Singer Asks Murphy for Clarification on COVID-19 Restrictions for Community Swimming Pools
With summer rapidly approaching, Senator Robert Singer asked Governor Phil Murphy to clarify how changes to executive orders on COVID-19 restrictions will apply to community swimming pools.
Sen. Robert Singer asked Gov. Phil Murphy to clarify how changes to executive orders on COVID-19 restrictions will apply to community swimming pools. (Pixabay)
“As vaccination rates increase and infection rates decline, New Jerseyans are eager to get back to normal this summer and back to their local pool,” said Singer (R-30). “Unfortunately, there’s a lot of confusion over executive orders that have changed, are unclear, or conflict with other orders. With Memorial Day just weeks away, it’s imperative that Governor Murphy clarify how community swimming pools may operate. I would suggest that many of the pool restrictions put in place last summer are no longer necessary given the improving trends, vaccinations, and everything we now know about how little transmission occurs outdoors.”
To address those concerns, Singer sent the following letter (click here for PDF) to the governor today:
Dear Governor Murphy,
Over the past 14 months, the people of New Jersey have suffered tremendously because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as infection rates decline, and vaccination rates increase, it is time for us to start returning to normal. Considering the recent announcement that you will be lifting some of the COVID-19 restrictions contained in the over 100 executive orders issued since last March, it is safe to say you agree to some extent.
Currently, there is far too much confusion over the restrictions you have established, making it difficult for many to comply. As the summer months approach and people begin to emerge from their homes, it is imperative that New Jersey residents, organizations, and businesses have a clear sense of what is required of them. Of particular concern for many of my constituents, is the status of community pools in common interest communities, such as age-restricted communities, condominium developments, and others.
While perhaps well-intended, many of the pool restrictions currently in place are arbitrary, unclear, and not necessarily supported by science. For example, the rule that lap swimming may only be done in one direction per lane serves no apparent purpose and puts pool staff and community associations in the position of having to enforce overly burdensome and unnecessary guidelines. As we begin to emerge from the worst of this devastating pandemic, I implore you to take another look at this issue. We desperately need clear guidance and reasonable policies that are not overly restrictive.
The people of New Jersey are to be commended for their tireless efforts throughout the pandemic to protect and care for one another. Now that their hard work is starting to pay off, please help me to ensure that this summer we can all begin to heal from the overwhelming challenges we have faced these last few months.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Singer
Singer and Corrado Legislation to Honor Veterans and their Families Signed into Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer and Senator Kristin Corrado to aid and honor deceased military members and their families was signed into law today by Governor Murphy.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer and Sen. Kristin Corrado to aid and honor deceased military members and their families was signed into law. (©iStock)
“I am pleased that this legislation was signed today. All veterans and their families deserve to be laid to rest with dignity,” said Singer (R-30). “Knowing that there are unclaimed remains of deceased veterans, their spouses, and their dependents sitting in funeral homes or being buried without honor is heartbreaking. This legislation would ensure the remains of veterans’ loved ones can be claimed by a qualifying veterans’ organization, so they can receive the proper burial they deserve.”
Singer, Kean & Thomson Launching Grassroots Effort to Fix New Marijuana Laws
Legislators Urging Colleagues to Enlist Towns, Counties & School Districts to Address Concerns
Senator Robert Singer, Assemblyman Sean Kean, and Assemblyman Ned Thomson (all R-30) are urging legislators who have concerns with provisions of the state’s new marijuana laws to join them in a grassroots effort to advocate for legislative reforms.
Sen. Robert Singer, Asm. Sean Kean, and Asm. Ned Thomson are urging legislators who have concerns with provisions of the state’s new marijuana laws to join them in a grassroots effort to advocate for legislative reforms. (Pixabay)
“People are starting to realize some of the concerning provisions of New Jersey’s new marijuana laws that will cause real problems if we don’t address them now,” said Senator Singer. “Parents are worried that parental notification is now prohibited when kids are caught with drugs or alcohol. They have a right to know if their 12-year-old is smoking pot. Police officers are concerned that the new laws treat them like criminals. They’re not the enemy and we shouldn’t hamstring their efforts to keep kids away from drugs and alcohol.”
Bipartisan Bill to Create Special Education Unit Advances from Committee
Legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Senators Steven Oroho and Robert Singer which would create a special education unit within the Office of Administrative Law, cleared the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today.
Legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Senators Steven Oroho and Robert Singer which would create a special education unit within the Office of Administrative Law, cleared the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. (Flickr)
“The unique challenges of educating students with special needs lead to disagreements between concerned parents and school districts that often end up in court,” said Senator Oroho (R-Morris/Sussex/Warren). “Long delays only add to the frustration and can interfere with the development and learning opportunities of children. The unit established by this legislation would increase efficiency and help all parties with more timely decisions and resolutions.”
Singer Introduces Resolution Calling for Convention of States, Balanced Federal Budget
In response to skyrocketing national debt and waning public confidence in political leaders in Washington, D.C., State Senator Robert Singer has introduced a resolution urging Congress to call for an Article V Convention of States.
Sen. Robert Singer introduces a resolution urging Congress to call for an Article V Convention of States. Priorities would include requiring a balanced federal budget and imposing term limits. (Pixabay)
The proposed convention would be held for the purpose of requiring a balanced federal budget, imposing term limits, and revising the method for awarding electoral votes.
“Our nation is headed in the wrong direction and this will help turn it around,” said Singer (R-30). “Imprudent and irresponsible federal spending is to blame for a crushing national debt that threatens our economy and national stability in the near future. A balanced federal budget will help control wasteful spending and strengthen the nation’s financial foundation.”
Vaccination Distribution Plans Should Include Senior Communities Say Shore Lawmakers
Sen. Robert Singer and Assemblymen Sean Kean and Ned Thomson (R-Monmouth/Ocean) are calling on Gov. Phil Murphy to ensure vaccinations can be provided in senior communities and to allocate the resources needed for such a program.
Sen. Robert Singer, Asm. Sean Kean, and Asm. Ned Thomson are calling on Gov. Phil Murphy to ensure vaccinations can be provided in senior communities. (Pixabay)
“We have heard from many constituents who live in adult communities (age 55 and older) that they would like to be vaccinated at a site within their community,” said Singer. “Many of the people who live in these age restricted communities are older and many do not drive or drive long distances.”
Vitale & Singer Harshly Condemn Chiropractor Board for Reinstating License of Sex Offender
Senator Joe Vitale, chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, and Senator Robert Singer, the ranking Republican member of the committee, issued the following joint statement harshly condemning the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners for reinstating the professional license of Bryan Bajakian, a convicted sex offender:
Sen. Joe Vitale, chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, and Sen. Robert Singer, the ranking Republican member of the committee, harshly condemned the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners for reinstating the professional license of a convicted sex offender. (SenateNJ.com)
“This is a decision that defies common sense and ignores the safety of the public the board is responsible for protecting. Anyone who thinks it’s a good idea to reinstate the license of a convicted sex offender who preyed on children can’t be trusted to exercise their oversight responsibilities, or to even to heed their own mission statement directing the board to ‘protect the health, safety and welfare of the people of New Jersey.’
Corrado and Singer Legislation to Honor Veterans and their Families Passes Senate
Legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado and Senator Robert Singer to aid and honor deceased military members and their families was approved by the New Jersey Senate.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Kristin Corrado and Sen. Robert Singer to aid and honor deceased military members and their families has passed the Senate. (©iStock)
“Memorials for members of the military, and their loved ones, should be celebrations of life that honor the sacrifices these families made on behalf of all American families,” said Corrado (R-40). “Those who devoted their life to protecting our country should never be forgotten. Ensuring close family members of veterans are buried in a dignified manner is the least we can do.”
Singer Bill Making Schools Safer for Students with Allergies Clears Education Committee
The Senate Education Committee has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer to ensure that schools develop an individualized health care plan for students with life-threatening allergies.
The Senate Education Committee approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer to ensure that schools develop an individualized health care plan for students with life-threatening allergies. (SenateNJ.com)
“This common-sense bill will save lives and allow our K-12 schools to take the necessary steps to ensure the general safety of all students with life-threatening allergies,” said Singer (R-30). “With the proper information and training, teachers and staff will be able to provide immediate care to students who are severely allergic to things such as bee stings, peanuts, and shellfish.”
Singer Bill Requiring Healthcare Workers to Report Infectious Disease Outbreaks to Employers Clears Senate Committee
Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer requiring healthcare workers to tell their employer of infectious disease outbreaks at other facilities where they are employed was advanced by the Senate Health, Human Services & Senior Citizens Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer requiring healthcare workers to tell their employer of infectious disease outbreaks at other facilities where they are employed clears Senate Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“Earlier this year, the Manatt Health Report stressed that individuals who work at multiple healthcare facilities may unknowingly contribute to the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases,” Singer (R-30) said. “It’s clear that we need to increase transparency and communication between healthcare employees and their employers to reduce the spread of transmissible illnesses and keep New Jersey residents safe. This bill will ensure that healthcare facilities are not kept in the dark about potential staff exposures and know when additional precautions should be taken.”
