecting police against criminal charges for investigating underage drinking was adopted in the Assembly Appropriations Committee Thursday when members considered a bill drafted in response to teen pop-up parties at the Jersey Shore. Democrats agreed to use the language in Assemblywomen Kim Eulner...

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Democrats’ anti-cop agenda voids legislative attempt to control unruly teens at Jersey Shore

TRENTON, N.J. – Democrats tabled a Republican amendment to remove criminal liability for law enforcement officers encountering a minor with alcohol. Assemblyman Robert Auth introduced the amendment empowering police to enforce a proposed law (A5160) increasing penalties for underage drinking that is moving through the Legislature following thousands of...

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