Would Allow Proceeds Received from Games of Chance to Support Veterans’ Organization

Legislation sponsored by Senators Kip Bateman (R-16) and Dawn Marie Addiego (R-8) giving veterans’ organization more flexibility to manage their costs has been approved by the New Jersey Senate. The measures, S-87 and SCR-11, would allow those organizations to use the net proceeds from games of chance to support their organizations financially.

“Many non-profits, including organizations that serve our veterans, have struggled financially in recent years as donors facing economic hardships of their own haven’t been able to give as much,” said Bateman. “The legislation and constitutional amendment that we have proposed would provide additional financial flexibility to veterans’ groups by allowing them to tap a new stream of revenues to help pay their bills.”

Read the rest of Senate Approves Bateman/Addiego Measures to Help Finances of Veterans’ Organizations (163 words)

Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex) on Monday joined Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) to announce a $43,650 federal security grant for the Readington Volunteer Fire Company.

On Monday, April 29, 2013, Senator Bateman (far left) joined Congressman Leonard Lance (front, center) and several Readington Fire Company volunteers for a grant announcement at the fire company’s Hillcrest Road station.

“Readington rescuers are well-deserved of this essential communications investment to improve their already commendable community service,” Bateman said. “Volunteer firefighters are among the purest public servants and we will continue to do everything possible to help them obtain more resources to save lives.”

Read the rest of Bateman Applauds Readington Fire Grant (28 words)

The District 16 Legislators Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, and Assembly members Jack M. Ciattarelli and Donna Simon, called on Jersey Central Power & Light to expand its public hearings on a proposed rate increase to include ratepayers in their 16th Legislative District, which includes Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer and Middlesex counties.

“It is cowardly and wrong to try to raise utility rates without confronting residents in each district,” said Bateman. “District 16 ratepayers have as much right as anyone to have a voice in this concerning process.”

Read the rest of Bateman, Ciattarelli, Simon: JCP&L Must Face All Customers Before Raising Rates (237 words)

A bill sponsored by Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman to criminalize the manufacture, sale and possession of synthetic marijuana was signed into law today by Gov. Chris Christie.

“Synthetic marijuana is ubiquitous and poses dangerous side effects,” said Bateman (R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer and Middlesex). “Fake pot can cause violent seizures, elevated heart rates and death.”

Read the rest of Fake Pot Now Illegal With Signing of Bateman Bill (95 words)

The New Jersey Senate Law & Public Safety Committee unanimously passed today Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman’s bill S-2165 to make first aid, ambulance or rescue companies immune from certain civil damages.

“Emergency squads can be empowered knowing that they will not be sued for doing whatever it takes to try and save lives and prevent injuries,” said Bateman (R-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset). “This bill assures that they are not liable for any civil damages after rendering good-faith life support services.”

Read the rest of Panel Passes Bateman Bill to Protect Emergency Squads From Being Sued (76 words)

An Assembly panel approved today bipartisan legislation sponsored by the 16^th District delegation Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman and Assembly members Jack M. Ciattarelli and Donna Simon to dedicate the U.S. Route 206 bypass in Hillsborough to the late Assemblyman Peter J. Biondi.

“Peter Biondi dedicated his life to public service for the persisting benefit of our state, as he supported and mentored many young political candidates,” said Sen. Christopher “Kip”  Senator Bateman, R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer and Middlesex. “We should commemorate this gregarious, loving family man, who also dedicated his life to improving State, SomersetCounty and Hillsborough, as well as volunteering on youth service committees and serving as a firefighter.”

Read the rest of ‘Biondi Bypass’ Approved by Assembly Panel (200 words)

The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee unanimously passed today legislation created by Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset) to encourage Good Samaritan acts.

“People need to know they are fully protected if they try to rescue another person during an emergency or crime,” Bateman said. “They should not pay for risking their lives and health to try to save others.”

Read the rest of Panel Passes Bateman Bill to Encourage Good Samaritan Acts (94 words)

Judiciary Committee member Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-Somerset) stated the following about the Senate Democrats’ attempt today to unseat Frederic Knapp as Morris County Prosecutor:

“Senate Democrats took hypocrisy to an unprecedented level with today’s attempt to unseat Acting Prosecutor Knapp by suspending Senate rules and treating elected legislators like children. They should be embarrassed by such childish conduct, which stems from their denial that New Jerseyans elected Christopher J. Christie as governor.

Read the rest of Bateman: Today’s Hypocrisy by Senate Democrats Proves Knapp is Right for the Job (56 words)

“Somerville” Sister Cities in NJ, MA & SC Launch Three-State Collection of Items for Hurricane Victims

The 16th District delegation – Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman and Assembly members Jack Ciattarelli and Donna Simon – today joined with Somerville, New Jersey, and its sister cities, Summerville, South Carolina and Somerville Massachusetts to collect food and supplies for Hurricane Sandy victims at the Jersey Shore.

“As we approach the holidays, many families along the Jersey Shore are still struggling to recover from Hurricane Sandy,” said Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer and Middlesex. “In the spirit of the season, please support our friends and neighbors with donations of needed goods. You can help bring some cheer to families that are in desperate need.”

Read the rest of Bateman, Ciattarelli & Simon Join Three “Somervilles” to Help Hurricane Sandy Victims (225 words)

Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R- Somerset), the original prime sponsor of referendum seeking voter approval to amend the state constitution to legalize same sex marriage in New Jersey, today welcomed Assemblyman Reed Gusciora’s support of putting the question to the voters.

“When I introduced the resolution seeking to put a constitutional amendment before voters, Assemblyman Gusciora and others attacked the idea,” said Bateman. “I’m glad that he now understands what I was saying in February: that this is the most pragmatic course of action. A straight up or down vote on legalizing same sex marriage in the constitution, NOT a ‘defense of marriage’ law, gives finality to a matter that if handled by simple legislation could be repealed in the future or mired in litigation for years.”

Read the rest of Bateman Welcomes Gusciora’s Support for Referendum Legalizing Marriage Equality in NJ (156 words)