New Jersey Senate Democratic Office

The "Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act” from Shirley Turner was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy to better protect our residents from falling into medical debt. "We can give people a better chance at achieving financial stability and reduce the long-term negative impacts that unavoidable medical expenses have on their lives," says Turner.

No one should have to go hungry because they are a victim of a scam. Today Senate President Nicholas Scutari & Senator Brian Stack joined Rep. Josh Gottheimer to announce the Stop SCAMS Act - a new federal version of their legislation to help victims of stolen welfare benefits and mitigate future fraud. “Creating a fraud claims process will restore benefits to recipients promptly and allow the state to closely track ongoing scams so they can take swift action to prevent it from happening again," says Scutari.

"Our FY25 Budget puts us on a path to guarantee New Jersey’s success both now and in the years to come, and carefully considers sustainability and environmental protection in doing so," says Senator John McKeon. Our a budget fully funds schools, makes another full pension payment, and creates dedicated funding for NJ Transit - all while maintaining a significant surplus. "Together, we delivered on our promise to provide funding that will improve our infrastructure, our environment, and the lives of our residents.”

A series of bills sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz are on the Governor’s desk following approval by the State Senate and General Assembly. "The thread that has always tied my legislative efforts together is protecting and enhancing the welfare of New Jersey families and communities. These bills do exactly that,” said Ruiz. “Developed through extensive stakeholder input and collaboration over months and years, these robust reforms and interventions aim to significantly improve the lives of our children and our most vulnerable and underserved populations. From ensuring safe water systems and regulating intoxicating hemp products to addressing student literacy and educational equity, protecting workers' rights, enhancing public transportation, and promoting urban redevelopment, these legislative measures are designed to bring tangible benefits toward increased transparency, accountability, and equality to our state.” S-2188, sponsored by Senator Ruiz and Senator Linda Greenstein, sets disinfectant levels for public water systems and designates procedures for routine testing in high-risk areas to prevent the transmission of Legionnaire’s disease. For nearly a decade, Senator Ruiz worked on legislation to combat the spread of Legionnaire’s disease in water systems, consulting with water purveyors, public health officials, building owners, and regulators throughout the process. Recent clusters of Legionnaire’s disease in areas around the state renewed the urgency for legislative action.    S-3235, sponsored by Senator Ruiz and Senator Paul Moriarty, requires the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) to establish regulations for the production and sale of intoxicating hemp products like Delta-8 THC. The bill also bans the sale of synthetic THC. These products are often sold in corner stores and gas stations and are marketed as “weed light.” Under the bill, the sale of intoxicating hemp products to anyone under 21 years old would be prohibited, effective immediately.   S-2644, sponsored by Senator Ruiz and Senator Vin Gopal, addresses the shortfall in student reading performance across the state by establishing a Working Group on Student Literacy in the Department of Education (DOE). The Working Group would consult with DOE to implement evidence-based learning strategies and reading screenings for students. The bill also requires the establishment of a professional development program in literacy education for teachers. All school districts would be required to conduct at least two literacy screenings per year for students in grades K-3.    S-2647, sponsored by Senator Ruiz and Senator Shirley Turner, establishes the Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery (LEAR) in the Department of Education. The office would be responsible for bolstering DOE’s ability to make data-driven decisions, coordinate resources, and research best practices for literacy, learning equity, and learning acceleration.

July is Disability Pride Month - celebrating people with disabilities and their contributions to society. Earlier this year Senator Angela V. McKnight visited A. Harry Moore School in Jersey City for their Social Emotional Learning Day celebration - promoting inclusive relationships within communities. The school was opened in 1931 and offers comprehensive academic, therapeutic, pre-vocational and social programs for approximately 140 disabled students. "Everyone deserves a quality education," said McKnight. #Disability #DisabilityPrideMonth

A look inside Shirley Turner's annual book fair, which provides over 10,000 books to elementary school students in Trenton, via The Trentonian. “The lack of access to books in Trenton greatly impacts our children and their reading abilities," says Turner. "This initiative works to overcome these challenges by uniting the community to put more books into the hands of our bright young students.” “Reading is not just fun; it is an important step on the path to realizing your biggest dreams."

We're honored to join Senator Vin Gopal in celebrating Long Branch Firefighter Dave Phillips on the floor of the Senate. Firefighter Phillips saved the life of a 6-day old baby brought to the firehouse in distress. Thanks to his quick actions, the child is alive and healthy. #longbranch #monmouthcounty #newjersey #firefighter City of Long Branch

"To all of you who help people live their best lives, I thank you for that," says Senator John McKeon. Last month, New Concepts For Living - which provides services for adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities - unveiled their 81,423-square-foot state-of-the-art Achievement Center in Paramus. "This new center ensures that every participant will not only be well cared for, but also encouraged to reach his or her own greatest potential," says CEO Steve Setteducati.

"This is a responsible budget that puts our priorities right on point," says Senate President Nick Scutari Our budget funds NJ Transit with a dedicated revenue stream, makes a full pension payment, and includes a historic investment to address the youth mental health crisis - all while containing a substantial surplus.

"I believe today we present a very balanced budget that continues New Jersey on a path of fiscal responsibility," says Budget Chairman Senator Paul A. Sarlo on the passage of the FY25 state budget. The plan includes a substantial surplus, a debt defeasance fund, a full pension payment, a fully funded school aid formula, a record amount of direct property tax relief, and reliable funding for New Jersey transit.