“United States Military Veteran John Tarantino exemplified true leadership and valor as a dedicated servant to both country and community,” said Singer (R-30). “After returning home from war-torn Europe, Mr. Tarantino provided unwavering support for veterans across the country. In recognition of his service on and off the battlefield, this bill would formally commemorate his legacy by naming a portion of Route 71 as the John Tarantino Highway.”

Angelo John Tarantino honorably served under the command of General George S. Patton in the 47th Armored Infantry Battalion of the 5th Armored Division in the 3rd United States Army Group during the Second World War.

While on the European front, Tarantino completed several harrowing missions at the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, the liberation of Luxembourg, and the infamous Battle of the Bulge. Despite suffering severe frostbite during his tour, Tarantino was one of only two soldiers who landed on Utah Beach in Normandy, France who wasn’t killed or severely wounded.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the military, Tarantino became a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans organization to continue serving as an advocate for military veterans. Tarantino moved to the Borough of Spring Lake Heights in 1988 and has participated in ceremonies that honor veterans throughout New Jersey ever since.

Senator Singer’s bill, S-3531, would name a portion of State Highway Route 71 that runs through Spring Lake after Tarantino to pay tribute to his military service and community leadership.

“Mr. Tarantino learned the value of service at a very young age and is a devoted advocate for military veterans across New Jersey,” Singer added. “I am proud to honor Mr. Tarantino for his life’s work of service for our country and his dedication to support the lives and sacrifices of other veterans.”

The New Jersey Senate approved legislation today sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer that would require sellers of single-family homes with solar panels to disclose the contact information for the business that installed the solar panels. (Flickr)

“It is not uncommon for the buyer of a property with solar panels to have trouble finding out how to contact the installer in case they need support,” said Singer (R-30). “This bill would require the seller to disclose the contact information for the installer of the solar panels, which would make it much easier for the buyer to contact the installer in the future.”

Singer’s bill, S-3234, requires sellers of single-family homes with solar panels to include in the contract for sale, contact information for the business that installed the solar panels, and to indicate whether any lease agreement for the solar panels would be transferred to the buyer.

The seller’s property condition disclosure statement may be used as an alternative to including information about the business that installed the solar panels.

Sen. Robert Singer’s bill that would establish a professional board to regulate home improvement and home elevation contractors was approved by the New Jersey Senate. (Pixabay)

“For too long New Jerseyans have worried about the legitimacy of their contractor. Today’s Senate vote takes another step in the right director to give us all the confidence to make decisions that best improve our quality of life,” said Sen. Singer. “By increasing transparency and setting a clear standard for contractors, we can greatly improve consumer protections and give the people of New Jersey the peace of mind they deserve.”

Senator Singer’s bill, A-2138/S-1890 would:

• Repeal the current law on the regulation of home improvement and home elevation contractors and establish the New Jersey State Board of Home Improvement and Home Elevation Contractors as the regulating body of these contractors.
• Create a licensure process for home improvement and home elevation contractors in New Jersey.
• Award licenses to individuals who have been registered as a home improvement or home elevation contractor for at least five years or have five years of experience providing these services upon expiration of their registration.

You can read the full version of the bill online.

To speak with Sen. Singer about his bill, please contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications at csivel@njleg.org.

Sen. Robert Singer released a statement today after S-1890 was advanced by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. (Pixabay)

“For too long New Jerseyans have had to worry about the legitimacy of their contractor. This bill is another step in the right direction to give us all the confidence to make the decisions that best improve our quality of life,” said Sen. Singer. “By increasing transparency and setting a clear standard for contractors, we can greatly improve consumer protections and give the people of New Jersey the peace of mind they deserve.”

S1890 would:

• Repeal the current law on the regulation of home improvement and home elevation contractors and establishes the New Jersey State Board of Home Improvement and Home Elevation Contractors as the regulating body of these contractors.
• Create a licensure process for home improvement and home elevation contractors in New Jersey.
• Award a license to individuals who have been registered as a home improvement or home elevation contractor for at least five years or has five years of experience providing these services upon expiration of their registration.

You can view the full bill here.

For further comment or background from Sen. Singer, please contact Kyle Fischer, SRO Director of Communications.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer that establishes a minimum NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rate for traumatic brain injury special care nursing facilities was signed into law today by Gov. Murphy. (US Army Photo)

“I’m pleased that the Governor signed this bill into law. Reimbursement rates for brain injury services have remained static for far too long despite growing costs. This threatens the ability of providers to meet the complex needs of individuals with brain injuries and provide services within a safe and fulfilling community environment,” said Singer (R-30). “This new law will dramatically increase the reimbursement rate for special care nursing facilities, which will help offset the increased costs of staff and therapy services.”

Under Singer’s bill, S-2369, the rate increase will align the reimbursement rate for traumatic brain injury special care nursing facilities with the reimbursement rate for other special care nursing facilities.

A special care nursing facility is a State-licensed nursing facility which has been approved by the Department of Human Services to provide care to NJ FamilyCare beneficiaries who require specialized health care services beyond the scope of conventional nursing facility services.

Sen. Bob Singer’s bill that would require students to complete financial aid applications to receive their high school diploma was approved by the Senate Education Committee. (Pixabay)

“The student financial aid crisis is growing by the minute and students applying to colleges need all the assistance they can get,” said Singer (R-30).”Requiring students to complete financial aid applications as a prerequisite for graduation could make students more knowledgeable about their financial aid options. This legislation could make applying to colleges less strenuous for students, and their families, and could help applicants secure additional grants and scholarships.”

Senator Singer’s amended bill, A-1181/S-2054, establishes that students, or their parent or guardian, must submit a financial aid application in a form prescribed by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESSA) as a prerequisite to receive their high school diploma from a public and charter school.

The amended bill also directs the Executive Director of HESSA, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, to provide certain resources and instructions to parents, students, and school districts to help complete financial aid applications.

A student may be exempt from the requirement if they submit a signed waiver from their parent or guardian requesting an exemption or obtain appropriate authorization from their school counselor. Students that are at least 18 years old may submit an exemption request on their own.

These requirements, as prescribed under the bill, would begin with the 2022-2023 grade 11 class and extend for the next two years thereafter.

“When students receive more financial aid through scholarships and grants they free themselves from having to take out excessive loans that may take decades to repay,” Singer added. “This mandate could help empower students to make more informed financial decisions when applying to colleges.”

The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee approved legislation today sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer that would establish the “Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program” to support the operations of volunteer fire companies. (SenateNJ.com)

“Volunteer firefighters save local taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars every year by volunteering their time and expertise and are essential assets for our communities, especially in suburban and rural areas,” said Singer (R-30). “Unfortunately, financial strains can limit the ability of some municipalities to provide additional funding to volunteer fire companies. Given the public safety issues at play, it’s time for the state to step up with a dedicated funding source to ensure that these fire companies are properly equipped to effectively carry out their duties.”

Under the legislation, S-3925, the Director of the Division of Fire Safety would be required to develop and administer a grant program to annually distribute money in the fund to volunteer fire companies in the form of grants to support the ongoing operations and sustainability of volunteer fire companies, including the purchasing of emergency equipment.

“These men and women have earned the respect and enduring gratitude of communities they serve,” added Singer. “The least we can do is make sure they are able to afford new and necessary equipment.”

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer that would establish a state program for the acquisition of easements on privately-owned woodlands was approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. (NJ Division of Parks & Forestry)

“In the most densely populated state in the country, it’s critical to protect and preserve forested areas and to manage them sustainably,” said Singer (R-30). “Decreases in forest land cover can affect the amount of habitat available for plant and animal species, as well as the ability of various forest species to interact with each other. This legislation will help prevent the overdevelopment of woodlands and protect our forests for future generations.”

According to the New Jersey State Forest Action Plan, which was published in December 2020, New Jersey’s forests cover approximately 40 percent of the total land area of the state, and almost half of the total amount of forested land within the state is in private ownership. The action plan notes that, while the amount of forest land has remained relatively stable since the 1970s, this trend is not expected to continue, as forested land area is under severe development pressure.

Under Singer’s bill, S-3863, a state program would be established in the Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) with the goal of preserving woodlands and the benefits that they provide to the state. Landowners would not be required to provide public access to woodlands preserved by the program.

Sen. Robert Singer will be honored with the “Legislative Champion Award” by the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research (NJCCR) on November 15. (SenateNJ.com)

“It is a privilege to be recognized by the commission for my legislative efforts to ensure the proper funding of cancer research in New Jersey,” said Singer (R-30). “It is my hope that the additional funding and support will allow researchers to investigate new cancer treatments and new ways of preventing this insidious disease that has affected the lives of millions of people.”

Singer has sponsored legislation that would provide $10 million to the New Jersey Cancer Research Fund—with $5 million to fund general cancer research and $5 million to fund pediatric cancer research.

Singer will receive the award during NJCCR’s 7th Annual Research Symposium in Hamilton.

During the symposium, recipients of prior NJCCR grant awards are scheduled to present their scientific findings, demonstrating the impact of properly funded research.

“With additional research funding, we can improve treatments and survival rates to ensure that people with cancer have an opportunity to live full lives,” added Singer.

District 30 legislators urged the Biden administration to bring American citizens back home and not leave them stranded in Europe after being evacuated from Israel. (Flickr)

“My heart goes out to the families in New Jersey and all across the United States who have been affected by the tragic events unfolding in Israel. I have an especially heavy heart for our fellow Jewish friends and neighbors in Lakewood who have loved ones in Israel,” said Sen. Singer. “In the wake of this attack, many Americans were unable to evacuate due to flight cancellations and there not being enough planes to accommodate those who wished to leave. Reports that the Biden administration may force evacuees to repay the government for being evacuated from a warzone only to be left in Europe to find their own way home is deeply troubling. Those fees should be waived given the dire circumstances and no American should be left stranded in Europe. Every American who wants to come home should be brought home immediately.”

A news report cited a State Department email that said Americans would need to sign an agreement to repay the government prior to being evacuated to Europe. After landing in Europe, evacuated Americans would be required to arrange their own flight home and/or lodging.

Senator Singer announced his intention to introduce a resolution urging legislators in New Jersey to stand in solidarity with Israel.

“While other nations have already begun bringing their citizens home, the Democrats in the Biden administration must move faster to bring Americans directly home to safety,” said Asm. Kean. “It is beyond ridiculous that there are reports that this administration plans on charging Americans for being evacuated from an active warzone. Even more disturbing is that they are planning on leaving American citizens in Europe to find their own way home. It is the responsibility of the Biden administration to bring our citizens home when they are in danger. No one should have to pay to be saved from hostile foreign terrorists or abandoned in another foreign country.”

New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith (R-4) published a press release detailing the efforts of other countries around the world to secure safe evacuations for their citizens to urge the Biden administration to begin chartering flights for Americans.

“Hearing the stories of families who currently have loved ones in Israel is heartbreaking. The United States government must move more quickly to ensure our citizens are returned home immediately,” said Asm. Thomson. “It was disturbing to see the Biden administration take a back seat early on while other countries prioritized bringing their citizens home. In addition to bringing Americans directly home without charge, the Biden administration can rectify another wrong by freezing the $6 billion of Iranian assets that were recently released to the world’s largest sponsor of violent extremism.”

Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Sen. Bob Singer condemned the terrorist attacks launched by Hamas into Israel over the weekend and called on New Jersey legislators to immediately return to Trenton to pass a resolution supporting Israel and the Jewish people. (Flickr)

“Israel is the home for all Jewish people throughout the world. It breaks my heart to see the senseless violence that has erupted in Israel after visiting the country just a few weeks ago. We must condemn the unjust violence against Israel and offer our unwavering support for our Jewish communities during this difficult time,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “The atrocities being committed by Hamas Terrorists against innocent women and children are horrible. Everyone has a right to exist in peace. The Senate should return to Trenton immediately to pass a resolution to show that we stand in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish People.”

Senator Pennacchio and Senator Singer announced that they would be drafting a resolution that shows support for Israel in the wake of ongoing terrorist attacks in the Middle Eastern nation.

“As the representative for the largest Jewish community in the State, I find the terrorist attacks in Israel to be incredibly abhorrent. The Jewish community deserves the Legislature’s unwavering support in the wake of this horrific violence,” said Singer (R-30). “My heart breaks for the families impacted by this global atrocity. It is necessary now, more than ever, for the Legislature to stand in solidarity with our Jewish communities. The Senate must reconvene in Trenton to pass our resolution and condemn Hamas for their violence against Israel.”

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer that will expand certain grant opportunities for individuals employed at state colleges and universities was signed into law today by Gov. Murphy. (Pixabay)

“I’m proud this bill was signed into law. Lifting the prohibition on state grants for certain researchers will promote innovation and help integrate more advanced technologies into New Jersey industries,” said Singer (R-30). “This legislation will allow certain researchers employed at our public colleges and universities to obtain state grants issued by the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology.”

The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology was established in 1985 with the purpose of supporting economic development in New Jersey through scientific and technological advances.

Singer’s legislation, S-3402, amends New Jersey’s conflict of interest law to permit researchers, their partners, companies, or firms in which they have ownership or control, to receive grant funding for various scientific and technological purposes.

Previously, employees and officers at state colleges and universities were banned from receiving state grants from the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology. Instead, the commission supported entities formed at institutions of higher education that conducted research and development in emerging technologies deemed beneficial for the state’s economy.

“Grant programs provide a significant source of capital that supports valuable initiatives led by scientists and researchers,” Singer added. “This bill removes unnecessary restrictions for state college and university employees who own licensed technologies to expand opportunities for technological advancement in New Jersey.”

Sen. Robert Singer said the details of the Justice Department’s investigation into State-run veterans homes are morally outrageous and called for legislative action. (©iStock)

“As the only veteran in the Senate Republican caucus I have a moral duty to do whatever is legislatively necessary to protect those who bravely swore an oath and put on a uniform to protect this great nation. It is outrageous that veterans in these memorial homes were subject to inadequate living conditions and could not receive proper care. Unfortunately, this is partially the result of legislative inaction on part of Democrats refusing to investigate these issues to protect these veterans. This Legislature could have done something to protect our veterans when Republicans called for investigations over the last three years. Now that the DOJ has revealed the truth, we have an obligation to hold those who are responsible for these horrendous conditions accountable.”

Sen. Bob Singer said that the decision to grant the injunction was wrong and that the government’s duty to keep the public safe and enforce laws does not trump basic parental rights. (©iStock)

“The judge overseeing this case got it wrong by issuing that injunction against the schools. The government does not have the authority to wedge themselves between parents, their children, and the schools that they attend,” said Singer (R-30). “As a father, I can say that there is no more important relationship than that of a parent and their child. Telling schools to cut parents out of the equation is the definition of government overreach and makes schools liable for those student’s mental health needs. Parents deserve to know every aspect of their child’s life.”

On Friday, a judge overseeing the case against the Middletown, Manalapan, and Marlboro school districts ruled in favor of the State and granted a temporary injunction to suspend the parental notification policies that the government argued were violating state law.

Senate Republicans have echoed support for parents and their right to be involved in their child’s education. A poll from Monmouth University indicated that 81% of New Jersey parents believe that middle and high schools should be required to notify parents if their child wants to identify as a different gender.

Senator Singer believes that ultimately siding with the State on this issue will create a slippery slope that could keep parents from viewing their child’s report card, academic performance, or even being notified about behavioral issues.

“There is a line that the government is crossing by pushing policies on parents and schools that aren’t even wanted in New Jersey. Moving forward with these lawsuits and taking rights away from parents will set a disturbing precedent and open the door for more issues to be kept hidden from a parent or guardian,” Singer added. “Are schools going to suddenly stop sending report cards because they don’t know how a parent will react to their child failing academically? Parents should be notified about everything because parental involvement is the key to educational success.”

District 30 lawmakers expressed their frustration after Nemours Children’s Health announced it will no longer accept most new patients enrolled in New Jersey’s Medicaid managed care insurance program. (Pixabay)

“It is deeply frustrating that Nemours has not made a commitment to remain in New Jersey’s Medicaid network even after securing $20 million in additional funding for the fiscal year,” said Sen. Singer. “Parents of children with special medical needs rely on the services provided at Nemours Children’s Hospitals to treat complex conditions. For parents to find out that their children will be phased out of this necessary care and forced to find a new team of doctors is disturbing.”

Nemours Children’s Health is an in-network provider for families insured under NJ FamilyCare, but the group announced they will stop accepting most new kids on Medicaid from New Jersey—a decision that will impact 11,000 children from South Jersey. Nemours will also decline a $10 million state grant that lawmakers had hoped would convince the pediatric hospital to stay in-network.

“The Legislature worked hard to secure funding for Nemours Children’s Health because we didn’t want to see thousands of children phased out of care,” said Asm. Kean. “We recognize the uncertainty that parents are feeling right now about the future of their children’s healthcare. The lack of commitment from Nemours to continue providing care to children with special medical needs is upsetting.”

Senator Singer and Assemblymen Kean and Thomson echoed the sentiment of colleague Assemblyman Herb Conway Jr. and said that the Legislature allocated this money to Nemours Children’s Health so that they could remain in-network and avoid this issue all together.

“Thousands of families depend on Nemours to provide life-sustaining treatments for their children,” said Asm. Thomson. “They will be doing a major disservice to these families by phasing out their care. We cannot let children who are in desperate need of medical attention be forgotten.”