Singer Legislation Expanding Workers’ Comp for ‘Essential Workers’ Becomes Law
A bill authored by Senator Robert Singer, Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Senator Linda Greenstein expanding access to workers’ compensation and other benefits for front-line workers sickened by the coronavirus was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.
A bill authored by Sen. Robert Singer, Sen. Pres. Steve Sweeney, and Sen. Linda Greenstein expanding access to workers’ compensation and other benefits for front-line workers sickened by the coronavirus was signed into law. (SenateNJ.com)
“New Jersey’s essential employees continue to go to work each and every day, inevitably putting themselves in harms way as they serve their communities,” said Senator Singer (R-30). “Frontline workers who contract COVID-19 should have access to financial safeguards and quality medical care. This law will help our heroes receive the lifesaving healthcare they have provided for thousands of New Jerseyans.”
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Singer: Murphy’s Proposed Opioid Tax Would Make Raise Costs for Patients & Providers During Global Pandemic
Senator Bob Singer (R-30) said a proposed tax on commonly prescribed opioids would make health care more expensive for both patients and providers during the current public health emergency.
Sen. Bob Singer said a proposed tax on commonly prescribed opioids would make health care more expensive for both patients and providers during coronavirus pandemic. (©iStock)
“The opioid tax proposed by Governor Murphy wouldn’t improve access to care or make health insurance more affordable for families hit with rising premiums, nor would it fund treatment programs for those struggling with substance use disorders,” said Singer, the ranking Republican member on the Senate Health Committee. “What the governor has proposed is nothing more than a money grab that would funnel millions of dollars at the expense of patients into the black hole of the State budget to pay for spending completely unrelated to health care.”
The proposed $15 million opioid tax is one component of more than $1 billion of tax increases announced by Governor Phil Murphy this week in support of his newly proposed State Budget for 2021. In addition to the tax increases, the governor’s plan also relies on more than $4 billion of borrowing to support higher levels of spending next year.
Singer Bill Encouraging High School Students to Complete No-Cost FASFA Form Advances
Senator Robert Singer’s legislation to ensure high school students are properly educated regarding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) has advanced in the Senate Education Committee.
Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation to ensure high school students are properly educated regarding FASFA has advanced. (SenateNJ.com)
“New Jersey’s high school students are some of the best and brightest in the country,” said Singer (R-30). “We need to ensure each and every one of them can access this necessary tool to help them better afford higher education. Whether it be college, vocational, or trade school, completing this application is the first step towards ensuring more students know that continuing their education is within reach.”
Singer: No Rain Check for Restaurants in Inclement Weather
Calls on Governor to Safely Reopen Indoor Restaurants at 25% Capacity
In light of inclement weather expected this weekend due to Tropical Storm Fay, Senator Robert Singer today called for the opening of indoor restaurants at 25% capacity with social distancing and CDC compliant sanitization measures in place.
In light of inclement weather expected this weekend, Sen. Robert Singer called for the opening of indoor restaurants at 25% capacity with social distancing and CDC compliant sanitization measures in place. (Pixabay)
“Sunshine and clear skies currently determine the fate of restaurant owners and employees across New Jersey,” said Singer. “A downpour should not put a damper on a restaurant’s ability to open and stay in business. Today and tomorrow’s rain and thunder are the perfect examples of why restaurants should be able to safely open and operate at a limited capacity indoors.”
Singer Urges Governor to Ensure Woman Responsible for Trooper’s Death Is Not Set Free
State Trooper Marc Castellano died in the line of duty in 2010, and Senator Robert Singer is urging the Governor to ensure the woman responsible does not get out of prison on a medical furlough. (New Jersey State Police)
Senator Robert Singer today said the woman serving time for lying to police and contributing to the death of a New Jersey State Trooper in 2010 should remain behind bars.
“Out of respect for the Trooper’s family and all the men and women across the state who risk their lives to protect citizens and enforce our laws, I hope the Governor will think twice about releasing this reckless felon from prison,” said Singer (R-30). “The Administration should do the right thing and ensure she serves out the duration of her sentence.”
Statement from Sen. Singer on Nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis to New Jersey Supreme Court
Senator Robert Singer (R-30) issued the following statement on the nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis to the New Jersey Supreme Court:
Statement from Sen. Bob Singer on the nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis to the New Jersey Supreme Court. (©iStock)
“New Jersey’s highest court has long been recognized as a national model for its fair-mindedness and independence. Based on Fabiana Pierre-Louis’ legal experience and diverse perspective, I believe that she will be a strong addition to the New Jersey Supreme Court. I look to forward to her confirmation process.”
Singer Bill to Establish Health Department Infectious Disease Commission Passes Senate
Senator Robert Singer’s legislation to evaluate the response of local and county health departments to COVID-19 has passed the New Jersey Senate.
Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation to evaluate the response of local and county health departments to COVID-19 has passed the Senate. (Pixabay)
“The coronavirus outbreak has put health departments across our country to the test, evaluating their ability to respond quickly and effectively to a pandemic,” said Singer. “As we continue to successfully slow the spread, it’s crucial to analyze our public health emergency preparedness and planning. Assessing what our health departments did right and understanding where there is room for improvement will help us better respond to future crises, especially if a second wave were to strike.”
Singer Measure to Create Health Department Infectious Disease Commission Advances
Senator Robert Singer’s legislation to evaluate the response of local and county health departments to COVID-19 has passed the Senate Health, Human Services & Senior Citizens Committee.
Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation to evaluate the response of local and county health departments to COVID-19 has passed the Senate Health, Human Services & Senior Citizens Committee. (Flickr)
“The COVID-19 pandemic has put our state health departments to the test on their ability to respond quickly and effectively to a crisis,” said Singer. “As we continue to successfully slow the spread, it’s important to assess our public health emergency preparedness and planning. Evaluating what our health departments did right and understanding where there is room for improvement will help us better respond to future crises, especially if a second wave were to strike.”
Singer Bill Would Strengthen Pandemic Resilience of Local, County Health Departments for COVID’s Second Wave
Just as it did to health care workers and first responders, the virus pandemic stressed the capabilities of local and county health departments to the breaking point.
Legislation drafted by Senator Singer would create a ‘Local Health Department Infectious Disease Preparedness Study Commission’ to ensure local and county health departments are ready to cope with future health crises. (Flickr)
Senator Robert Singer is determined to ensure the small, over-burdened health departments are better prepared for expanded public safety roles if the coronavirus resurfaces in the fall.
“As bad as the virus has been in New Jersey, claiming the lives of 11,000 people, we may well have dodged a bullet this time,” said Singer (R-30). “However, health experts and scientists warn a second wave of COVID is almost inevitable without coordinated, aggressive efforts. The next round could be even more dangerous, and it is essential our local and county health departments have the tools necessary to effectively respond to outbreaks. We must be battle ready at the local, county and state levels.”
Shore Lawmakers Urge Murphy to Reopen State
Sen. Robert Singer and Assemblymen Sean Kean and Edward Thomson issued a joint statement urging Gov. Phil Murphy to reopen businesses.
Sen. Robert Singer and Assemblymen Sean Kean and Edward Thomson issued a joint statement urging Gov. Phil Murphy to reopen businesses. (Wikimedia Commons)
“We need to start reopening more businesses and services in New Jersey. The number of deaths, new cases, and hospitalizations from Covid-19 are thankfully decreasing. However, many people and businesses are financially at a breaking point. We are hearing heartbreaking stories from families and businesses who cannot pay rent, are waiting for unemployment or are facing other dire financial circumstances.
