Oroho/Stanfield: State Board of Education Must Stop Hiding Behind Pandemic to Deny Parents Access to Important Meetings
Senate Republicans Call for State Board to Resume Meeting In Person and Allow Public Attendance, Comments
Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho and Senator Jean Stanfield blasted the State Board of Education for continuing to deny the public direct access to its meetings under the guise of “ongoing public health concerns.”
Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho and Senator Jean Stanfield blasted the State Board of Education for continuing to deny the public direct access to its meetings under the guise of ‘ongoing public health concerns.’ (©iStock)
“While the Legislature, local boards of education, and town councils are all back to regular in-person meetings without issue, the State Board of Education continues to use the pandemic as an excuse to meet virtually and limit public access,” said Oroho (R-24). “Parents want and deserve the opportunity to attend and participate in State Board of Education meetings where controversial policies that impact every student across New Jersey are considered and adopted. The only reason for the State Board to keep meeting virtually is to prevent parents from having a strong voice in the process.”
Stanfield Bill Honoring Combat Veterans Earns Support
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that would launch a special license plate recognizing the sacrifices of military members who served in combat was endorsed today by the Senate Transportation Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that would launch a special license plate recognizing the sacrifices of military members who served in combat was endorsed by the Senate Transportation Committee. (Flickr)
“These plates are a very respectful way of honoring the brave men and women who volunteered to serve our nation and risked their lives in combat action,” said Stanfield (R-8). “The freedoms we all enjoy as Americans depend on the contributions of courageous service members who answer the call when trouble breaks out around the globe. The special plates will serve as public reminders that many of our nation’s heroes reside in our hometowns here in New Jersey.”
Stanfield, Torrissi & Umba Collecting Christmas Candy Bags for Foster Children
Senator Jean Stanfield and assembly members Michael Torrissi and Brandon Umba are aiming to brighten the holiday season for foster children for their District Day of Service in December.
Sen. Jean Stanfield, Asm. Michael Torrissi, and Asm. Brandon Umba are collecting candy that they will put in holiday bags to support Foster the Family’s yearly ‘Breakfast with Santa’ Christmas Party. (Pixabay)
The 8th District Legislators are collecting candy that they will put in holiday bags to support nonprofit Foster the Family’s yearly ‘Breakfast with Santa’ Christmas Party.
“Every kid deserves to have a special Christmas. Foster the Family makes sure that happens for children who are in disadvantaged and difficult situations. We’re honored to be in a situation where we can help them give back,” Stanfield said.
Senate Clears Stanfield Resolution that Would Update Funding for Environmental Infrastructure Projects
The New Jersey Senate advanced bipartisan legislation today sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that would approve the updated Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Plan of the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB).
The New Jersey Senate advanced legislation sponsored by Sen. Jean Stanfield that would approve the updated FY2023 Financial Plan of the NJIB. (Pixabay)
“Without the modified financing provided by this bill, these expensive, but necessary environmental infrastructure projects could be postponed for years,” said Stanfield (R-8). “This funding will make sure everything is completed in a timely manner and will protect the flow of clean drinking water to communities throughout the state.”
Committee Approves Stanfield Bill Declaring New Jersey a “Purple Heart State”
New Jersey may soon join West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington in being officially named a “Purple Heart State” thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield and approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
New Jersey may soon be officially named a “Purple Heart State” thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Jean Stanfield and approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (Wikimedia Commons)
“New Jersey’s veterans and active duty service members have fought selflessly to preserve our nation’s freedom, with many being wounded or killed while in the line of duty,” said Stanfield (R-8). “Purple Heart Medal recipients from New Jersey have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by the residents of our state. By declaring New Jersey a ‘Purple Heart State,’ my legislation will honor these service members and their contributions.”
Stanfield Bill Advances, Helping Veterans Access Care They Need
Senator Jean Stanfield’s legislation to help struggling New Jersey veterans get the psychiatric care they need was endorsed today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Sen. Jean Stanfield’s legislation to help struggling New Jersey veterans get the psychiatric care they need was endorsed by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (Facebook/173rd Airborne Brigade)
Stanfield’s bill, S-2558, would make it easier for veterans to qualify for assistance with treatment costs by excluding veterans benefits they receive from calculations to determine their personal payment obligations.
“Almost 400,000 veterans receiving military disability payments, pensions, and other benefits make their homes here in New Jersey,” said Stanfield (R-8). “An estimated 5 percent of them live in poverty, and more than 550 are homeless. On top of that, thousands are living with service-related challenges including post-traumatic stress disorder.
Committee Clears Stanfield Resolution that Would Update Funding for Environmental Infrastructure Projects
The Senate Environment and Energy Committee advanced bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that would approve the updated Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Plan of the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB).
The Senate Environment and Energy Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Sen. Jean Stanfield that would approve the updated FY2023 Financial Plan of the NJIB. (Pixabay)
“Environmental infrastructure project loans include millions in funding for clean water projects for the Evesham MUA, Medford Lakes, and Pemberton Township in the 8th District,” said Stanfield (R-8). “The updated financial plan authorized by this legislation will not only create jobs in New Jersey, but will preserve and protect the environment—which is so critical to our quality of life.”
Stanfield Bill Supporting Emergency Ambulance Services Advances
Measure Would Increase the Minimum Reimbursement Rate for Transportation
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that would help ensure the availability of ambulance transportation in an emergency was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jean Stanfield that would help ensure the availability of ambulance transportation in an emergency was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. (Pixabay)
The bipartisan bill, S-2946, also sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton (D-7), would increase the minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for basic life support emergency ambulance transportation services to $200, an increase of $142.
Committee Approves Bipartisan Stanfield Bill that Would Provide Benefits to Veterans in Need
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield (R – Burlington) and Senator Joseph Cryan (D – Union) that would expand benefits to military veterans with Traumatic Brain Injuries was approved by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Jean Stanfield that would expand benefits to military veterans with Traumatic Brain Injuries was approved by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (©iStock)
“Many veterans have received ‘less than honorable discharges,’ also known as bad papers, as a result of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or Military Sexual Trauma (MST),” said Stanfield (R-8). “Too many veterans have been shamed and left without the federal benefits they earned. These veterans also lost their rights to state benefits. This bill will align New Jersey with several states that have passed similar laws, and help ensure that our veterans receive the state benefits and respect that they deserve.”
8th District Legislators Urge Public to Voice Opposition to Road Permits in Wharton State Forest
In recent virtual public meetings, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has floated the creation of permits for using the roads in Wharton State Forest.
In recent virtual public meetings, the NJ DEP has floated the creation of permits for using the roads in Wharton State Forest. District 8 lawmakers chastised the DEP for holding virtual meetings on such an important topic to the people of their district. (NJ Division of Parks & Forestry)
“Visitors and residents of the Pine Barrens have never had to pay to use the roads in Wharton State Forest and shouldn’t have to at any point moving forward,” said 8th Legislative District Senator Jean Stanfield. “This is government overreach and something that New Jersey residents already pay for with their highest-in-the-nation taxes.”
