Singer Op-Ed: Marijuana taxes should benefit all of New Jersey
The following editorial by Senator Robert Singer (R-30) was published by the Asbury Park Press on November 29, 2020:
New Jersey residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of a constitutional amendment to legalize the personal use of cannabis by adults.
While the legislation to establish a legal market and regulatory scheme for marijuana was expected to be a slam dunk after the ballot measure was approved by a 2-to-1 margin, disagreements over a slew of concerns have caused the process to stall.
In this Asbury Park Press op-ed, Sen. Bob Singer maintains that marijuana taxes should benefit all New Jersey residents and communities. (Pixabay)
Democrats in the Legislature are now squabbling over everything – how much to tax marijuana, how they will split the money, how best to expunge prior convictions, and even whether to lower penalties for “magic mushrooms.”
They’re fighting over adding more taxes on legal pot – in addition to the State and local sales taxes explicitly approved by voters – that could lead to tax rates of 20 to 40 percent or higher for consumers. Republicans have warned that an excessive tax burden could undermine the legal marketplace and lead to lower tax revenues than expected.
Vitale & Singer Condemn Chiropractor Board for Relicensing 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 condemning the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners for renewing 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, issued a joint statement condemning the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners for renewing the professional license of Bryan Bajakian, a convicted sex offender. (SenateNJ.com)
“It is utterly inconceivable that the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners would think it a good idea to reinstate the license of a convicted sex offender who preyed on children. The board’s decision defies common sense and fails to meet the basic standard of public safety. Bryan Bajakian is a predator who should not be placed in a position of trust with patients in a healthcare setting and should not be allowed to threaten anyone again.
Singer Bill Prohibiting Disclosure of Addresses and Phone Numbers of Judges Becomes Law
‘Daniel’s Law’ Was Named for the Son of a Federal Judge Who Was Killed in an Attack on Her NJ Home
A new law, signed today by the Governor and sponsored by Senator Robert Singer protects the safety and privacy of judges and judicial officers.
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Singer that would make it a crime to disclose the address of a judge or judicial officer was signed today by the Governor. (©iStock)
“This measure takes the steps necessary to obscure details about judges that could put them and their families at risk,” said Singer (R-30). “There is so much information exchanged online, and a reckless post or an innocuous comment can, in the wrong hands, be dangerous. Enacting this law will help increase security for judges our legal system relies on.”
Singer-Sponsored Bill, Cleared by Senate, Would Ban Disclosure of Judges’ Home Addresses
‘Daniel’s Law’ Named for Federal Judge’s Son, Killed in an Attack on New Jersey Home
Bipartisan legislation protecting the privacy, the address and the safety of federal, state and municipal judges and judicial officers passed the Senate today.
The Senate approved Senator Singer’s measure protecting the privacy, the addresses and the safety of federal, state and municipal judges and judicial officers. (©iStock)
“The proliferation of information online, and it’s easy accessibility with today’s technology has made it possible to learn so much about unsuspecting individuals,” said Senator Robert Singer, one of the bill sponsors. “Unfortunately, that information can be dangerous in the wrong hands. This bill takes necessary steps to shield details about judges and others in the judicial system that could expose them or put their lives at risk.”
Editorial: Partisan Animosity, Election Chaos Threatens Our Nation
The following editorial by Senator Robert Singer (R-30) was published by the Asbury Park Press on November 10, 2020:
For two centuries, the United States has stood as a splendid model of democratic perfection. The efficiency and transparency of our election system was revered by people across the globe and envied by those who lacked the freedom and power to vote for their own leadership.
In this Asbury Park Press editorial, Sen. Bob Singer warns that partisan animosity and election chaos threaten our nation. (Wikimedia Commons)
Today, somehow, we have become a laughingstock in the eyes of the world. This election has emboldened the critics who have insisted our freedoms cannot be sustained indefinitely.
The civilized elections and smooth, peaceful transitions of power that have defined us as a nation have been supplanted by this: verbal brawling, partisan bickering, contentious name-calling and legal saber-rattling.
30th District lawmakers introduce bill to keep in-person voting for future elections
Senator Robert Singer and Assemblymen Sean Kean and Edward Thomson are sponsoring legislation that would guarantee in-person voting and prohibit automatically distributing mail-in ballots for future elections.
Senator Singer and Assemblymen Kean and Thomson introduced legislation that would guarantee in-person voting, and said voters were confused by changes this year, resulting in delays of election results. (©iStock)
The legislators said confusion surrounding the voting changes and the resulting delays of election results illustrate the need to prevent these changes from being imposed again in future elections.
Singer Update on Grant Program for Small Businesses
As an update to constituents and locally-owned businesses, Senator Robert Singer provided the following information regarding the new New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Small Business Authority’s grant program.
Sen. Robert Singer provided the following information regarding the new NJEDA grant program. (©iStock)
“Struggling small businesses on Main Streets across New Jersey have the opportunity to receive much needed funding to help them stay afloat during these tough times,” said Singer (R-30). “The window to apply is short, so I encourage those eligible to prepare and apply as soon as applications open. Do not miss out on this opportunity to receive assistance!”
Lawmakers Propose Amendment to Guarantee In-Person Voting
Senator Robert Singer and Assemblymen Sean Kean and Edward Thomson plan to introduce an amendment to the state constitution that prevents changes to future elections like those imposed this year.
Senator Singer and Assemblymen Kean and Thomson plan to introduce an amendment to the state constitution that prevents changes to future elections like those imposed this year. (©iStock)
The 30th District lawmakers said they wanted to head-off attempts to make permanent any changes to the voting process, such as restricting in-person voting, that were mandated for this year’s elections.
“The governor and the Democrat Legislature have used this pandemic to dramatically change our elections and restrict our ability to vote in-person,” said Singer. “This legislation is the only way to ensure politicians don’t try to implement these changes for future elections or even attempt to make them permanent.”
Singer Bill to Strengthen Quality of Care in Nursing Homes Advances
Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer to help ensure the safety of nursing homes for residents cleared the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Singer to help ensure the safety of nursing home residents was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. (©iStock)
Singer’s bill, S-2791, would require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to review and evaluate requirements for Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) to contract for the delivery of nursing home services.
Singer Bill to Bolster Support for Adult Day Care Advances
Senator Robert Singer’s measure to heighten support for facilities that provide daytime services to elderly New Jerseyans has advanced in the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee.
Sen. Robert Singer’s measure to heighten support for facilities that provide daytime services to elderly New Jerseyans has advanced. (©iStock)
“Adult day health services are crucial to the care and well-being of New Jersey seniors,” said Singer (R-30). “With more support, these facilities are able to offer more services and personalized care, which can include nursing, nutrition, medication management, and both physical and behavioral therapy. An increase in funding for these providers will help them better assist, protect, and support the elderly throughout our state.”
