Editorial: Three Health Care Issues N.J. Must Watch
The following editorial on healthcare policy by Senator Robert Singer was published by the Asbury Park Press on March 9, 2017:
Sen. Robert Singer says it’s critical for state policymakers and residents to be aware of several potential issues that could impact the quality, cost or access to health care for New Jersey residents. (©iStock)
With much discussion focused on possible federal changes to the Affordable Care Act, it’s critical for state policymakers and residents to be aware of several other potential issues that could impact the quality, cost or access to health care for New Jersey residents.
Here are three to watch:
Singer Bill to Add Student Loan Instruction to High School Graduation Requirements Advances
All high school students would receive instruction on available State and federal student loans, as well as student loan debt under legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) and advanced by the Senate Budget Committee.
Sen. Robert Singer’s bill would add instruction on student loans, including how to pay them back, as a high school graduation requirement. (SenateNJ.com)
“No one should rush into signing a contract that could cost them tens of thousands of dollars without fully understanding the repercussions of making such an enormous decision,” Senator Singer said. “High school students statewide are already required to take a financial literacy course in order to graduate. Without a doubt, learning how to get a student loan and more importantly, how to pay it back, is essential to understanding how to manage money in today’s world.”
Singer Bill to Improve Storm Preparedness Passed by Senate
Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-Ocean) to improve storm preparedness and mitigate the damage done by severe weather events, like Superstorm Sandy, was passed by the New Jersey Senate.
Sen. Robert Singer’s bill to improve storm preparedness was passed by the New Jersey Senate. (U.S. Air Force/Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen)
“We need to stay on our toes and constantly work to ensure we are ready for the next big storm,” Senator Singer said. “This legislation will make it so our storm preparedness plans are constantly evolving. We’ll be able to take a longer view and make sure we have the best practices in place as circumstances change and we gather new information.”
Singer to Withdraw Legislation Opposed by NJAC that Would Have Helped Counties to Implement Bail Reforms
Senator Says, “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished”
Senator Robert Singer (R-30) announced that legislation he sponsors to help counties implement recently enacted criminal justice reforms would be withdrawn in response to vocal opposition from the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC).
Sen. Bob Singer announced that he will withdraw S-2933 in response to opposition from the New Jersey Association of Counties. (©iStock)
“I introduced this legislation to help counties account for the one-time implementation costs that were expected as a result of recently enacted bail reforms,” said Singer. “It seems that no good deed goes unpunished, however. Despite my effort to help our counties, the NJAC doesn’t want the legislative relief that I’ve offered, so I’ll withdraw the bill.”
Advanced: Singer Bill to Support Individuals with Special Needs
Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-Ocean) to help individuals with special needs live more independent lives was advanced by the Senate Health Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer to help people with special needs live more independent lives was advanced by a Senate panel. (©iStock)
“Individuals with special needs can live normal lives. They just need a chance,” Senator Singer said. “I think we can give them that chance by providing them more opportunities for housing in assisted living facilities across the state.”
Singer Bill to Improve Storm Preparedness Passed by Senate Panel
Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer to improve storm preparedness and mitigate the damage done by severe events, like Superstorm Sandy, was advanced by the Senate Law & Public Safety Committee.
Sen. Robert Singer’s bill to establish a county storm preparedness program was advanced by a Senate panel. (U.S. Air Force/Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen)
“Sandy was something that, sadly, we weren’t prepared for, and people in our shore communities are still trying to get things back to normal more than four years later,” Senator Singer said. “However, we’ve spent that time learning from our mistakes and finding ways to ensure we aren’t caught off guard by another superstorm. This bill has the potential to protect vulnerable communities from the kind of damage we saw in the aftermath of Sandy.”
Bucco, Singer Bills to Modernize Government Services, Provide Tax Relief Pass Senate Panel
The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee passed a bill sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-Morris, Somerset), as well as another piece of legislation sponsored by Bucco and Senator Robert Singer (R-Ocean), to encourage the modernization of local governments and provide opportunities to cut back on property tax bills.
A Senate panel passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Bucco and Sen. Singer to modernize local government and reduce property taxes. (SenateNJ.com)
“Sadly, many individual governments are often behind in their use of modern technology because the cost to make these improvements can be prohibitive, especially in a state where taxpayers are already being asked to pay too much,” Senator Singer said. “We want to bring services into the 21st Century by creating opportunities for local governments to work together to finance these projects.”
Singer Announces $1.8 Million Project to Fix Stormwater Systems Damaged by Sandy
Following the signing of the legislation to fund improvements through the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust, Senator Robert Singer (R- Monmouth, Ocean) announced a $1.8 million project to repair infrastructure and protect clean water in Manasquan Borough.
Sen. Robert Singer announced a $1.8-million project to protect clean water in Manasquan. (Pixabay)
“The stormwater management systems being addressed by this project were severely damaged in Superstorm Sandy,” Senator Singer said. “Improvements to these pumping stations and bulkheads are vital to ensuring that Manasquan is shielded from future flooding. I’m glad we could secure NJEIT funding to will help protect clean water for our residents.”
Senate Approves Kean, Singer HESAA Protection Bills
The New Jersey Senate has advanced bills sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Senator Robert Singer requiring HESAA to cease aggressive collection practices and establish programs that will enable borrowers to afford to pay back their student loans.
Sen. Tom Kean’s bill protects borrowers by requiring HESAA to get a court order before taking certain actions. Sen. Robert Singer’s bill requires HESAA to establish programs to help students afford to pay back their loans. (SenateNJ)
Senator Kean’s bill, S-2510, requires the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) to obtain a court order prior to using certain collection practices for defaulted loans under the NJCLASS Loan Program.
“I have heard from far too many hardworking college graduates who fell victim to aggressive loan collection practices,” Senator Kean said. “We don’t want to discourage more students from applying to college. HESAA should not be able to engage in drastic measures, such as garnishing wages or revoking professional licenses, without some measure of accountability. Requiring HESAA to get a court order before taking these actions is the right and fair thing to do. ”
Advanced: Singer Bill to Study, Improve New Jersey’s Tourism Industry
Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-Ocean, Monmouth) to find new ways to promote and improve New Jersey’s tourism destinations was advanced by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.
Sen. Robert Singer’s bill to strengthen New Jersey’s tourism industry was advanced by a Senate panel. (Wikimedia Commons)
“New Jersey has the attractions and facilities it needs to draw in people from across the country and around the world. We have the best beaches, amazing amusement parks and some absolutely world class sporting facilities,” Senator Singer said. “But to grow our tourism economy we need more than just nice attractions. We need to promote our state for things like convention and agricultural tourism. If we take a closer look, I think we’ll be able to show people that we are more than just a great place to spend your summer vacation.”
