New Jersey Senate Democrats

08/14/2023

Today after a legendary 50-year career with the State Legislature, Richard J. Codey announced his retirement:

"Why? Because it’s time. Time to step aside and watch the next generation do their thing."

08/11/2023

This week is National ! Roughly 2,900 local farms sell their crops directly to consumers, either on-farm or at one of the many farmers markets held across the State. Visit the Jersey Fresh website to find locally grown food near you.

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08/10/2023

Senator Gordon Johnson pays his respects to Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver inside the New Jersey State House rotunda.

08/10/2023

"She was born to be a leader," says Senator Gordon Johnson, remembering Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver.

"Of course you look up to her because it’s one of your people. But she was just the right person for the job. And she came at the right time."

08/10/2023

"The one lesson I will always take from her is that in moments when it looks like all is lost, to just breathe," says Senator Senator Troy Singleton sharing his memories of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver.

"No matter how chaotic situations were, no matter how much we were dealing with, she always said 'Just breathe.'"

08/10/2023

As Trenton says its final farewell to our beloved Lieutenant Governor, Sheila Oliver, I feel privileged and honored to have known her and to have called her my friend. We know what we have lost. A public servant with the rare combination of brains, heart, and soul, she served with great compassion and with great love to make New Jersey a better place for everyone.

Governor Murphy said that choosing Shelia Oliver as his running mate was one of the best decisions he ever made, and I agree. Not just because she was a woman or because she was black, but because she was the best qualified person for the job.

She was a woman of many firsts, but first, she was a profoundly good human being who led with grace and truth and exuded optimism, hope, and courage. She was an inspiring leader and her legacy will remain in our state for many years to come. Our entire state joins the Oliver family in mourning the loss of our Lieutenant Governor, whose memory will be etched in our hearts forever.

08/09/2023

Acting Gov. Nick Scutari today ordered that U.S. and New Jersey flags fly at half-staff on Monday, August 14 in remembrance of former Sen. Minority Leader James S. Cafiero, who passed away at the age of 94, on August 3.

https://ow.ly/vQIC50Pw901

08/09/2023

ATTN: VETERANS

For those exposed to toxic chemicals during service, be sure to file your PACT Act claim - or quickly submit your intent to file TODAY (August 9th, 2023). You may receive benefits backdated to August 10th, 2022.

Visit www.va.gov/PACT today!

08/08/2023

Our FY2024 Budget is a responsive and responsible budget that meets the economic challenges of our time and addresses the vital needs of the people of New Jersey.

We're making a full pension payment yet again, while paying down debt. All with a strong surplus of more than $8 billion to protect taxpayers against economic uncertainty.

08/08/2023

"We know how important a senior citizen and community center is to every community," says Shirley K. Turner, highlighting $5 million in the FY2024 State Budget to help rebuild the Ewing Senior & Community Center following a five-alarm fire in '22 that significantly damaged the center

08/08/2023

“This pedestrian safeway is going to be really necessary to make sure that kids come and go safely to the school," says Senator Joe Vitale.

Vitale, along with Speaker Craig J. Coughlin & Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez secured $2 million in the 2024 Budget to ensure pedestrian safety improvements amidst the construction of the new Perth Amboy High School.

With over 13,000 vehicles traversing Convery Boulevard daily, ensuring pedestrian safety is an urgent priority.

08/08/2023

This month Senate President Nick Scutari announced $33 million in new funding to support Union County Vocational Technical Schools

With this new, additional investment in our kids, as well as our future workforce, UCVTS will play an important role in the lives of students and families now and in the years to come.

08/08/2023

Lets talk about StayNJ.

Seniors in New Jersey are getting squeezed by rising costs. The FY2024 Budget launches StayNJ, a landmark tax relief program that will make it more affordable for seniors to remain in their New Jersey homes.

Under the program seniors would receive a 50 percent reduction in property taxes up to $6,500.

Reducing the burden of property taxes will give senior citizens the financial security they need to remain in New Jersey, where they built their lives.

08/07/2023

NOW LAW! In May we hosted students from Eleanor Rush Intermediate School in Cinnaminson on their bill to make cranberry juice the official state juice of New Jersey.

Today Acting Governor Nick Scutari was proud to sign it into law.

The legislation was sponsored in the Senate by Senator Troy Singleton & Senator Fred H. Madden.

08/07/2023

08/07/2023

08/04/2023

08/04/2023

Securing funding for our schools can create lifelong improvements for our students and communities.

Nearly $1 million in the FY2024 Budget will go towards the restoration of teaching positions, learning support and upgrades in the Robbinsville Township School District thanks to the support Senator Linda Greenstein, along with Assemblymen Wayne DeAngelo & Dan Benson.

"We're very proud to have done it," says Greenstein. "It's going to be a great help to the people of Robbinsville."

08/04/2023

$2 million in the FY2024 Budget secured by Senator Joe Vitale, Speaker Craig J. Coughlin & Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez will go towards ensuring pedestrian safety improvements amidst the construction of the new Perth Amboy High School.

With over 13,000 vehicles traversing Convery Boulevard daily, ensuring pedestrian safety is an urgent priority for the city.

08/04/2023

Senator M. Teresa Ruiz joined NJ Spotlight News to remember Sheila Oliver and her impact on New Jersey:

"The LG was coming up at a time where often times she was the only one in the room. As overcome as I am with grief, I have a debt of gratitude for everything she did."

08/04/2023

Such a great night for Senator O’Scanlon and I to celebrate Dr. Terry E. Shlimbaum on his retirement and for all his work as the Chief Medical Officer at VNACJ Community Health Center. We wish him success in his future endeavors.

08/03/2023

Cooper's Pond is a historic community park in Bergenfield, New Jersey in great need of revitalization.

Through funding secured by Joe Lagana and Asm. Chris Tully in the FY2024 Budget, $1 million will go toward improving the park for the community and its residents.

"When we're able to physically see in the municipalities that we represent what the dollars do, that's really a true success." says Lagana.

08/03/2023

"National Night Out is a great opportunity for the police in the community to connect with the residents in the community," says Senator Vin Gopal.

Gopal is proud to have hosted Eatontown's inaugural event, seeing hundreds of community members attend throughout the night.

08/02/2023

"Affordable housing is the cornerstone of the proverbial American Dream," says Senator Troy Singleton.

The FY2024 Budget invests more than $300m in affordable housing investments including the production of new units, urban preservation and help for first time homebuyers.

08/02/2023

Senator Joe Lagana and Assemblyman Chris Tully stopped by Brookside Gardens Senior Center to give residents updated information about NJ's senior services and resources.

Through the FY24 State Budget, New Jersey is providing historic levels of property tax relief for NJ seniors, including increased benefits in the ANCHOR program, an expansion of Senior Freeze, and the enactment of our new program.

08/02/2023

08/02/2023

The FY2024 Budget makes investments in local emergency services to better protect residents throughout our state.

In Hamilton Township, through the efforts of Senator Linda Greenstein, Assemblymen Wayne DeAngelo, Dan Benson & Mayor Jeff Martin,$1 million from our state budget will help the growing Hamilton Fire Division with new equipment to better serve their residents.

08/02/2023

08/01/2023

Big news for The Township of Monroe residents! We were able to secure three grants for the Township in this year's State Budget:

👮 $2.5 million for improvements to the Monroe Township Police Department - Middlesex County, NJ Headquarters
🌳 $2.5 million for Open Space acquisition
📓 $1 million for infrastructure improvements to Applegarth Elementary School

Pictured below with Dan Benson for NJ, Mayor Dalina, Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, Council President Cohen, and Chief Biennas.

08/01/2023

Today, we bid farewell to a remarkable woman who was a trailblazer in this state, a friend to so many, but to me, family. Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver embodied the spirit of a warrior, she was a fierce advocate for our communities and led with resilience and compassion. She was not only a fearless fighter for the voiceless, but she was also a pioneer who shattered glass ceilings and opened doors for so many women and especially women of color. Born and raised in Newark, she carried the essence of her diverse upbringing throughout her distinguished career in public service.

Sheila Oliver's legacy will forever be etched in New Jersey's history as the first woman of color to hold a statewide elected office. Her passion for social justice, women's equality, and education was unwavering, and she used her position to advocate for a fairer and more equitable society. As Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, she championed initiatives to provide fair and affordable housing, uplift distressed communities, and prevent homelessness.

Her impact extended beyond legislation; she touched the lives of countless individuals through mentorship and friendship. Her dedication to public service was rooted in the belief that government should work for the people, and she lived by that principle every day.

Today, we mourn the loss of a true shero, advocate, and friend. Let us honor her memory by continuing the work she started, striving for a better, more just society for all New Jersey residents. Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, your light will forever shine in our hearts and we pray that you understood the profound impact your service has had to this State. Sammy, Silver and I are forever in your debt and we will profoundly miss you. Rest in power my sister.

08/01/2023

Acting Governor Nick Scutari on the passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver:

"This is a heartbreaking loss for all of us who knew and admired Sheila Oliver. She touched the lives of countless people as a dedicated public official who worked tirelessly to improve opportunities for others. She has a record of accomplishment that is unmatched.

“I was fortunate to work closely with Sheila when she served in the Assembly and as Lieutenant Governor, where I gained even greater respect for her leadership skills and appreciation for her selfless human qualities.

“Sheila was a trailblazer who broke through glass ceilings to become the first woman of color to serve as Assembly Speaker and as Lieutenant Governor. I believe she will continue to be an inspiration for generations of young people.

“I extend my sincere condolences to the Oliver family in this time of grief. We share in your loss.”

08/01/2023

Statement from Senator Troy Singleton on the passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver:

"Throughout her lifelong career in public service, she has been an awe-inspiring force, breaking down barriers and inscribing her name in history as the first Black woman to serve as Assembly Speaker and first woman of color elected to statewide office....She has certainly left her mark on the State of New Jersey."

https://www.njsendems.org/singleton-on-the-passing-of-lt-governor-sheila-oliver/

08/01/2023

Statement from Nellie Pou on the passing of LG Sheila Oliver:

"New Jersey has lost a determined and committed public servant, while many of us who knew her have lost a sister in the fight to make our state more livable and equitable for all its residents.”

Trenton – Senator Nellie Pou issued the following statement on the news of the passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver: “I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of my long-time friend and colleague, Lt. Governor Shelia Oliver. The Lieutenant Governor and I served side by side in the Genera

08/01/2023

Statement from M. Teresa Ruiz on the passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver:

"Today, we mourn the loss of a true shero, advocate, and friend. Let us honor her memory by continuing the work she started, striving for a better, more just society for all New Jersey residents."

Trenton – Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz issued the following statement today on the passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver: “Today, we bid farewell to a remarkable woman who was a trailblazer in this state, a friend to so many, but to me, family. Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver e