January 24, 2012
Contact: Adam Bauer / (609) 292-5199
Senator Christopher Bateman
Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-Somerset/Hunterdon/Mercer/Middlesex), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today called for same sex marriage to be decided by the voters of New Jersey.
In addressing the Committee during its consideration of S-1, the “Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act”, Bateman said that he was willing to work with supporters and opponents alike to craft an unbiased and fair question on the issue in the form of either a Constitutional Amendment or statute enabled by referendum.
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January 20, 2012
Contact: Adam Bauer / (609) 292-5199
Senator Christopher Bateman
Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R- Somerset/Hunterdon/Middlesex/Mercer) has resubmitted legislation intended to promote volunteer community service in New Jersey’s public high schools.
The bill, S-76, would require public schools to provide an annual, in-school community service opportunity for students in grades 9-12. The proposal is one Bateman first submitted to the legislature in 2007.
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January 12, 2012
Contact: Adam Bauer / (609) 292-5199
Senator Christopher Bateman
During Hurricane Irene, many residents in the 16th Legislative District, which covers parts of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties, were forced to abandon their homes due to flooding. In the Borough of Manville alone, hundreds of homeowners were forced to leave their homes, many of whom have not as yet been able to return. For too many residents, this was the not first time. In fact, for many residents, it was the fourth time in the past 11 years they were forced to abandon their homes due to flooding.
Senator Kip Bateman and Assemblyman Jack M. Ciattarelli, R-Somerset, today said they were very pleased that Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation earlier this week that allows local officials to now use open space funds to purchase flood prone land.
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January 10, 2012
Contact: Adam Bauer / (609) 292-5199
Senator Christopher Bateman
Senator Kip Bateman and Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, both R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer and Middlesex, issued the following statement on the passing of Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce:
Senator Bateman:
“Alex DeCroce was a dear friend and long time colleague who I will truly miss. The State House just won’t be the same without him, and the State of New Jersey is poorer for losing him. My sincerest condolences and prayers go to Betty Lou and the DeCroce family.”
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January 5, 2012
Contact: Brad Schnure / (609) 292-5199
Senator Christopher Bateman
Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) praised the Senate Judiciary Committee for approving the nomination of Jeff Chiesa to be New Jersey’s Attorney General. Bateman, a member of the Judiciary Committee, said that Chiesa has the character and experience to serve in the state’s top law enforcement post.
“Governor Christie was known as a corruption buster in his service as U.S. Attorney, so it’s no surprise he would appoint someone like Jeff who shares his dedication and work ethic to take on that challenge as our state’s Attorney General,” said Bateman. “As Attorney General, I have no doubt in my mind that Jeff Chiesa will be persistent, effective and fair, and he’ll do much to make New Jersey a safer place to live.”
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Senators Joe Kyrillos, Kip Bateman, and Kevin O’Toole today attempted to provide tax relief to New Jersey residents by forcing votes on long-stalled legislation eliminating payments for unused sick leave for public employees, providing voters the opportunity to opt their community out of civil service rules, and implement accountability in the state’s numerous independent authorities and commissions.
Rebuffed by their colleagues, the Senators issued the following statements condemning the Majority’s reluctance to consider legislation that would save taxpayer dollars:
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December 12, 2011
Contact: Bill Murray / (609) 292-5199
Senator Christopher Bateman
Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement regarding the nomination of Jeffery Chiesa to be the next state Attorney General:
“Jeffery Chiesa is eminently qualified to be the next Attorney General of the state of New Jersey. He has proven himself both in private practice and the public sector, most notably as a federal prosecutor and Governor’s Counsel.
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November 30, 2011
Contact: Bill Murray / (609) 292-5199
Senator Christopher Bateman
Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, a member of both the Senate Judiciary and Law & Public Safety committees, announced he will introduce legislation tomorrow to require witnesses of child sexual abuse to notify law enforcement officials. The bill is a direct response to the Penn State and Syracuse University cases. A copy of the legislation is attached.
“In both cases, adults knew that the abuse was occurring yet they failed in their moral duty to take the appropriate steps to end the abuse,” Bateman stated. “When my bill passes witnesses will no longer have that decision. They will be required to notify law enforcement authorities of these obscene violations.”
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November 22, 2011
Contact: John Gorman / (609) 292-5199
Senator Christopher Bateman
New Jersey Would Join 26 Other States With Similar Laws
Legislation sponsored by Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-16) that would allow individuals to sell home-baked goods directly to the consumer was passed by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens committee yesterday. Under current law, baking in a residential kitchen and selling those goods is illegal.
“As it stands now, people are allowed to sell their home-baked goods at charity events and religious bake sales, but cannot sell them at a farmer’s market or other for-profit venue, Bateman stated. “Changing the law allows entrepreneurial individuals to earn extra income during these difficult economic times while also benefiting consumers who can enjoy these goods and may not have the time or talent to bake themselves.”
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November 11, 2011
Contact: Adam Bauer / (609) 292-5199
Senator Christopher Bateman
Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R- 16) today issued the following statement regarding the passing of Assemblyman Peter Biondi:
“It is hard to imagine serving the people of the 16th District without Peter Biondi by my side. Pete was more than a great legislator, he was a good friend. He always put service to our constituents ahead of politics and partisanship, and constantly reminded us that legislators could disagree in the State House while maintaining respect for one another. His presence will be sorely missed in all of our lives, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the Biondi family.”
