Bucco and Singer Call for Reinstatement of Death Penalty for Child and Cop Killers
Following the recent violent killings of a Newark girl and a Jersey City police officer, Senators Anthony Bucco and Robert Singer today called for reinstatement of the death penalty in New Jersey for those who murder a child, kill a police officer in the line of duty or commit a terrorist attack that results in fatalities.
Police have said Cheyanne Bond, a 17-year-old honor student and cheerleader, was forced to kneel by her killers and shot execution style in the back of the head. Jersey City Police Officer Melvin Santiago was shot in the head while responding to a report of an armed robbery at a Walgreens.
Singer Proposes Amendments to Legislation Reforming Law Permitting Establishment of Employer Managed Health Benefits Programs
Senator Robert Singer, the sponsor of legislation making changes to the law permitting self –funded Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements (“MEWAs”), today announced a series of amendments he intends to make to the bill to address concerns that have been raised by interested parties since the bill was first introduced and passed unanimously (79-0) by the General Assembly.
MEWAs are an alternative to traditional commercial insurance that permits employers, especially small- and mid-sized businesses, to band together to obtain economies of scale to help them reduce their health insurance costs and provide a greater range of health benefits to their employees. Senator Singer’s legislation, S2220, is intended to promote the availability of health care by strengthening the ability of MEWAs to compete with traditional health insurance carriers and self insured entities to provide those benefits at a reasonable cost.
Singer Alimony Reform Legislation Ending Lifetime Awards Passes Senate
The Senate today adopted legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer reforming New Jersey’s alimony laws to eliminate lifetime awards and establish guidelines for the amount and duration of awards.
“The state’s alimony laws are out of touch with today’s society and unfairly overburden spouses with crippling lifetime awards,” said Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean). “As both spouses often work in today’s family structure the courts should not be operating with an assumption that either spouse will be dependent on the other for the rest of their lives after a divorce.”
Senate Passes Singer/Addiego Bill to Require Study of State’s Looming Doctor Shortage
The Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) and Senator Dawn Marie Addiego (R-Burlington, Camden, Atlantic) to convene a planning summit to find ways to address an expected shortage of physicians practicing in the Garden State.
“Studies show New Jersey in the coming years will face a significant gap in the demand for care versus the number of physicians practicing in family care and important specialties,” said Singer, who also sponsors legislation to incentivize doctors to work in New Jersey. “If we truly want all communities to have access to a high level of care we must begin to address this issue now by finding ways to attract doctors in needed areas. Analyzing the problem and identifying possible solutions is an important first step.”
Senate Passes Holzapfel, Singer Bill Expanding “Pet Purchase Protection Act”
The full Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senators Jim Holzapfel (R-10) and Robert Singer (R-30) that would require pet stores to display additional information about each dog and cat for sale, including the name and address of the breeder.
“We’ve heard too many stories about puppy and kitten mills that breed and keep too many animals in unhealthy and inhumane conditions,” said Holzapfel. “By requiring increased disclosure of a cat or dog’s history at the point of sale, we can give consumers the opportunity to research the breeder and their reputation and make an informed decision on where to make their purchase.”
Singer/Addiego Bill to Require Study of State’s Looming Doctor Shortage Advanced
Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) and Senator Dawn Marie Addiego (R-Burlington, Camden, Atlantic) which would require the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services to convene a planning summit to find ways to address an expected shortage of physicians practicing in the Garden State was advanced today by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
“Studies show New Jersey in the coming years will face a significant gap in the demand for care versus the number of physicians practicing in family care and important specialties,” said Singer, who also sponsors legislation to incentivize doctors to work in New Jersey. “We have to take steps now to find ways to attract doctors in needed areas if we want to make certain all communities have access to a high level of care.”
Committee Advances Singer Bill Establishing Rutgers Program for Intellectually Disabled Students
Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer to create a program at Rutgers University for intellectually disabled students was advanced today by the Senate Higher Education Committee.
“Starting this program at Rutgers will provide another avenue for those with intellectual disabilities to continue to learn, gain confidence and become better prepared for a successful life after high school,” said Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean). “As these students are now often integrated with their friends and peers in high school classrooms, it’s time we open up our publicly funded state university to these same shared experiences as well.”
Singer Op-Ed: Sandy Shows NJ Needs a New Way to Pay for Disaster Relief
The following Op-Ed by Senator Robert Singer (R-Monmouth/Ocean) on the need for further recovery from Superstorm Sandy was published in the Star-Ledger today. A copy of the full text of the Op-Ed is below.
I have lived at the New Jersey Shore for 40 years. Like my neighbors, I was shocked by the devastation that Hurricane Sandy caused. We were unprepared in so many ways, and the people of New Jersey are still in the process of a long recovery. Now, with Sandy still large in our thoughts, we must continue the hard work of recovery, but also start making changes that will leave our communities better protected against extreme weather. This need has never been so great.
Singer Op-Ed on Legislation Creating Rutgers Program for Students With Intellectual Disabilities
The following Op-Ed by Senator Robert Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) on legislation creating a program at Rutgers University to serve students with intellectual disabilities was published in the Asbury Park Press today. The full text of the Op-Ed is below.
Following graduation in the coming months, high school seniors across New Jersey will move on to a new chapter in life. Many teenagers will excitedly head off to college with dreams of independence, new experiences and a future career.
But for those with intellectual disabilities, there are not enough opportunities to embark on this journey and experience the benefits of college that can last a lifetime for all students.
Singer: School Defibrillator that Saved Student Athlete Emphasizes Importance of “Janet’s Law”
Senator Robert Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) today praised Pascack Hills High School officials for the advance preparation that saved the life of a student athlete on Wednesday evening.
According to a report by CBS 2, a 15-year-old student who collapsed during track practice was revived after a former student performed CPR and school staff utilized a defibrillator that was on the premises. Senator Singer introduced “Janet’s Law” in 2008 requiring public and private schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on school grounds with trained operators at sports events. The legislation was signed into law by Governor Christie in September 2012 and goes into full effect next September.
“This story could have been one of a devastating tragedy if not for the preparation and quick action of those at Pascack Hills High School,” Singer said. “The school officials there deserve a mountain of praise.
